BBC Two has commissioned a ninth series of Pilgrimage, which will be broadcast on the channel and iPlayer in Spring 2027. The new instalment follows seven well-known personalities as they walk an ancient pilgrim route, with the specific destination currently kept confidential.
The cast is deliberately assembled to reflect a wide spectrum of belief systems and non-belief. Participants include broadcaster Janet Ellis, who identifies as a Humanist; TV presenter Ferne McCann, a Christian; comedian Shabaz Ali, a practising Muslim; YouTuber Jay Foreman, raised in the Jewish faith; former politician Mhairi Black, raised Catholic; actor Nina Wadia, a practising Zoroastrian; and comedian Leigh Francis, who identifies with no particular faith. The format places these seven together for the duration of the walk, creating a controlled environment for dialogue on life's fundamental questions. Unlike previous seasons that may have focused on specific religious sites, this series emphasises the journey itself as a catalyst for personal reflection and cross-cultural exchange among people who have never met before.
The series is produced by CTVC, with Caroline Matthews serving as Executive Producer and CEO. Commissioning for the show falls under Daisy Scalchi, Head of Religion and Ethics for television at the BBC. This is the ninth iteration of the long-running documentary, which has maintained a loyal audience base over its run. The production will air in Spring 2027, continuing the series' tradition of exploring deep philosophical and spiritual themes through the lens of physical endurance and shared experience in rural landscapes.