Rob Brydon reveals surprise and disappointment after period drama role was cancelled after one season

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Rob Brydon expresses some reservations about himself. He mentions his singing abilities, sharing that he recently toured with a band but had avoided doing so for a while due to fears of mockery. Additionally, he discusses his height, suggesting that it might be surprising when it’s mentioned in writing. Lastly, he discloses that he declined several mainstream competitive BBC shows, and this makes him wonder if they will stop offering him roles altogether.

Despite not ceasing its operation, the BBC has instead given Brydon the role as host of Destination X, a fresh program that blends elements from The Traitors and Race across the World. This exciting show takes 13 participants to unspecified European locations, where they must determine, in Brydon’s words, “where is the X?”. They are transported in two buses with tinted windows; one for sleeping and another functioning as a mobile command center, from which perplexed contestants receive hints while attempting to pinpoint their location on a map.

The concept originated in Belgium, and during its evolution, the BBC sought a popular figure to represent it. That person is none other than Daisy Brydon, a Glamorgan-born entertainer best known for his roles in shows such as Marion and Geoff, Would I Lie to You?, and The Trip. Since his portrayal of Uncle Bryn in Gavin & Stacey, he has been a favorite among the public. “Numerous individuals approached me when the Gavin & Stacey special aired last year,” he says. “A woman at a WH Smith store in Kingston [upon Thames] even wanted to express her gratitude. She had spent Christmas alone, but watching it made her feel like she was part of a family.

However, for enthusiasts of Brydon’s likable persona, Destination X presents an unexpected turn. Each episode requires him to perform unsavory acts, such as eliminating contestants and thwarting their hopes for a life-transforming win. This begins in the very first episode, where contestants, still reeling from the shock of Brydon’s sudden appearance – “They hadn’t expected it to be me” – are swiftly informed that they must leave the show.

Watching him crush contestants’ dreams leaves a disturbing impression, not only for us but also for him. Here is a quote from him: “I recall the heart-wrenching expression on one contestant’s face when I told them, ‘I’m sorry, you’re out.’ They looked absolutely crestfallen. In that moment, I thought to myself, ‘Wow, he took it hard.’ I turned to the camera and said, ‘Well, this isn’t pleasant.'” This conveys his honest feelings about the situation.

The participants consist of nuclear engineers, police officers, and individuals who create content online. Some acknowledge their lack of general knowledge, while others boast about their ability to solve puzzles (can you guess who performs better?). They must deal with car windows that mysteriously fog up, and they need to wear special goggles if they step outside. The show has strict rules, making public restrooms off-limits, so the buses are accompanied by a mobile toilet trailer – two portable toilets on a truck. Additionally, participants must devise strategies to outwit each other. The winner takes home £100,000 and, honestly, deserves it.

The competitors encompass nuclear engineers, law enforcement officers, and digital content creators. Some confess to having limited general knowledge, while others boast about their skill in deciphering clues (can you guess who excels more?). They must handle car windows that mysteriously become frosty, requiring them to wear special eyewear if they go outside. The program is heavily regulated, prohibiting access to public restrooms, so the buses are accompanied by a mobile bathroom trailer – two portable toilets on a truck. Moreover, competitors need to conspire against each other. The victor pockets £100,000 and, without a doubt, deserves it.

He received the Belgian version to watch, he remarks, but found it unpleasant inside the bus, not appealing at all. The host was enigmatic and rode a motorbike. His response was, “I’m not getting involved in that.” Instead, he drew inspiration from the UK’s queen of competition programming. “I admired Claudia Winkleman,” he continues. “She does an excellent job; she strikes the perfect balance. I appreciate Claudia.

Brydon, a resident of south-west London, celebrated his 60th birthday in May. “At a younger age,” he reflects, “I never thought I’d reach this milestone.” He used to think, ‘This is something that won’t happen to me.’ However, as time passed, he found himself more concerned with maintaining good health. This includes paying attention to his diet, regular exercise, and even adopting the trendy wellness practices such as sauna and cold plunge sessions, aiming to stay ahead of the curve.

As a true cinephile, I can relate to Brydon’s journey. It wasn’t until my 35th year that the breakthrough came, and that’s quite a long time spent chasing dreams. I never forget those years when I was persistently knocking on doors. Indeed, those experiences instilled a certain doubt in me. When I reflect, I realize it was a tough battle for a significant period. Yet, luck plays a crucial role in this industry. You need a touch of synchronicity, those “Sliding Doors” moments that can change everything. I know many exceptionally talented individuals who haven’t had their moment yet.

As a film enthusiast, I might be recognized by some, but I don’t feel like I’ve been in the industry for ages. Occasionally, people tell me, “I’ve grown up watching you.” At first, it seems hard to believe, but when I take a moment to ponder and calculate, I realize they could very well be right. It’s an unusual feeling, being labeled as a veteran. Pausing to contemplate the words and their weight, I think, “Veteran performer, veteran actor.

Besides the saunas and cold plunges, at 60, Brydon has adapted his work approach. He’s decided to pursue what he enjoys now. He has agreed to join a new installment of Michael Winterbottom’s The Trip with Steve Coogan, this time embarking on a Nordic journey.

Initially, it seemed that the Greece trip in 2020 would mark our last adventure together. However, as time went by and Michael proposed the idea of another journey, we found ourselves unable to resist his charm. And so, with a nod and a “Yes, OK. Scandinavia,” we were on board once again.

When Brydon accepted the initial installment of The Trip in 2010, he imagined his on-screen bond with Coogan to resemble the 1988 buddy movie Midnight Run starring Robert de Niro and Charles Grodin. As he puts it, “At our best, we do have the feel of a double act.” He admits that at times, their dynamic might also mirror Peter Cook and Dudley Moore’s relationship, with Coogan playing the role of Peter Cook and him embodying Dudley Moore.

Coogan also has a harsh side. In 2020’s “The Trip to Greece,” he remarks, “Rob is famous for easy-to-enjoy, popular entertainment.” However, this statement is not intended as a praise. “I enjoy entertaining,” says Brydon. “And I truly appreciate all the various forms of entertainment.

It’s intriguing to ponder whether Brydon could have focused more on character acting, given his outstanding performances in Marion, Geoff, and Human Remains. His talent as a character actor is undeniable. As he acknowledges, “I often wonder what it might have been like if I had only taken on those kinds of roles.

However, I have a passion for both hosting and singing. For quite some time, I hesitated to express these passions openly. I rejected several hosting opportunities prior to participating in “Would I Lie to You?” due to concerns that it might affect my credibility as an actor.

Brydon had high hopes for the 2024 Tudor fantasy drama My Lady Jane, but it was removed from Amazon Prime Video. “I felt let down!” he admits. “I thought it would be a success, but I’ve learned to handle these kinds of situations gracefully. I’ve been dropped from shows before, such as when I was fired as a radio host on Radio Wales and as a TV presenter for a movie show on Sky. A new person came in and replaced me.

If Brydon encountered that man in a pub tonight, would he find joy in correcting him for his past mistakes? Instead, Brydon expresses curiosity but seems slightly disheartened by the thought. However, he clarifies that it’s distasteful when someone criticizes another’s work after its completion. One shouldn’t expect or demand such things. After all, Brydon is still active and thriving in his career. Why complain about this? How could one behave in a way that makes them hard to work with?

Brydon often hears tales of celebrities in the entertainment world who are tough to collaborate with. He finds it bewildering, as he says, “I hear those stories all the time.” To him, it’s incomprehensible when people argue over trivial matters. If one can’t appreciate the opportunity to engage in activities like this, Brydon suggests they should take a moment to reflect. After all, what reason do I have for complaining? Clearly, he’s speaking from a position of privilege, not having to share a portable toilet with others.

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2025-07-22 03:08