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Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman

Series 1

Episode 14

Duration: 45 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC One HDLatest broadcast: on BBC Two HD

In this episode's journey through time Len Goodman takes politician and former minister Ann Widdecombe back to the Lake District to reminisce about the family holiday she took there back in 1963 when she was just 15-years-old.

Len surprises Ann (who literally leaps for joy) by picking her up in an original Baby Austin to whisk them both on their Cumbrian adventure. This car takes Ann right back to the journey she took in '63 from her home in Guildford in Surrey. She would drive up with her mother and father and play games to while away the very long drive. First up, Len takes her to Ambleside and the shores of Lake Windermere where Ann can see that the area hasn't changed a great deal.

On this memory-packed day Len takes Ann on the Ravensglass to Eskdale Railway where she talks about how she got into politics; they visit the archives of the Wordsworth Trust where they learn about the world famous poet William Wordsworth and have a relaxing ride on Lake Windermere to really take in the beauty of the fells and the lakes.

Holidaying in the Lake District also helped to kickstart Ann's lifelong love of walking. As a 15-year-old she and her mother would grab a picnic and spend the whole day rambling by the lakes or scrambling up the hills and mountains. So to bring back those memories Len fills a hamper with ginger beer, sandwiches and cake and they head off. Along the way they talk about her life as a youngster as well as finding out what life is like now she's left politics.

Along with the layers of nostalgia, we also get some real insights into Ann's formidable character, her career as a politician and what is was like to be one of the most memorable celebrities to dance below the hallowed Strictly Come Dancing glitterball! Show less

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