New US travelogue for ITV

Billy Connolly is to cross mainland USA by train for a new ITV travel series.

Over the three hour-long episodes of Billy Connolly’s Tracks Across America, the comedian aims to cover 28 states and 8,000 miles of track, starting and finishing in New York.

The commission from production house 7 Wonder follows Connolly’s 2011 ITV series in which he covered the famous Route 66.

Jo Clinton-Davis, who commissioned the new series, said: ‘Billy’s infectious joy at discovering new experiences and meeting new people makes every journey he does with us an exceptional ride. And his passion for seeking out the spirit of the US in all its richly varied forms makes him the perfect guide to take us on this iconic trip.’

Director Mike Reilly, who worked on Billy Connolly’s Route 66 and Billy Connolly’s Big Send Off, added: ‘I can’t think of anyone better qualified to undertake this journey than Billy, his love of America, its people and music combined with his one of a kind wit and skewered powers of observation will make this show a joy to be part of and more importantly watch.’

Published: 10 Jun 2015