Stars of Great Canal Journeys sail the Broads

Timothy West and Prunella Scales, the stars of Great Canal Journeys, recently spent time on the Broads filming for their new series which will be aired in October.

Timothy West, Prunella Scales, Nicola Hems, and Glenn Golding on board Falcon. Picture: Martin Carruthers (Image: Archant)

Museum of the Broads Curator Nicola Hems said while visiting the area, the husband and wife team had taken a trip on the museum's steamboat Falcon.

She said: 'They were with us on July 15 filming for Channel 4s Great Canal Journeys and we took them out for a cruise on Falcon from the museum to Barton Broad and back.'

Mrs Hems said being a Saturday the waterways were busy and the group drew a lot of attention.

'Falcon normally has people staring when out on the water but having Tim and Prunella along really drew people's attention.

A file picture of the steam powered Falcon. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

'They were both impressed with the steamboat. Tim loves steam engines so he was fascinated by it and asked a lot of questions.'

Mrs Hems joined the couple on the Falcon along with two crew members, a director, soundman and cameraman.

'We also had a chase boat for longer shots,' she said.

With the Falcon having wooden seats, Mrs Scales had asked for a cushion.

A file picture of the Wherry Albion as she made her way under sail along the River Yare near Cantley. Picture: Denise Bradley

'So we took one from the museum shop and gave it to her. Afterwards they both signed it and we plan to auction it off when the episode airs,' said Mrs Hems.

The show, which has been aired since 2014 with over 20 programmes, sees the couple undertake canal trips in both the UK and abroad.

'This was their first time on the Broads and they asked a lot of questions about the holiday industry,' said Mrs Hems. 'They were absolutely lovely and very knowledgeable and it was a pleasure to have them with us.'

This is believed to be the last series the couple will film as Mrs Scales battles dementia.

While visitng the Broads they also sailed on the Wherry Albion, one of only two trading wherries left on the Broads.

Albion was built in 1898 and BBC Countryfile Magazine has named her as one of the Top 10 Boat Trips in the UK.

She was saved from being scrapped in 1966 after a 'Save the Wherry' fundraising campaign was held under the patronage of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Several thousand pounds were raised allowing Albion to undergo a major refit over a three-year period. She was re-timbered throughout and a new mast made.