Walking Back To Happiness

Debbie McGee on how a religious ramble through the Spanish hills helped her grieve for husband Paul…

- Emma Bullimore

From the sparkle of the Strictly ballroom to the arduous paths of the Spanish hills, Debbie McGee has swapped dancing shoes for hiking boots for new show Pilgrimage.

The three-parter sees a group of celebrities – from atheists Ed Byrne and Neil Morrissey to Gogglebox’s Rev Kate Bottley – trek an 800km route to the Shrine of St James the Apostle at Camino de Santiago, a medieval pilgrimage that promises a profound religious experience.

Since the death of her husband, magician Paul Daniels, in March 2016, Debbie, 59, readily admits she has signed up to lots of different reality shows just to keep busy, including Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity Carry on Barging.

But with the prospect of time for reflection, and the demanding route, this was far more daunting. Here, Debbie tells TV Times why she embarked on the experience…

Debbie, what made you sign up for this challenge?