Celebrity Barging

Journalist Michael Buerk, actors Shaun Williamson and Amanda Barrie, singer Anita Harris and politician John Prescott unite for the gentlest of jaunts along Britain's most beautiful waterways, heading for the heart of Shakespeare country. After meeting and moving into twin narrowboats, the quintet discovers that there is a lot to learn about life on Caldon Canal in Staffordshire. Not only must they adjust to life in cramped conditions, but they must also learn how to steer a 60-foot hunk of floating metal. Despite both having Navy experience, John and Shaun keep crashing the barges and getting stuck.

Michael Buerk, Shaun Williamson, Amanda Barrie, Anita Harris and John Prescott trade the countryside for cityscapes, drifting toward the industrial heart of the potteries in Stoke-on-Trent. As well as learning about the area's rich history along the way, they share some revelations of their own - such as who has showered the least, how to eat mushy peas without cutlery, and why ducks are scared of journalists. It's not all plain sailing, however, and after spending a rough few nights sleeping in the kitchen, John abandons ship to find an alternative.

Michael Buerk, Amanda Barrie, Anita Harris and John Prescott set off for a spooky trip through Staffordshire's 1.5-mile-long Harecastle Tunnel. However, Shaun Williamson opts instead to visit the grave of James Brindley, the man who designed the tunnel, but never saw it completed. After joining the Macclesfield Canal, Amanda and Anita head to a barge-based artist's studio for a gentle afternoon of sketching, while Shaun and Michael head to 18th-century folly Mow Cop. This leg of the journey ends at Congleton, homing in on an unsung local heroine of the Suffragette movement.

In Warwickshire, Michael Buerk, Shaun Williamson, Amanda Barrie, Anita Harris and John Prescott settle into new boats, then head out to conquer the Grand Union Canal. First, however, there is the small question of the 21-lock flight at Hatton as the five meet some of the volunteers who restore the locks and keep then functioning. Amanda takes a detour to Warwick Castle in search of her ancestors, while Sean and John, discover the unique joys of sheep-racing. Deep into Shakespeare country, Michael tries to find the famous local pies he remembers from his youth.

Michael Buerk, Shaun Williamson, Amanda Barrie, Anita Harris and John Prescott head up the Stratford-on-Avon canal into the heart of Shakespeare country, where they whip up some Elizabethan gin and play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.