Barrowman and Klass on Fogg trail (From Haringey Independent)

Barrowman and Klass on Fogg trail

12:51pm Thursday 9th July 2009 in

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John Barrowman and Myleene Klass are among a team of stars becoming global racers in a bid to trace the footsteps of Phileas Fogg for a BBC One series.

They will be joined by celebs like Frank Skinner and Shane Richie as they strive to travel Around The World In 80 Days in a giant relay, recreating the Jules Verne story.

The against-the-clock challenge, for Children In Need, is part of the BBC One autumn season.

In the early 1990s Michael Palin started the first of his TV adventures by reliving Fogg's journey. Now the BBC has divided the world-spinning trip into six legs - each to be undertaken by a pair of stars.

They include Sir Alan Sugar's poker-faced television sidekick Nick Hewer who will be teamed with Apprentice runner-up Saira Khan, while Torchwood star John shares his journey with Myleene. Comedian Skinner is travelling with fellow funnyman Lee Mack.

In the spirit of the original book - written way before the age of the aeroplane - the travellers will not be allowed to use planes, but any other form of transport will be acceptable.

Each will be raising money for Children In Need, including bringing home items for auction.

On the evening of the BBC's fundraising marathon on November 20, the stars - which also include Julia Bradbury, Matt Baker, Bill Turnbull, Louise Minchin and Josie Lawrence - will head to the studios.