The wonders of YORKSHIRE

HELEN SKELTON and DAN WALKER on sii the picturesque county for a new travel series

- CAREN CLARK

When Helen Skelton and Dan Walker call TV Times during a break in filming their latest Channel 5 travelogue, their genuine friendship shines throughout our interview.

‘I’d only do these shows with Helen and she’d only do them with me,’ insists an infectiously upbeat Dan, 47. ‘A lot of the programme is us talking nonsense while we walk around together!’

‘But we don’t take for granted that people give us space in their living rooms to chat nonsense and see nice landscapes!’ adds an equally cheery Helen, 41. ‘We want them to feel part of it.’

After showcasing the glorious Pennines for viewers last year, the presenters’ new six-part adventure sees them delve deeper into the wonders of Yorkshire, where Dan currently lives and Helen previously made her home.

Here, the pair talk us through the itinerary for Yorkshire Great and Small with Dan and Helen, which begins in the stunning Western Dales…

Why did you want to explore the county of Yorkshire?

HELEN When we did the Pennines, we found diversity in Yorkshire’s coast, moorlands, fells, flatlands and valleys. When you live somewhere, you don’t get to enjoy it as a tourist, so this show is about making time to explore what’s on your doorstep. We’re so lucky. We were filming in a valley yesterday and you’d think you’d have to go to Switzerland for a view like that, but there are rival views in Yorkshire.

DAN We were singing Climb Ev’ry Mountain [from 1965 film The Sound of Music]! But, yes, although we both know Yorkshire, there are still so many amazing places to learn about and all the episodes are based around walks people can do.