JOURNEY through time

MICHAEL PORTILLO on celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway

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MICHAEL PORTILLO'S 200 YEARS OF THE RAILWAYS

NEW TUESDAY, 8PM, BBC2 FACTUAL (BOX SET, BBC IPLAYER)

Michael Portillo is delighted to be hopping on board a magical history tour in his latest BBC2 travelogue to mark 200 years since the first steam-powered passenger train ran on a public railway, transporting passengers 26 miles from Shildon to Stockton via Darlington.

Across the two-part series, 200 Years of the Railways, the presenter will also explore what the future of train travel might hold.

TV Times booked a seat for an exclusive interview with Michael, 72, to find out more...

The Stockton and Darlington line officially opened on 27 September 1825. What impact do you think it had on Britain, Michael?

It completely transformed the way we live. There had been lines before that had trains pulled by horses to transport coal from mines, but this was the first railway line that was open to all paying passengers and people who wanted to carry freight. It was recognised at the time as being something very special. Huge crowds turned out to ride on it and the demand outstripped all expectations.