(Kinda)

 Sir David Jason is to front a travelogue for the Gold channel, in which he takes a trip along the west coast of America.

In Planes, Trains & Automobiles, the Only Fools And Horses and Open All Hours star will look at the heritage and future of American transport.

The 78-year-old is a train buff, one-time mechanic and pilot, and he will spend a month travelling from Seattle to Los Angeles, primarily on the Amtrak Coast Starlight train. 

Sir David said: ‘All my life I’ve been obsessed with planes, trains and automobiles. And, of course, I’m well known for my association with the odd motor (including a certain three-wheeler).

‘The west coast of America has seen – and is still witnessing - some of the greatest innovations in transport history. I can’t wait to find out for myself how they do things over there. It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be entertaining, and I get the feeling I’m going to learn a great deal about this part of the world on my journey too.’

His travels will be made into five hour-long episodes to air on Gold next year.

Executive producer Mike Blair said: ‘This is a route that not only takes in some of the must-do "bucket list" all-American travel experiences, but also reveals just how this part of the world has led the way in innovation.

‘Everything there is bigger, better, faster... we’re so looking forward to going with David on this journey of a lifetime’

Ordered by: UKTV’s director of commissioning Richard Watsham and genre general manager, Steve North

Produced by Shiver

Commissioned by: UKTV’s senior commissioning editor, Iain Coyle

Executive producers: Ian Coyle for UKTV; Mike Blair for Shiver

Series director: Chris Malone

Published: 1 Aug 2018