Michael Portillo

Portillo has certainly moved on from being a controversial politician 30 years ago to someone who has mellowed quite a lot and is now better known as a television presenter.
He will be remembered for one thing where I live: when he was transport minister, he saved to Settle to Carlisle line.

I have loved all his programmes through the years, still have some recorded I haven’t got to yet. I think he is very relaxed and respectful of the different countries people and culture

I too am a fan of Portillo’s presenting style and his colourful outfits - but my goodness not the ‘bomber’ jacket he wore on last nights transmission - Hungary - a very odd choice of outfit - didn’t deter from our enjoyment though 👍☘️

I love his programs! if im flicking between channels and I see those colourful jacket and trouser combos im gonna watch. He is so underrated I know he is not everyone's cup of tea. He gives anything a go and is so respectful of other cultures and inspires me as to where i wann add to my bucket list. And NO he is not boring! he is 'cultured'

He’s managed to morph into a cuddly presenter very well, hasn’t he.
I suspect a lot of the bluff and bravado when he was Defence Secretary was an act.

I too watch and enjoy his travels, he has a very measured voice and is a very good listener, not interrupting.

keepcalmandcavachon

Love Michael Portillo. Who would have thought, all those years ago that MP would end up becoming a 'National Treasure'

It's a low bar, I will give you that. Who these days in the circus which is politics might become a future National Treasure?

Love Michael Portillo. Who would have thought, all those years ago that MP would end up becoming a 'National Treasure'

I like his travel presentation because he does not make it all about him but shows a genuine interest in those he is talking to. He has always done his homework (or someone has done this for him) and provides lots of factual information in an interesting way.

This is in contrast to many other travel programmes which could simply be named "Celebs" Muck Around on a Freebie Holiday".

Exceptions are Michael Palin, Joanna Lumley and Ben Fogle who like Portillo, show respect for those they meet.

I also like that he introduces himself and does not barge in and carry on as if he is so famous he needs no introduction. There is probably an element of contrivance here of course, but it seems like good manners.

Having said all this, there is no way I will ever forgive him for his support of Thatcher and her destructive policies.

Dad and I enjoy watching Michael Portillo's travel shows together, especially the railway journeys.

Dad is 95 with vascular dementia and living in a care home, but Michael's programmes hold his attention and interest completely.
Dad and Mum visited a lot of the places during their retirement travels.
It's lovely to be able to share this with him 😊

His programme on Sunday morning, GB News is good; a magazine programme with a mix of current affairs, politics, theatre, art, books films etc and a variety of different guests.

My sister met him many years ago. She said he was one the nicest and most naturally charming person she has ever met.

I always enjoy it when he is visiting a Spanish speaking country as he speaks so fluently as his father was Spanish.

I think he finally found his true vocation in presenting. He has such an easy going style and always comes across as genuinely interested in the countries, the people and their traditions and is always game for a challenge. I think he'd be a very interesting guest to have dinner with. He's on tour later this year and quite fancy that so I may treat myself
www.fane.co.uk/michael-portillo

I liked him as a politician and I've carried on liking him.

He's good with the people he meets and flies the flag for rail travel - which I love.

Oreo

I really like Portillo, he’s very easy going and always responsive and respectful to all he meets, a bit like Michael Palin.
I’ve learned a lot from those kind of programmes too.

Me too

Primrose53

I really like him and his bright clothes. He will have a go at anything his hosts demonstrate - dancing, cooking, sipping drinks and seems genuinely interested. He’s a great presenter.

Oh how I agree, I just love his “have a go attitude”, whether it’s a dance, making something or cooking!

I watched his series on South Korea and enjoyed it so much that I am currently watching his Great Continental series. As someone who never had the opportunity or the money for foreign travel, I find them fascinating, focusing as they do on the history, traditions and modern day life in these countries. I wonder if his jackets and trousers are tailor made for him. His wardrobe dazzles.

I do watch his travels a nice guy, politics has no pace for him he left at the right time.

I really like Portillo, he’s very easy going and always responsive and respectful to all he meets, a bit like Michael Palin.
I’ve learned a lot from those kind of programmes too.

I've been dipping in and out of those series for years although I've not watched all of them. I agree, MP makes a better tour guide/telly ppresenter than politician. His relaxed style really suits the programme format and I shall make a point of catching up with the Hungarian episode.

I enjoy watching his train travels, he is a very good presenter. Budapest is a beautiful city, we stayed there once in a circular hotel.

Luckygirl3

He is a much better travel presenter than he was politician!

I do like his programmes. But I think it should be retitled: Watch an Old Man Eat His Way Round Europe!

Absolutely! Great, easy going presenter. Imagine being paid to do that job - sigh. His waistline does attest to that tho Luckygirl ☺️

I didn’t like him as a politician, but his travel programmes show his true calling as a presenter. I’d quite like to go travelling with him as a guide.