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While the Euro-hopping competitive reality show Destination X wasn't quite the summer smash the broadcaster had anticipated, it provided host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey aimed to give off a globetrotting atmosphere, so its master of ceremonies was outfitted with premium suits: boldly coloured matching ensembles, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, he acquired the sophisticated appearance complementing his vintage Roger Moore impression.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

The newest trilogy of episodes, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features themed outfit costume changes. The genial Welshman transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade plaid tops, rugged jackets and the occasional cowboy hat. It's all part the concept that sees him piloting an imposing Ford Ranger pickup truck on a 2,000-mile circuit of the southern US for a crash course in country music.

His mission involves celebrating the centenary of country music – or at least the 100th anniversary of the legendary broadcast which became the iconic venue, foundation and star-maker of country music for generations – through the classic celebrity travelogue tradition of driving around, chatting with residents and engaging deeply with traditions. This anniversary aligns with country becoming, he claims, “the most rapidly expanding genre in the UK” – due to Taylor Swift and new country-inspired records from Beyoncé, Post Malone and various performers – offers another angle to explore.

Road Trip Experience and Personal Doubts

It's established he enjoys long drives and conversations thanks to multiple seasons of his travel series alongside his comedy partner. But at first he appears uncertain about his credentials to be our guide. Watching him speak with a dashboard-mounted camera certainly brings back recollections of Keith, the melancholy driver from his early career, a beloved series. En route to Music City, he calls his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones to boost his confidence. She recalls his authentic country bona fides: a past charity single of a classic duet was a UK No 1. (“Dolly and Kenny reached No 7!” she notes.)

Conversational Talents With Local Engagement

If the “full sensory overload” of a night out in the city is a little too much for the host – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor turned country singer Twinnie sees him giving up early in a popular tune – the 60-year-old is far less steady in the interview segments. His polite interview style seem to gel with southern manners, efficiently extracting anecdotes about legends and general musings on the spirit of the genre from silvery-haired veterans like the institution's mainstay a renowned figure and nonagenarian celebrity clothier Manuel Cuevas. His calm approach also works with newer artists, like the bearded chart-topping singer and the bluegrass banjo maestro Tray Wellington.

Although several the anecdotes seem familiar, the opening episode includes at least one genuine curveball. What on earth is Gary Barlow spending time in a homely recording space? Reportedly, he's visited to Tennessee to hone his compositions for decades, and points to Glen Campbell as an influence for his band's enduring hit a classic song. Here, at last, is an interviewee he can tease, mock and playfully provoke without fear of causing a diplomatic incident. (Barlow, bless him, is very game.)

Broader Implications and Unscripted Moments

With an entire century of country to contextualise and celebrate, it is understandable that this southern-fried tour across two states (including visits to other areas upcoming) wants to focus on the art and not necessarily engage with contemporary issues. But it cannot help but seep in some elements. While guesting on the polished program of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations maintain good relations, disrupting the polished presenters from their rhythm. We do not get the likely chilly response.

A Natural Fit for the Format

But for all his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously a good fit for this type of breezy, bite-size format: friendly, interested, self-effacing and prepared for costume changes, although he struggles to find an elaborate western top in his size. Might his partner worry that his wingman can do solo hosting alone? Absolutely.