WALK THIS WAY
SEVEN FAMOUS FACES INCLUDING DEBBIE MCGEE AND NEIL MORRISSEY UNDERTAKE A MODERNDAY PILGRIMAGE…
PILGRIMAGE: THE ROAD TO SANTIAGO | BBC2 FRIDAY
The Camino de Santiago has been one of the most famous pilgrimages in the world for centuries, inspiring people from across the globe to make a long and arduous journey through northern Spain each year.
In this three-part series, seven celebrities – Rev Kate Bottley, actor Neil Morrissey, entertainer Debbie Mcgee, singer Heather Small, comic Ed Byrne, TV presenter JJ Chalmers and journalist Raphael Rowe – will be going on the pilgrimage together. At the beginning of the trip it’s clear that the group have very different attitudes to faith, but will the journey prompt any of them to reconsider their beliefs?
What were you hoping to experience on the Camino?
Heather I started off the journey with no expectations, though I was keen to feel the spiritual and religious significance to the walk.
Ed I was excited to go on a decent walk. I’m a big fan of hiking so I was looking forward to a bit of scenery and maybe some outdoor adventuring.
Kate I was hoping to meet some great people and find out more about myself. I also really wanted to understand something about why people would put themselves through something that’s so physically tough to find enlightenment.
What were your favourite moments of the journey?
Raphael There were many moments where I enjoyed the company of my fellow pilgrims – like the night we slept in an open field. But it was the encounters with strangers that provided my favourite moments – hearing why they had embarked on such a challenge inspired me.
Neil Getting over the Pyrenees! That was the hardest bit by far, and I was really happy when we managed to do that.
What was the most surprising thing you learned along the way?
Debbie That I could rough it with more ease than I would have expected.
Ed There was one evening when myself, JJ and Neil made dinner, and while we were chopping the spuds Neil told us about his childhood. I’d met Neil before and I knew he grew up in care, but I didn’t realise how rough his upbringing was.
Did the pilgrimage change your outlook on faith?
Heather I was a believer before I set off, but this trip made me realise my faith and beliefs were much stronger than I had thought.
JJ It didn’t change my beliefs, but if anything it confirmed to me that I will never be sure of what I truly believe – and that’s all right.
Ed I can honestly say that I don’t think anybody’s beliefs were affected particularly strongly. Hanging out with Kate probably softened my attitude towards priests, though.