Pilgrimage returns to take seven celebrities on a challenging journey through Portugal 

Virgin Radio

31 Jan 2023, 07:44

Acclaimed BBC show Pilgrimage is returning this spring, taking seven celebs of differing faiths and beliefs on a personal journey along the northern route of the Fatima Way in Portugal.

Pilgrimage: The Road through Portugal will feature legendary actor Su Pollard, who was raised Church of England; Jewish actress and former EastEnders star Rita Simons, and Pentecostal Born-Again Christian, Shane Lynch of Boyzone fame.

Also taking part are agnostic reality TV star and influencer Vicky Pattison, and maths whizz and TV personality Bobby Seagull, who is a practising Catholic. 

The line-up is completed by comedian and practising Muslim Nabil Abdulrashid, and Paralympian skier Millie Knight, who is non-practising Church of England.

The seven participants will explore each other’s faiths while tackling a 364km pilgrimage across 15 days, passing through Portugal’s stunning landscapes and visiting many places of significant interest to reach the Sanctuary in the city of Fatima, which is one of the biggest Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world.

Lugging their own backpacks, they will sleep in hostels, a basic campsite, and a working fire station. And, for the first time, the celebrities are on a deadline, and must arrive in time for a huge celebration which ends with a spectacular night-time candlelit vigil, attended by nearly 70,000 pilgrims.  

It’s going to be a tough challenge. Will they make it to Fatima on time?

In a statement, Hi-De-Hi star Su said: “I'm not deeply religious but I do like to think that God is my friend and when you're on a journey like this, without your usual comforting things around you, you've got more time to talk to yourself and ask yourself certain questions.”

Rita, who played Roxy Mitchell in Albert Square, added: “I'm not entirely sure how comfortable I am about revealing to the Jewish community how little I practise the religion. I do think it's very important to know who you are, regardless of how people may judge you.”

Singer Shane Lynch said: “The reason why I'm taking on this pilgrimage is just to find a bit of clarity in my life. I want to put myself into a position that I've never experienced before and hopefully find out some amazing and emotional things.”

Pilgrimage: The Road through Portugal will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer this Spring.