In the QUEEN'S footsteps

DAME DARCEY BUSSELL on her right royal road trip

- VICTORIA WILSON

DARCEY BUSSELL'S ROYAL ROAD TRIP

NEW TUESDAY, 9PM, MORE4 TRAVELOGUE

Dame Darcey Bussell has always had a deep and abiding affection for the Queen', and has enjoyed meeting Her Majesty on a number of occasions over the years. So the former prima ballerina was thrilled to embark on an adventure around the UK to explore the places that have shaped our monarch's identity in a new More 4 travelogue, Darcey Bussell's Royal Road Trip.

A tribute to Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest-reigning sovereign in British history earlier this year, each episode of the four-part series will see Dame Darcey visit a different region of the country, where she will sample some of Her Majesty's favourite pastimes - including hiking in the Scottish Highlands and horse racing at Ascot.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Dame Darcey, 53, takes TV Times through her royal tour...

Your journey starts in Scotland, where the Queen and her family enjoy holidays at her beloved 50,000-acre country estate in the Scottish Highlands, Balmoral. Why do you think Her Majesty loves it there?

I'd say it's the environment. You're in one of the most beautiful spots - it's so diverse, with mountains, lochs, and rivers, and all the flora and fauna.

It holds everything she loves about the outdoors. It's a very special spot for the Royal Family and it comes with a lot of family history, complete with some of her happiest moments.

What moments stand out from your visit to Scotland?

We went to beautiful Braemar, where the Highland Games are held, which was a real highlight. Although we weren't there while the Games were on, you could sense this is a very treasured tradition and you felt the excitement of those who organise it and take part. I really loved my time there. I went fly fishing and did a bit of Scottish dancing, too!