Paul Merton fulfils a childhood dream in BriteSpark’s new rail series: Driving Amazing Trains

All aboard! BriteSpark East, part of Argonon, has been commissioned to make Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains, a new six-part series that sees the much-loved comedian climb into the driver’s cab and take charge of some of the world’s most iconic locomotives. 

Paul’s fascination with trains stems from his childhood.  His father was a driver on the London Underground and when, as a young boy, Paul witnessed his dad driving a train across Putney Bridge, it sparked a lifelong fascination of railways. Now, he is following in his father’s footsteps by joining the drivers upfront and in control of some of the world’s most amazing trains and experiencing the best views as he travels through breathtaking landscapes in the UK and Europe. 

From steep gradients and tight curves to pinpoint platform stops, Paul will learn what it takes to keep these mighty machines on track. Visiting Germany, France, Switzerland, Wales, Northern England and Isle of Wight, he’ll meet the people who keep the railways running - from engineers and conductors to passengers with fascinating stories of their own. 

The series also explores the engineering feats behind the routes themselves: tunnels carved through mountains, bridges spanning dramatic ravines, and spiralling tracks that defy gravity. At the core of the series is a personal journey. As Paul reflects on his father’s life on the rails, he reconnects with the roots of his passion and discovers what it truly means to be part of the railway family. 

 Paul Merton said: “This series isn’t just about locomotives, it’s about history, engineering, and the joy of train travel. For me, it’s also a way to connect with my dad’s legacy on the rails. I can’t wait for viewers to come along for the ride.”

 Deborah Dunnett, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4, commented: “It’s a real privilege to join Paul on his heartfelt journey, while also experiencing dazzling landscapes and the ever-joyful railway community along the way.”

Tom Porter, Creative Director, BriteSpark Films, added: “This series is a celebration of engineering, nostalgia, and the joy of discovery, and Paul brings it all to life with his trademark wit and warmth. We’re proud to be producing a show that not only explores the beauty of Britain and Europe by rail but also connects with audiences through Paul’s personal story.” 

 Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains (6 x 60’) is commissioned for Channel 4 by Deborah Dunnett, Commissioning Editor, Lifestyle, with Jo Street, Director of Commissioning, Nations & Regions & Head of Lifestyle. The series is executive produced by Tom Porter for BriteSpark East, part of Argonon, and series produced by Ed Booth with Ben Duncan as series director. It was developed by Quentin Clarke. The series has been pre-sold to Australian broadcaster SBS and is distributed internationally by Sphere Abacus. 

 ENDS 

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About BriteSpark Films

BriteSpark Films is an award-winning production company co-founded in 2013 by Nick Godwin in partnership with Argonon, who fully acquired the indie in 2018. Former Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Tom Porter joined the company in 2019 as Director of Programmes and is now Creative Director. Headquartered in London and East England, BriteSpark has produced around 300 hours of distinctive and innovative programming for broadcasters, networks and streamers across the world, in the genres of popular factual, documentary, observational documentary, current affairs, factual entertainment and features. Their diverse programming slate includes multiple hard-hitting commissions for the iconic current affairs strand Dispatches (Channel 4) including the Prince and the Paedophile, Royals for Hire and Deep Fakes: Can You Trust Your Eyes and Coronavirus:  How Britain is Changing.  Recent series commissions include Titanic: Secrets of the Shipwreck and Tsunami: The Day The Wave Hit (multiple broadcasters), Billionaires Who Made the World (Channel 4) Porn King: The Rise and Fall of Ron Jeremy (Channel 4), The Man With a Penis on his Arm (Channel 4), Elon Musk: Superhero or Supervillain (Channel 4), World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys; World’s Most Scenic River Journeys (both Channel 5) and Engineering Catastrophes (Science Channel).  Further commissions include Diamond Geezers and Gold Dealers (ITV); Banged Up: Teens Behind Bars (Channel 4); Left for Dead; Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords, Kent: Garden of England (all Channel 5) and Welcome to Murdertown and Murder in the Wicked West (both Investigation Discovery).