Comedian Joe Wilkinson and England rugby star Joe Marler are teaming up for a brand-new six-part unscripted factual entertainment series titled The Friend Ship (working title), according to announcements from the BBC and production company Zeppotron. The 6×30 series will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, following the duo as they navigate British waterways on an unconventional narrowboat trip that culminates at the Falkirk Wheel.
The Premise Behind The Friend Ship on BBC Two
The series reunites the pair after they formed a close bond on Celebrity Traitors. According to production details from Zeppotron, a Banijay UK company, the show pairs Wilkinson’s love for canals and Marler’s appetite for fun with an exploration of male camaraderie and the modern male loneliness epidemic. Viewers will watch the two public figures attempt to live and travel together in the confined space of a narrowboat while tackling complex lock systems and airing their most irritating habits.
“If I had to choose two people to steer a narrow boat into a canal wall it would be Joe Wilkinson and Joe Marler,” said Peter Holmes, Managing Director at Zeppotron, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the unscripted format.
Route and Stops Across Britain’s Waterways
The barging adventure takes the pair across various regions of the UK as they meet local groups of friends and sample canal life. According to production announcements, the itinerary includes stops in North Wales, the West Country, Birmingham, the Pennines, London, and Edinburgh. The journey ultimately concludes at the Falkirk Wheel, which serves as a landmark engineering masterpiece connecting two separate stretches of canal.
Patrick McMahon, Commissioning Editor for Factual at the BBC, noted that audiences responded strongly to the duo’s developing relationship on Celebrity Traitors. “We’re delighted to offer BBC viewers the chance to see them take their relationship to the next level as they set off in search of fun, adventure and the Falkirk Wheel,” McMahon stated.
Production Team and Broadcast Details
Filming for the series is already underway, though transmission details have not yet been announced by the broadcaster. The Friend Ship was commissioned for BBC Two and iPlayer by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning for Factual Entertainment and Events. Alongside executive producer Peter Holmes, the production team includes series producer Kiera Spilsbury and series director Phil Ashton.
“I love canals, I love Joe Marler, I love drizzle. Making this show is absolute heaven for me,” said Joe Wilkinson regarding his dream project. Meanwhile, Joe Marler expressed mixed feelings about the living arrangements: “Less looking forward to the claustrophobic canal boat he’s asked me to spend it on. But if we can get through that, I’m sure our bond will be stronger than ever.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Friend Ship?
The series will broadcast on BBC Two and stream on BBC iPlayer.
How many episodes are in the series?
The show consists of six 30-minute episodes.
Who produces the show?
The series is produced by Zeppotron, which is a Banijay UK company.
How did Joe Wilkinson and Joe Marler meet?
The pair became firm friends while appearing together on Celebrity Traitors.
Did you know? The Falkirk Wheel, where the journey ends, is a masterpiece of engineering that connects two separate stretches of canal.
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