Broadcaster and former MP Michael Portillo in Thanet for filming of new railway series

Michael Portillo is filming in Margate for a new railway series Photo Tim Shonk

British journalist and broadcaster Michael Portillo is back in Thanet filming a new series of Great Coastal Railways for BBC2.

The colourful, former Conservative politician has been spotted in Broadstairs and outside Margate Railway Station. He and some members of his crew also stayed last night at Artfuls in Broadstairs.

The 69-year-old was last in Thanet in October 2020 filming for Great British Railway Journeys. During that shoot he visited Ramsgate and popped into the Little Ships at the harbour for lunch.

Mr Portillo’s passion for steam trains led him to make the BBC documentary series Great British Railway Journeys, beginning in 2010, in which he travels the British railway networks, referring to various editions of Bradshaw’s Guide.

The success of the show led Portillo to present programmes about railway systems in other countries.

Publicist Freemantle confirmed this week’s filming in Thanet is for the latest series.

19 Comments

  1. I wonder if Portillo knows that the Ramsgate Tunnels station model has a tiny figure of him with a camera operator?

  2. strange how a man I detested as a politician I now like having seen a completely different side to him on these lovely shows he fronts.

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