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While the continent-crossing competitive reality show the travel contest wasn't quite the seasonal hit the BBC were hoping for, it did give host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The convoluted coach trip clearly wanted to project a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies was outfitted in deluxe tailoring: vibrant three-piece suits, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. Unexpectedly, Brydon had the debonair look complementing his classic 007 impersonation.

A Thematic Wardrobe with Musical Roots

His latest three-part series, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, includes some Mr Benn-style costume changes. The affable comedian transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade of flannel shirts, sturdy coats and the occasional cowboy hat. This complements the concept that sees him piloting an imposing Ford Ranger pickup truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states for a crash course about the musical genre.

Brydon has been tasked celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the genre – specifically the century mark of the Nashville radio show which became the iconic venue, foundation and star-maker of country music over decades – via the time-honoured star-led journey tradition of driving around, chatting with residents and engaging deeply with traditions. That the centenary aligns with the genre's rise as, he claims, “the most rapidly expanding music style in Britain” – thanks to Taylor Swift and new country-inspired records from Beyoncé, famous singers and various performers – provides additional perspective to explore.

Road Trip Experience and Personal Doubts

It's established Brydon is up for long drives and conversations because of the various incarnations of The Trip with Steve Coogan. But at first he seems unsure if he is truly qualified to be our guide. Watching him speak with an in-car lens certainly brings back beta male memories of Keith, the sad-sack cabby from Brydon's TV breakthrough, Marion & Geoff. Traveling toward Nashville, he phones his sitcom co-star Ruth Jones to boost his confidence. She reminds him that he has authentic country bona fides: a past charity single of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“The original artists reached seventh place!” she points out.)

Interview Skills and Cultural Immersion

While the overwhelming experience of a night out in the city proves challenging for the host – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor now musician Twinnie sees him giving up during the opening Shania Twain song – the 60-year-old is much more steady in the interview segments. His respectful lines of questioning seem to gel with southern manners, gathering anecdotes about legends and general musings on the spirit of country music from experienced elders like the institution's mainstay a renowned figure and 92-year-old tailor-to-the-stars a fashion icon. His calm approach also works with younger guns, like the scraggly-bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the instrumental virtuoso a talented musician.

While some of the stories seem familiar, the first installment does contain a single unexpected moment. Why exactly is the pop star spending time in a homely east Nashville studio? Reportedly, he's been coming the state to refine his songwriting for decades, and points to a country icon as inspiration on Take That's enduring hit Back for Good. Here, at last, is an interviewee he can tease, mock and playfully provoke without fear of causing any offense. (The good-natured star, is very game.)

Cultural Context and Unscripted Moments

With an entire century of the genre to contextualise and honor, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour through Tennessee and Kentucky (with pit stops to other areas to come) aims to concentrate on music and not necessarily engage with contemporary issues. But it cannot help but seep in some elements. During an appearance on the glossy morning show on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the Grand Ole Opry – the host humorously asks if the US and Canada are still friends, disrupting the polished presenters off their stride. We do not get the likely presumably icy aftermath.

Ideal Presenter in This Role

But for all his visible insecurity, Brydon is clearly a good fit for this sort of lighthearted series: friendly, interested, modest and prepared for costume changes, although he has difficulty locating a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Might his partner worry that the co-star is capable of the whole travelogue thing alone? Definitely.