Rob Brydon reveals why he initially turned down new BBC series – and what changed his mind

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Be honest, Rob. Do you actually like country music?

I really like the idea and I’m eager to learn more. When the BBC initially proposed this [three-part series], I turned it down because I didn’t think I was an expert on country music, and it could seem like I was just taking advantage of a trend. However, they came back with the idea of *discovering* the genre, and I felt that gave me a legitimate reason to do it. I believe that when someone like me, a regular face on TV, decides to make a documentary, there should be a good reason behind it.

This series takes you right round the southern states. What was your general impression?

It feels like a completely different world compared to the rest of the US. Life there centers around work, leisure, family, and faith. We noticed many tall, thin white church steeples, beautiful old barns falling into disrepair, charming front porches, and plenty of food. They don’t really focus on healthy eating – even the supposedly healthy choices are covered in melted cheese, and their trail mix includes M&Ms. However, the people are fantastic – incredibly polite and welcoming. For example, there’s Heidi Parton: she’s Dolly’s niece and performs at Dollywood. She truly embodies southern hospitality – if a visitor simply says “Hello,” she’ll happily stop and chat with them.

There are a few “eccentrics” out there in the backwoods though, no? What about “Big Yeti”?

If we can’t all tour the American South in its entirety, where should we go for the best music?

You really have to see Nashville’s Broadway – known as “the strip” – to understand it. The music venues there are open from 10 AM until late at night. And it’s not just one band per bar; each bar has live music on every floor, and the musicians are incredible. We even ran into Gary Barlow while we were there; he travels to Nashville specifically because of the high caliber of the songwriters and musicians. It’s a truly special place.

I got involved with that project because Margot Robbie is a fan of Gavin & Stacey, and she remembered me from the show. A few years prior, I’d filmed a birthday message for her as my character, Bryn, but I didn’t think much of it afterward – you can’t always tell if celebrities genuinely enjoy a show. It reminded me of when I heard Johnny Depp liked my [Brydon’s 2000 comedy] Human Remains a while back. I just wondered, “Is that actually true?” I’ve never met him, so I have no way of knowing.

Do you think maybe they’re mistaking you for Daniel Craig or someone?

It’s a common experience – or at least, that’s what Wendy Craig says. However, thanks to the internet, your shows can be watched globally, meaning you have no idea who’s seeing them. Our [Gavin & Stacey cast] WhatsApp group still gets active occasionally – and when that Coldplay kiss incident happened [an extra-marital affair between colleagues was accidentally revealed by a crowd-cam at a Coldplay concert], there were tons of kiss-cam memes. Rob Wilfort [who played Jason in G&S] even found a meme of him and me and shared it with the group.

Finally, which stop on this trip would you most like to go back to?

Rosine, Kentucky, felt incredibly genuine. It’s often called the home of bluegrass music, and they host a jamboree there. While it takes some effort to get to Rosine, the experience feels very authentic and immersive. I kept thinking how nice it would be to return with my wife, Clare, and explore the area at a more relaxed pace. That feeling of wanting to revisit stayed with me throughout the trip.

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2025-09-30 03:51