GMB's Richard Arnold shares big disappointment over latest venture with Kym Marsh
When Kym Marsh and Richard Arnold were offered the chance to host a new travel programme, they were ready to jet off into the blue. But Channel 5 threw them a curveball, as the pair never left the TV studio, while a roster of adventurous celebrities set out to chase the sunshine.
Good Morning Britain star Richard shared his slight disappointment with a chuckle: "We had to settle for basking in the warm glow of our sizzling chemistry rather than sunning ourselves somewhere," he said in a chat with The Mirror's We Love TV. "We’re living vicariously through the celebrities. We enjoyed keeping an eye on them but Kym and I were firmly rooted in a studio in Camden."
Instead, TV favourites like Jane McDonald, Cleo Rocos, Susan Calman, and the dynamic father-son pairing of Larry and George Lamb got to enjoy the dizzying heights of aeroplanes, the luxury of cruise ships, and yes, even the simplicity of caravans. Cruising star, Jane, found herself once again at sea.
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"She does love a cruise," Richard remarked. "There was one segment when we cut to Jane and she was in an exotic location having a full breakfast in an infinity pool." That very moment made Richard count his blessings for being landlocked with Kym. With a laugh, he exclaimed, "I’m not sure I’d want to be in my budgies eating breakfast. I found that quite unsettling!"
Larry and son George enjoyed a 'staycation' but it was worlds away from the British seaside experience he gets when filming Gavin & Stacey in Barry Island. "There were some terrific trips at home," Richard noted, finding joy in the local escapades. "George and Larry ended up in a treehouse in a forest. What was fun for us was watching these celebrities, particularly when they were paired with others because it brings out the best and worst in people."
The Good Morning Britain star also revealed his top tip for keeping holiday costs down - sharing a bed with a friend. He confessed that he often shares a bed with Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, when they travel together. "Sue and I have been to several places and in the name of economy we always share a bed."
Former Corrie star Kym Marsh also chooses a co-star as her holiday companion. Despite leaving her role as Michelle Connor in 2019, she still enjoys vacations with Alison King, who plays Carla Connor. "I’ve been on holiday with Alison several times and we’re obviously very close," Kym shared.
Interestingly, Richard and Kym are considering going on holiday together after spending weeks filming their new eight-part series. “We did start out thinking it would be great to go away with each other for a fortnight, but by the end of the series, we said, ‘You know what, let’s just do a long weekend!’” laughed Richard, before adding, “I’m kidding.”
The pair love to laugh and promise their show is not only full of top travel tips but also plenty of capers. One celebrity star who brings plenty of chuckles is comedy actress Cleo Rocos. "Cleo made me laugh a lot. There is a Winnebago situation that is very funny," said Kym.
The duo are joined by travel expert Simon Calder, who dishes out indispensable advice for planning the ultimate getaway. With January's chill in the air, Kym is optimistic that their show will brighten up viewers' moods and inspire future adventures. "It’s really quite uplifting," Kym revealed. "Especially in January. It pulls you out of that winter feeling and it’s a nice, warm, friendly show that gives some really good tips and tricks no matter what your budget, no matter where you’re going."
When discussing airport rituals, both Richard and Kym agree on one thing: the importance of a pre-flight drink. Kym confessed, "I do like to have a drink before I fly, because I feel like that just gives me a little bit of Dutch courage." Richard chimed in with his own twist, admitting he enjoys a tipple upon arrival too. "I love flying," he declared.
"As long as I’ve got something in my hand for take-off and I land with something in my hand, I’m a very happy boy. I like a little livener before I get on board."
