BBC Pilgrimage: When does it start, who is taking part and where do they go?

BBC Two’s Pilgrimage is returning to our TV screens this month with six personalities from various faith and backgrounds taking on one of the UK’s top modern-day pilgrimages.

Much like the previous series, the sixth series of Pilgrimage will see all participants embark on a personal journey along a famous route, often taking them out of their comfort zone and reconnecting them with their beliefs.

Passing places of important cultural and historical importance, the two-week adventure on foot (and by bus) brings with it challenges for the celebrity pilgrims – both physically and mentally.

Who is taking part in Pilgrimage?

There are six celebrities taking part in this series of Pilgrimage. Although tackling the route together as new friends, each pilgrim has their own personal reasons for going on the journey, often rediscovering their own faiths or learning about others.  

Wildlife TV presenter Michaela Strachan, perhaps best known for her presenting on Springwatch, considers her faith to be in the natural world, whereas Spencer Mathews, a podcast host and former Made in Chelsea star, was christened in the Church of England but considers himself more spiritual. So too does TV personality and former model Christine McGuinness.

Also taking part is Comedian Eshaan Akbar, a lapsed Muslim; Journalist and TV Presenter Sonali Shah, born into a Jain family; and finally Traitors contestant Amanda Lovett, a practising Catholic.

Where does Pilgrimage take place?

Series six of Pilgrimage takes place in Northern Wales along the 220km Pilgrim’s Way. Launched in 2011, the route begins near St Winefride’s Well and ends at Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island), on the tip of Llyn Peninsula. Fabled as the ‘Island of 20,000 saints’, Ynys Enlli was once a popular destination for early Celtic Christian monks, who believed it to be the end of the world. 

The journey brings with it many obstacles as the celebrities traverse through remote Welsh countryside and national parks, passing ancient churches as well as the outstanding mountain ranges of Eryri (Snowdonia).

When does Pilgrimage start?

The first episode of the three-part series will air on 29 March at 9pm, with the second and third episodes airing in succession on the following Fridays, also at 9pm.

All three hour-long episodes will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer from 9pm, 29 March.

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