‘I have faith in spiritual celebrities on the Pilgrimage – they will give us tears and joy’

Scarlett Moffatt, Monty Panesar, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and other celebs share their faith in God – or lack thereof – as Pilgrimage returns with a new series

I am delighted to see Pilgrimage back on our screens on BBC Two on Friday night.

In a shopping world where no one seems to listen to each other, this series is an absolute tonic – whether you’re religious or not.

This year, seven celebrities are on their way to the Scottish Isles, on a hike in the rain from Donegal up the Highlands and Outer Hebrides.

They are following in the footsteps of St Columba and each of them hopes this will be a journey of self-discovery – if only they could deal with the blisters and sore muscles (and unfortunately they didn’t). do not register earlier than the series in sunny Spain and Italy).

As always, the cast is great. This group is comprised of people of completely different faiths, who still respect and care about what their companions believe.

Gogglebox breakout star Scarlett Moffatt has revealed she’s a devout Christian but she doesn’t usually like to talk about it for fear of being laughed at.

She’s annoyed that the rest of the hikers don’t understand the importance of a monument along the route, but there’s still room for an honest and refreshing conversation.

Then there’s cricketer Monty Panesar, a Sikh who is hooked to learn more about another faith, and even asks for a blessing in church.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen also took part in the experience – he is a Pagan and a dedicated fashionista, wearing a pair of his casual clothes instead of the recommended waterproof pants .

As the walk gets underway, former Apprentice legend and Countdown host Nick Hewer candidly talks about his life as an agnostic and admits that as he gets older, he He wonders if it’s possible to have comfortable faith when he finds one – if only he can find something to truly believe in.

Former Emmerdale star Louisa Clein is open about her complicated relationship with her Jewish faith. She grew up not really understanding or practicing her religion but was determined to ensure that her children were raised differently.

Paralympian athlete Will Bayley – a lapsed Christian – and Muslim comic Shazia Mirza complete the lineup.

There will be a few tears and twitching limbs along the way – and some terrible navigation – but this is an uplifting series, full of heartwarming surprises.

It makes me think that a pilgrimage can be a useful one for all of us, whether for holy reasons or just to get some space.