An Idiot Abroad

Karl Pilkington is often referred to as a 'Bald Manc T***'' on account of his incredibly round head, he is a 32 year old from Manchester England who has shot to household fame thanks to his recent TV show 'An Idiot Abroad' which shows him as he visits the 7 wonders of the world and gives viewers his unique insight to the world. His rise to fame started over 10 years ago when he was working as the Head of XFM an alternative Radio station in London, he was then asked to produce a radio show with rising comedian Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras) and his writing partner Stephen Merchant. The Radio show quickly became the flagship show of the station despite it's complete lack of planning, very edgy content and constant swearing. Several years later the three of them released a series of Podcasts which exceeded all expectations resulting in millions of downloads and 5 series of the show as well as special bonus releases over several years. 'An idiot Abroad' was released in September 2010 on Sky 1 and a vigorous advertising campaign is seeing that the show gets massive viewing figures, Karl Pilkington has since been the most 'tweeted' subject on twitter!

What is an Idiot Abroad?

'An Idiot Abroad' is a TV show which follows Karl as he visits the 7 wonders of the World and shows his unique and incredibly funny insight to his journey. His long term friends Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant phone Karl often with new challenges and places to visit. The show was first broadcast on Sept 23rd 2010 on Sky 1 and Sky 1 HD where Karl Visited the great wall of China which he believed should be called the 'All right wall of China' after comparing it to the M6. a 30 minute preview show was broadcast earlier on in the month.

This hubpage will be updated after the release of each new show so please bookmark it :-)

The show opens to show Karl sampling some of the Delecacies China has to offer such as Cock Roach, Chicken Fetus and Toad, Karl tries his best to eat with the locals as he doesn't wish to offen them but tries not to instantly vomit much to the amusement of the vieiwers. Karl then buys his name in chineese after frustratingly trying to get the locals to say his name right, he then deliberates which was up it should be.

Karl then tries his hand at Martial Art and attempts to throw a needle through a pain of glass which ends up in the arm of the Camera Man which Karl finds exceptionally hilarious.

Karl then finally visits the Great wall of china but is annoyed by the amount of tourists and ends up comparing the Great Wall to the M6 in London. Karl also believed the Wall should be renamed to 'The allrlight wall of China'

The show ends up with Karl visiting a less touristy part of the great wall which seemed to impress him a little bit more but he certainly wasn't impressed with this 'wonder'

The show kicks of with Karl arriving in Old Delhi amongst the real hustle and bustle of 'Real India' he then takes an excillerating Rickshaw ride to his first nights accommodation, sharing a small room with several other men at the back of a kebab shop. After being told this was not his real accommodation he was taken to his hotel (much to the dismay of Ricky Gervais I'm sure). Karl has great difficulty understanding how the locals use the squat toilet system especially after he later goes on to contract 'Delhi Belly'.
Stephen Merchant then goes on to call Karl and tell him he will be attending a religous festival for a few days which karl seemed to actually enjoy as he gets to meet 'Elephant baba' (an Indian Man suffering from Elephantiasis as well as a few other religious icons. He then spends a day on the Ganges with a spiritual leader who he seems to have taken a shining too.
The show ends with Karl visiting the infamous Taj Mahal, although was not particularly blown away by it..

This week Karl is off to Jordan to visit the ancient hand carved caves of Petra. After setting off Karl is informed (much to his dismay) that he is actually going to Israel first. Karl is very apprehensive about his visit and isn't calmed when he see's just how heavily armed everyone is. Ricky and Steve set-up some 'Extreme Scenario Training' where a small team of people jump out on Karl when he leasts expects it and kidnap him. Karl is then taught when to do to make himself safer in countries such as Israel which includes a armed defence course. Karls views of Jerusalem are 'shattered' after his quick visit and the onslaught of tourists. Karl then hitches a lift back to the hotel in a car where he is pushed to get out and dance whenever they are in a traffic jam, this ends up with Karl running of due to his personal safety concerns of dancing on a blind corner. Karl then visit's Palestine to visit the birth place of christ which ofcourse he is not to impressed with.
After a quick visit to the 'snot filled dead sea' Karl finally sets of on his journey to the 'wonder' only the mode of transport much to Karls dismay is camel after 8 hours on a camel Karls just want's to rest but ends up singing and dancing the night away but not before feasting on the local delicacy of Goats eye. The next day clearly distraught at the thought of another day on the camel karls insists on taking the car and refuses to get out! after much grumpiness on karls side the guides finally give in and drive karl the rest of the journey.
Karl finally arrives at Petra although he finds it amazing he is more stunned by the fact that people are able to send post simply by sending it to 'Petra, Jordan'. Ricky then phones karl to inform him he will be spending a night in the caves surrounding petra much to his dismay. After spending the night in the caves Karl said it was the best part of his trip!