Nearest but NOT dearest
As comedian Al Murray teams up with HISTORY for a hilarious new series exploring England’s troubled past with its neighbours, our writers tackle a very thorny issue...
LET’S face it. England’s history with her neighbours hasn’t exactly been harmonious.
In fact, it’s been terrible, leading to a catalogue of historic grievances and enduring animosity.
But while we’ve certainly stacked up a few grudges over the years, is there really still beef with Blighty? Or is it just ancient aggro?
New HISTORY series Al Murray: Why Does Everyone Hate the English? sees the comedian and his Pub Landlord alter ego take a lighthearted look at England’s past feuds with Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and France.
With the help of comedians including Antoine de Caunes in France, Welsh funnyman Elis James and Scottish stand-up Fred MacAulay, each episode will deliver a humorous history lesson and explore the battles, massacres, riots and revolutions that have set the tone for today’s relationships.
And given the current political climate, there’s no better time to discuss the issue.
Here, our writers try and get to the bottom of these bitter rivalries and awkward alliances...