A religious experience

Pilgrimage returns to BBC2 for a fifth series with seven famous faces setting off on a 364km trek through Portugal. ABI JACKSON finds out more

- ABI JACKSON

STIRRING up conflict is often a key element of reality TV. Viewers have come to expect spats, rows and clashing egos.

However, for the seven celebrities taking part in BBC2’s fifth Pilgrimage series – The Road Through Portugal – the experience was largely one of bonds and friendships.

“The best thing for me was definitely the friendships that we’ve made,” says Paralympic skier Millie Knight, 24 – quipping that “no one’s left the WhatsApp group” since they got back.

It’s a feeling that’s shared by her fellow pilgrims: actor Su Pollard, 73; maths teacher and broadcaster Bobby Seagull, 39; media personality and influencer Vicky Pattison, 35; former EastEnders star Rita Simons, 46; comedian Nabil Abdulrashid, 37, and Boyzone’s Shane Lynch, 46.

That’s not to say it wasn’t challenging. Set over three episodes, the show sees the group hike 364km over 15 days, along the northern route of the country’s Fatima Way.

They’re carrying their own backpacks, sleeping in basic campsites and cramped, rough-and-ready hostels, often facing long stretches without hot running water and proper toilets – all with a backdrop of religion – their route ends at the Sanctuary in the city of Fatima, one of the world’s biggest Catholic pilgrimage destinations.

For Nabil, TV needs more of this. “People want peace, people want friendship. We have enough conflict in the world. We don’t need to create it on our TV screens,” says the stand-up star, noting that he’s experienced shows where “everyone couldn’t be around each other afterwards”.