C4 books a ticket for Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains with Britespark East

Paul Merton: Amazing Trains has been pre-sold to Australia’s SBS

UK public service broadcaster Channel 4 (C4) has commissioned new series Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains, to be produced by Argonon-owned factual specialist Britespark East.

The 6×60’ show sees comedian Merton (Whose Line Is It Anyway?), whose father was a train driver on the London Underground, climb into the cab to take charge of some of the most iconic locomotives.

Travelling through Germany, France, Switzerland, Wales and Northern England, he learns what it takes to keep these mighty machines on the tracks and explores the engineering feats behind the routes themselves.

Paul Merton: Amazing Trains has been pre-sold to Australian broadcaster SBS. Sphere Abacus is handling international distribution.

Deborah Dunnett, commissioning editor at C4, said: “It’s a real privilege to join Paul on his heartfelt journey, while also experiencing dazzling landscapes and the ever-joyful railway community along the way.”

Tom Porter, creative director at BriteSpark Films, said: “We’re proud to be producing a show that not only explores the beauty of Britain and Europe by rail but also connects with audiences through Paul’s personal story.”