Baldrick star teaches gags to rail staff - Daily TV round-up

Former ‘Blackadder’ star Tony Robinson has teamed up with Green Wing writer Richard Preddy to create a series of amusing train announcements.

It's hoped that the project will brighten the days of rush hour passengers travelling between London and Birmingham on Chiltern Railways, and at Paddington Station.

Preddy wrote the announcements, while Robinson spent a month helping to train the Chiltern staff to deliver the lines correctly.

“It was fascinating to meet the Chiltern staff and a wonderful, if challenging, project to work on,” said Preddy.

“We have all waited for a train or a bus into work as the rain pours down and bustled our way to a seat, and I think comedy can help to alleviate that stress.”

Among the witticisms on offer is: “I’d like to welcome passengers boarding this 7.33am service. If you’ve just bumped into someone you barely know, you now have one hour thirty minutes of awkward small talk. Good luck!”

Robinson added: “We plan to put smiles on faces.” [The Scotsman]