Advertisement

'Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig' series 2: All you need to know about the show's return

Sandi Toksvig is travelling with friends again. (Channel 4)
Sandi Toksvig is travelling with friends again. (Channel 4)

Sandi Toksvig is back on the road for another series of Extraordinary Escapes, where she takes celebrity friends for luxury trips away.

The Channel 4 programme sees her travel with a different famous pal each time, where they'll experience unusual and amazing trips and treats.

Read more: The Bay confirmed for series 4

Here's all you need to know about the return of the travelogue and who you can expect to see in it.

When is Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig on TV?

The second series of the travel programme begins tonight (Thursday) at 9pm on Channel 4 and continues weekly.

Which celebrities will Sandi Toksvig travel with this series?

Sandi Toksvig and Sunetra Sarker in Norfolk. (Channel 4)
Sandi Toksvig and Sunetra Sarker in Norfolk. (Channel 4)

Fans of the series will be pleased to know that this time it is longer, running to six episodes, and will kick off with Toksvig being joined by comedian Sarah Millican.

Toksvig said: "I’ve known Sarah for a very long time and she always makes me laugh. She keeps me up to speed with things and teaches me about social media. She can’t quite believe how disengaged I am as I still write people handwritten letters."

She'll then take trips with actors Sunetra Sarker and Sue Johnston, comedians Sara Pascoe and Jenny Eclair, and psychotherapist Philippa Perry.

Sandi Toksvig with close friend Sarah Millican. (Channel 4)
Sandi Toksvig with close friend Sarah Millican. (Channel 4)

The presenter said: "The person I knew least well was Sunetra Sarker but we have now become firm friends. I’m ashamed that I didn’t know as much about her as I should have done! I just bonded with her instantly and that was wonderful.

"Sue Johnston – I think the whole world is in love with her and will be more so after this. There’s a surprising conversation she and I have over a cup of tea in the kitchen. I can’t remember how we got into it, but she started talking so honestly about her life. It’s one of those rare moments in television where I actually thought after we’d finished the recording, there’s no way they’ll broadcast this because I was literally just sitting there with tears running down my face but it’s in the show and I’m really proud of it."

A boating trip in Norfolk. (Channel 4)
A boating trip in Norfolk. (Channel 4)

She said of her other travel companions: "Sara Pascoe of course I’ve known for years and years. She and I had the great privilege of being allowed to cuddle brand new baby lambs which was astonishing.

Read more: Bake Off's biggest ever controversies

"Philippa Perry’s a good friend – you’ll struggle to keep up with her as she’s so energetic!

"And Jenny Éclair, what can I say? I’ve probably known her for several decades now. I would happily go away again with all six of them and you don’t always say that when you come back from holiday with people!"

Where will they travel to on their escapes?

A walk through Devon. (Channel 4)
A walk through Devon. (Channel 4)

In the first episode, Toksvig and Millican journey around Devon together.

Later in the series, Toksvig heads over to Cornwall with Johnston, before visiting the Highlands of Scotland with Pascoe.

She'll travel to Wales with Eclair, Norfolk with Sarker and the Highlands and Islands with Perry.

Read more: Charlotte Church reveals why she had to 'cut ties' with her mum

Toksvig said: "The main thing for me, apart from the glorious landscapes and the astonishing architecture, is that in each one, it’s two women, I’m going to say – of a certain age – having a good time and just enjoying ourselves. There’s something infectious about watching people genuinely having a good time."

Who has taken part in Extraordinary Escapes before?

Series one featured travel companions Alison Steadman, Sindhu Vee, Jessica Hynes, and Prue Leith.

Last year's Christmas special saw Toksvig take festive trips with Fay Ripley, Deborah Meaden and Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig begins tonight (Thursday) at 9pm on Channel 4.

Watch: Apprentice candidates design 'exploding toaster' in episode first look