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Although the continent-crossing reality competition the travel contest wasn't quite the seasonal hit the broadcaster had anticipated, it did give host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The convoluted coach trip clearly wanted to give off a globetrotting atmosphere, so the show's host was outfitted in deluxe tailoring: boldly coloured matching ensembles, silky cravats and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, Brydon had the debonair look complementing his classic Roger Moore impression.

Costume Changes and Country Music

The newest three-part series, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, also features some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade plaid tops, sturdy coats and the occasional cowboy hat. It's all part of a premise where he piloting an imposing American truck on a 2,000-mile circuit of the southern US for a crash course in country music.

His mission involves celebrating the centenary of the genre – specifically the century mark of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the iconic venue, foundation and star-maker in the industry for generations – through the classic celebrity travelogue approach involving 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 genre in the UK” – thanks to Taylor Swift and recent countrified albums from multiple artists, famous singers and various performers – offers another angle to explore.

Travel History and Personal Doubts

We know Brydon is up for a road trip and a chinwag because of 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 a dashboard-mounted camera certainly brings back beta male memories of a character, the melancholy driver from Brydon's TV breakthrough, Marion & Geoff. En route to Music City, he calls his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones to boost his confidence. She reminds him that he has authentic music credentials: their 2009 charity single of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“Dolly and Kenny reached seventh place!” she points out.)

Interview Skills With Local Engagement

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in Nashville proves challenging for the host – a line-dancing attempt alongside a performer turned country singer results in him tap out during the opening a popular tune – the veteran comedian is far less steady during conversations. His polite interview style blends well with southern manners, efficiently extracting anecdotes about legends and reflections on the spirit of the genre from experienced elders like the Grand Ole Opry fixture a renowned figure and nonagenarian celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His calm approach is effective with younger guns, like the bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the bluegrass banjo maestro a talented musician.

Although several the stories feel well worn, the opening episode does contain a single unexpected moment. Why exactly is the pop star doing hanging out in a homely recording space? Apparently he has visited the state to refine his songwriting since the 1990s, and points to Glen Campbell as inspiration for his band's enduring hit a classic song. Finally, we meet a guest he can tease, mock and wind up without fear about creating a diplomatic incident. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Cultural Context and Unscripted Moments

Given a hundred years of the genre to contextualise and honor, it is understandable that this southern-fried tour through Tennessee and Kentucky (including visits in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi upcoming) aims to concentrate on the art and without needing to address contemporary issues. But it cannot help but seep in a little. While guesting on the polished program of the Nashville radio station the established creator of the Grand Ole Opry – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations are still friends, which throws his slick hosts from their rhythm. The audience doesn't see the likely chilly response.

A Natural Fit for the Format

But for all his visible insecurity, Brydon is clearly well-suited for this sort of lighthearted series: friendly, engaged, self-effacing and always ready for costume changes, even if he has difficulty locating an elaborate western top in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that his wingman can do solo hosting without him? Absolutely.