Tom Read Wilson’s Magnificent Journey: Cultural Adventure Across Europe

Beloved Television Personality Takes on Historic Grand Tour

Tom Read Wilson, the English television presenter and author best known as the client coordinator on E4’s Celebs Go Dating, has embarked on a new cultural adventure. Tom Read Wilson’s Magnificent Journey aired on Friday, 2 January 2026, at 8:00pm on Channel 5, marking an exciting departure from his usual reality television work.

Recreating the Traditional Grand Tour

The endlessly charming Tom Read Wilson is on a mission to get some old-fashioned cultural refinement by recreating the Grand Tours of Europe once taken by young aristocrats. The 2026 TV mini series follows broadcaster and social historian Tom Read Wilson as he recreates the historic Grand Tour once undertaken by young European aristocrats in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. These educational journeys were traditionally considered essential for young gentlemen’s cultural education.

Tom Read Wilson begins his Grand Tour in Paris, where a contessa teaches him aristocratic etiquette before he visits Notre-Dame and the Gardens of Versailles. During his time in Paris, Read Wilson sought guidance on European etiquette from a countess, a noblewoman descended from a courtier from Marie Antoinette’s court, who taught him the intricacies of hand-shaking and the art of eating mille-feuille.

Journey Through European Landmarks

The series takes viewers beyond Paris. Travelling south, Tom reaches Lake Annecy, stays in historic Grand Tour lodgings, and reflects on how travel shaped elite European identity. Tom undertakes a perilous Alpine crossing, confronting the physical and emotional challenges faced by historical travellers as his journey nears its conclusion.

Why This Series Matters Today

Now approaching forty and seeking deeper cultural perspective, Tom sets out across Europe with curiosity, humour, and a passion for classical learning, retracing the formative journeys that shaped generations of artists, thinkers, and leaders. The series offers modern viewers a fascinating glimpse into how cultural education and European identity were shaped centuries ago, whilst showcasing Wilson’s trademark wit and charm.

For audiences familiar with Tom from his work on Celebs Go Dating since 2016, this series demonstrates his versatility as a broadcaster and his genuine passion for history and culture. The programme provides both entertainment and education, making historical traditions accessible and relevant to contemporary viewers whilst preserving the importance of cultural exchange and learning.