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While the continent-crossing reality competition Destination X might not have been the seasonal hit the BBC were hoping for, it provided host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey clearly wanted to project a globetrotting atmosphere, so the show's host got dressed with premium suits: boldly coloured three-piece suits, smooth neckwear and yacht-ready blazers. Unexpectedly, he acquired the sophisticated appearance complementing his vintage Roger Moore impression.

A Thematic Wardrobe with Musical Roots

His latest three-part series, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, also features some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian transforms into western rancher sporting of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and the occasional Stetson hat. This complements the concept where he driving a massive Ford Ranger pickup truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states to learn quickly about the musical genre.

His mission involves celebrating the centenary of country music – or at least the 100th anniversary of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the Grand Ole Opry, cornerstone and kingmaker of country music over decades – via the time-honoured celebrity travelogue approach involving road tripping, chatting with residents and immersing himself in the culture. This anniversary aligns with the genre's rise as, according to him, “the most rapidly expanding music style in Britain” – thanks to global superstars and recent countrified albums from Beyoncé, Post Malone and others – provides additional perspective to explore.

Travel History and Personal Doubts

We know Brydon is up for long drives and conversations thanks to multiple seasons of his travel series alongside his comedy partner. But at first he seems unsure about his credentials as a presenter. Observing him speak with an in-car lens certainly brings back recollections of a character, the sad-sack cabby from his early career, a beloved series. Traveling toward Music City, he phones his sitcom co-star Ruth Jones to boost his confidence. She recalls that he has some genuine country bona fides: a past Comic Relief cover of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“Dolly and Kenny only made it to seventh place!” she points out.)

Interview Skills and Cultural Immersion

While the overwhelming experience of a night out in Nashville is a little too much for the host – trying to dance with the UK actor turned country singer Twinnie sees him giving up early in a popular tune – the veteran comedian is much more wobbly legged in the interview segments. His respectful interview style seem to gel with southern manners, efficiently extracting Johnny Cash stories and general musings about the essence of the genre from silvery-haired veterans like the institution's mainstay a renowned figure and nonagenarian celebrity clothier Manuel Cuevas. His gentle manner is effective with younger guns, like the scraggly-bearded chart-topping singer and the instrumental virtuoso Tray Wellington.

Although several the stories seem familiar, the opening episode includes a single unexpected moment. What on earth is Gary Barlow spending time in a homely recording space? Apparently he has been coming to Tennessee to refine his compositions since the 1990s, and cites Glen Campbell as an influence on Take That's bulletproof ballad a classic song. Here, at last, is an interviewee Brydon can needle, joke with and playfully provoke without worrying of causing a diplomatic incident. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Broader Implications With Spontaneous Interactions

With an entire century of country to contextualise and celebrate, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour across two states (with pit stops in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi upcoming) aims to concentrate on the art and without needing to address contemporary issues. Yet it inevitably includes a little. While guesting on the polished program of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the Grand Ole Opry – Brydon jokingly wonders if the US and Canada are still friends, disrupting his slick hosts from their rhythm. We do not get the likely presumably icy aftermath.

A Natural Fit for the Format

But for all his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously a good fit for this type of breezy, bite-size format: friendly, engaged, self-effacing and prepared to dress the part, even if he has difficulty locating an elaborate western top that comes in a medium. Should Coogan be concerned that the co-star is capable of the whole travelogue thing alone? Absolutely.