‘It's an EXCITING romp!'

David Tennant on playing Phileas Fogg, a man on the ultimate transglobal mission…

- SEAN MARLAND

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS NEW BOXING DAY / BBC1 / 5.50PM & 6.40PM / EPS 1-2 of 8 / DRAMA

One of literature’s most epic adventures will be brought to life this Christmas as David Tennant takes on the role of explorer Phileas Fogg in BBC1’s lavish new adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days.

Inspired by French writer Jules Verne’s classic novel of the same name, the much-anticipated eightpart series opens in 1872 as London gentleman Phileas, encouraged by an exciting article about the advances in travel, accepts a wager to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.

Joining him on his quest are quick-witted Frenchman Jean Passepartout (French star Ibrahim Koma) and journalist Abigail ‘Fix’ Fortescue (The Crown’s Leonie Benesch), who comes up with the idea in the first place. Along the way, the trio find themselves using all manner of modes of transport, including trains, a hot-air balloon and even a camel!

Jean Passepartout

IBRAHIM KOMA

Street-smart and brave, Fogg’s valet knows how to handle any situation but he does have commitment issues.

‘The first episode delves into Passepartout’s past,’ says Ibrahim. ‘He must choose between his family and his own future.’

Phileas Fogg

DAVID TENNANT

The Victorian gentleman is set in his ways but, after a postcard turns his world upside down, he accepts a wager to be the first person to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.