John Sergeant to front new UK travel show

After Paul Merton's fascinating jaunt around India and China, and Andrew Marr's leisurely yet informative tour of the UK, TV producers are waking up to the fact that viewers are looking for more than just a pretty blonde sunning themselves on a Caribbean beach when it comes to travel documentaries.

Indeed, it is unlikely that middle-aged political commentator John Sergeant would have been snapped up to front a programme showcasing the tourist highlights of Britain had such a show been made just a few years ago.

However, such has been the shift in viewer demand for 'ordinary' and down-to-earth folk to take on the major jobs, Sergeant has in fact been given his own three-part factual series by ITV, to be called, appropriately enough 'John Sergeant's Tourist Trail'.

The prime-time show will see the star, who recently generated a cult following through his appearance on 'Strictly Come Dancing', tour the country in search of more off-beat attractions, as well as joining various tourist parties as he attempts to get to the bottom of what overseas visitors really think of the UK.

Welcoming his latest gig, Sergeant said: "I am very much looking forward to seeing Britain through the eyes of foreign visitors.

"We are ready to answer some of their questions, such as 'why do you say it is raining cats and dogs', and 'can we meet those dear old ladies who solve the murder cases?'

"We should also get a true and often funny picture of why this country is one of the greatest tourist attractions in the world," he concluded.

Notably, given that there are any number of bright young things who would relish the chance to front a major TV guide highlight – and probably serve as a bit of eye candy for the viewers – it would appear that Sergeant's age was no factor in his latest appointment, and indeed, his experience and worldly wisdom are likely to have been seen as a big advantage.

This, however, may not have been the case over at Channel 4, where speculation is still raging that Nicky Hambleton-Jones was dropped as the presenter of '10 Years Younger' as, ironically enough, she was deemed too old.

Since its return to the TV guides, it has been fronted by former Hear'Say singer Myleene Klass, with her predecessor revealing that such an appointment was like a "slap in the face" to her.

Despite such speculation, Ms Klass is adamant that, like Sergeant, she was picked for the job on merit alone, adding that female presenters should "stick together" rather than spread rumours and criticism.

"I don't think this is a question of age. I think it's actually just a case of I was offered the job and it was a perfect opportunity to take it," the 30-year-old told the BBC.

As well as a new presenter, the makeover show features a new twist, pitting two women against each other to see who can turn back the ageing clock the most.