SANDI TOKSVIG TRAVELS IRELAND FOR NEW CHANNEL 4 LITERARY SERIES

Broadcaster Sandi Toksvig is to embark on a literary journey across Ireland for a new two-part series acquired by Channel 4 and produced by Cornelia Street Productions.

Sandi Toksvig’s Irish Odyssey will see the much-loved broadcaster tavel across Ireland exploring the landscapes, places and people that have inspired some of the island’s greatest writers, poets and storytellers. Sandi will trace the footsteps of some of the literary giants, including Seamus Heaney, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, C.S. Lewis, as well as contemporary greats.

From walking in the Mourne Mountains beloved by CS Lewis to visiting historic libraries, literary pubs and catching a 100th anniversary production at The Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Toksvig will immerse herself in the cultural heart of Ireland.

Meanwhile, Channel 4 previously announced new travel series with Oti Mabuse and Rev Richard Coles. This is a four-part series about coming home - but also seeing home with new eyes. Oti Mabuse left South Africa at 21 to pursue a life in dance. Now, she’s heading back – older, bolder, and full of questions.

What’s changed? What’s stayed the same? And how well do you really know the place you were born once you’ve lived most of your life away from it? But she’s not doing it alone.

Joining her is her brilliantly unexpected bestie: Reverend Richard Coles – priest, pop star, philosopher, and unapologetic fan of a scenic train journey and a well-brewed tea. He’s never been to South Africa, and he’s wildly curious. Also slightly sun sensitive. 

Together, they set off across four wildly different provinces in search of stories, landscapes, laughter, and layered truths. Yes, they go deep. But they also dance, swim, laugh until their sides hurt, and eat their body weight in bunny chow. This isn’t a history lecture – it’s a moving, musical, sometimes messy, very human road trip through a country that refuses to be boxed in.

Oti & Richard's South African Odyssey (4 x 60’) will be executive produced by Charlotte Davis, David Nottage & Neil Edwards. The Producer/Director is Chris Williams and Head of Production is Caroline Allan.