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A fan recently encapsulated their encounter with Michael Portillo in four straightforward words. Their brief yet vivid description paints a picture of their experience meeting the well-known TV personality.
In a post on the Fans of Michael Portillo Facebook page, a fan shared a photo alongside the beloved host, expressing their excitement by saying, “Met Michael Portillo last night, he signed my Bradshaw(s) guidebook.” They concluded their post by describing him as a “very entertaining and lovely man!” On Reddit, another admirer recounted their own encounter. They described the moment, saying, “Met Michael Portillo today! It was pretty cool. Had a photograph and everything. The problem is, I didn’t recognize him until my dad pointed it out and I went over to him.” In response, another user humorously noted, “Could you not spot his neon trousers from a mile away? In all seriousness, he is a tremendous chap. I thoroughly enjoy his railway documentaries on BBC Two.”
Fans of Portillo will be delighted to know that he is returning to BBC Two and iPlayer this week with a fresh batch of Great Railway Journeys. The series will explore the fascinating landscapes of Japan, South Korea, Central Asia, and Europe.
The journey begins with the 15-part Great Japanese Railway Journeys, which airs tonight, taking viewers to iconic destinations such as Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo.
Portillo’s journey in television has seen its share of twists and turns. In 2021, during an appearance on Steph’s Packed Lunch, he revealed to host Steph McGovern that he was initially approached by a show to participate, only to be later turned down.
Recalling the meeting he said: “I told this story about my father. So, they said, ‘you’ve told that story already’.”
His revelation came as Steph admitted she too had been passed over for an appearance on the show. “I think a lot of people get told their family is boring.
“I had a meeting with them once as well and never heard from them again. A few of my friends have said that too, and we all think our families must be boring,” she laughed.