The Real returns on BBC World News

24 Sep 2010 , 09:43 AM

The Real…, the travel show with an edge returns to BBC World News, with a new five part series, premiering from 25 September 2010.  The series takes in the sights of Berlin, Buenos Aires, New York, Istanbul and Shanghai, enlisting the help of local celebrities to side-step the tourist trail, revealing hidden gems, intriguing attractions, the hip, the hot and the underbellies of these cities that only a local resident could know

The first programme visits Berlin, where singer and comedienne Gayle Tufts shares the best spot for jogging with stunning views, where to find the best cake in the city, and visits a spectacular cabaret venue. 

Native Berliner and architect Jakob Tigges reveals one of Berlin’s most surreal experiences, while veteran rally driver Heidi Hetzer goes on a personal journey to the area where she spent her wartime childhood, and visits the site of the infamous 1936 Olympics.  She also shows where viewers can see a fantastic collection of beautiful vintage cars for free.

In Buenos Aires, football coach and World Cup hero Ricardo Villa visits his favourite dining spot and one of the most dramatic bookstores in the world.  Internationally renowned tango dancer Fabián Salas meets an artist whose work combines painting and dance to spectacular effect, and shows where to go to experience truly authentic tango.  Journalist Miriam Lewin delves into her country’s recent history and experiences grass-roots Argentinean theatre.

In Shanghai, famed gallery owner and art dealer Pearl Lam, international footballer Xie Hui and businesswoman Nora Sun explore the city’s vibrant culture and history, discovering some of the unique shopping and dining experiences on offer in this constantly evolving metropolis.

In New York, Singer Ultra Naté visits one of the hippest clothing stores in the city, a fairground-themed night club, and reveals where she goes when she has a craving for alligator nuggets!  Artist Russell Young takes to the water as he shows how to kayak for free in NYC, as well as exploring a cutting-edge graffiti complex and a must-see venue for contemporary art buffs. 

Model and actress Veronica Webb takes a boat trip in style, visits a unique antiques store and one of her favourite restaurants, as she explains how to make the most of the city that never sleeps.

In Istanbul, renowned pianist Idil Biret visits the historic area of Moda, where she was born and still lives today.  Actor Haluk Bilginer goes shopping at one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric markets and shows where to get away from it all on an island idyll. 

Interior designer Zeynep Fadillioglu spends time on the beautiful Bosphorus, exploring the area’s history and arts and recommending her favourite location for enjoying simple but tasty fish dishes with the locals.

Sponsored by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts since its inception, and now in its fourth series, The Real… will be supported with dedicated pages on bbc.com featuring video clips and information on cities from both the new season and previous series.

In addition, viewers will be invited on air to submit their favourite photographs of their home cities, the best of which will be showcased on BBC.com and on BBC World News.