Elephant whisperer

Sue Perkins gets up close with the gentle giants in Thailand

- REBECCA MAHONEY, RICHARD MCCLURE

Globe-trotting comedian Sue Perkins says she’s representing ‘the classic Brit abroad’ as she heads to Southeast Asia for a new three-part Channel 5 travelogue exploring three regions in Thailand: Chiang Mai, Phuket and Bangkok.

‘I’m hot, sweaty, out of my depth and I’m wearing a ridiculous hat,’ she laughs.

But despite looking like a typical tourist, Perkins is shying away from Thailand’s popular holiday hotspots and showcasing the country’s hidden gems.

‘This is Thailand from a different perspective,’ Perkins explains to TV&Satellite Week via video call. ‘I wanted to push boundaries and have a proper adventure.’

The series gets off to a flying start in the magical Thai Highlands, where Perkins conquers her fears and abseils 230ft deep into a cave in the Khun Tan mountain range.

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