A former regional press feature writer turned book editor used his journalism and broadcasting skills as part of a new BBC documentary series.

Peter Grant, of the Liverpool Echo and who now edits books for its parent company Trinity Mirror, guided former MP Michael Portillo around the north-west city for a show about train adventures.

Called Great British Railway Journeys, the 20-show series sees Mr Portillo travelling the length and breadth of the UK to examine how railways have transformed people’s lives.

In the first episode, due to air at 6.30pm on BBC2 tonight, Mr Portillo visits Liverpool to sample some Scouse – both a local dish and the characteristics of the natives.

Peter told HTFP: “The production company Talkback had heard I had written a book called ‘Talk Like the Scousers’ and that I do a City Talk radio slot called ‘The A to Z of Scouse’.

“So they asked me if I could teach Michael some Scouse phrases. We met up in a cafe in Liverpool and the former Minister for Merseyside sampled a bowl of Scouse.

“He clearly has a soft spot for the city and now he is armed with a pocket-full of phrases should he return. One saying tickled him ‘I’m Getting off at Edge Hill’.

“You will have to tune in to find out what it means…Michael was a bit shocked. But he picked up the accent very well for a Harrow lad.”

Comments

Chris Youett (04/01/2010 11:01:59)
Great, but when is the BBC going to stop using so-called celebs to front news & current affairs – and employ real journalists? After all, we cost less and do a much better job.