Michael Portillo
Michael Portillo is a British television presenter and former politician known for his engaging documentaries. He gained fame through shows like 'This Week' and 'Great British Railway Journeys.' His career spans journalism and politics, with a reputation for insightful commentary. Portillo's distinctive voice and charismatic... Read More
Known for
Great British Railway Journeys (2010)
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country...
Great Continental Railway Journeys (2012)
Michael Portillo travels on the great train routes of Europe, as he retraces the journeys featured in George Bradshaw's 1913 Continental Railway Guide.
Personal details
Credits
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 |
Great Central Asian Railway JourneysMichael Portillo embarks on a new railway adventure, following the Silk Road through Central Asia. |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2026 |
Great Korean Railway JourneysTravelling by rail across South Korea, Michael explores one of the world’s most successful modern nations, shaped by division, resilience... |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2026 |
Great Japanese Railway JourneysMichael Portillo is in Japan for a breathtaking railway journey through the country that launched the magnificent Shinkansen bullet train. |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2026 |
Spain with Michael PortilloJoin Michael on a journey of discovery deep into his secret Spain off the tourist trail. |
Unknown character | |
| 2025 |
Michael Portillo's 200 Years of the RailwaysMichael Portillo celebrates the modern railway’s 200th birthday, revealing the journey that changed the world. |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2025 |
Portugal with Michael PortilloPortugal is fast becoming the go-to location for Brits to explore and spend their holidays. Not just resorts, villas and... |
Himself | |
| 2024 |
Prague with Michael PortilloPortillo explores the city’s stunning architecture, from its medieval roots to the modern era. He uncovers the stories behind some... |
Presenter | |
| 2024 |
Michael Portillo's Long WeekendsMichael takes us to his favourite European cities. |
Presenter | |
| 2023 |
Portillo's AndaluciaMichael Portillo explores the region of Andalucia in southern Spain, visiting six of his favourite locations in the area. |
Presenter | |
| 2023 |
Taking Sides: Britain and the Civil WarMichael Portillo returns with an authored documentary, that uses British state papers to shed fresh light on key events and... |
Presenter | |
| 2022 |
The Pyrenees with Michael PortilloMichael Portillo embark on an extraordinary voyage of self-discovery, exploring the dramatic mountain range that straddles the border between France... |
Self | |
| 2022 |
Great Coastal Railway JourneysFrom the sea lochs of Scotland to the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, seasoned train traveller Michael Portillo immerses himself in... |
Presenter | |
| 2021 |
Coastal Devon & Cornwall with Michael PortilloMichael Portillo, a British journalist, broadcaster and former politician, begins a south-west coastal pilgrimage, travelling through Devon and Cornwall. |
Self - Host | |
| 2021 |
Partition, 1921Partition, 1921, tells the story of how Ireland came to be to be partitioned from the perspective of the British... |
Presenter | |
| 2020 |
Hawks and Doves: The Crown and Ireland's War of IndependenceMichael Portillo charts the War of Independence in Ireland, following the journey from the Peace Conference in Versailles to the... |
Self | |
| 2020 |
Portillo's Empire JourneyPortillo tells the story of the former British Empire largely through the legacy of hidden buildings that played an important... |
Unknown character | |
| 2020 |
Great Asian Railway JourneysMichael Portillo is in Southeast Asia, armed with his 1913 Bradshaw's Handbook. It will lead him on a spectacular 2,500-mile... |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2019 |
Great Australian Railway JourneysArmed with his 1913 Bradshaw’s Handbook to the Chief Cities of the World, Michael embarks on six new railway journeys... |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2019 |
Portillo: The Trouble with the ToriesDocumentary series about the current crisis in the Conservative party. |
Presenter | |
| 2019 |
Portillo: The Trouble with the ToriesDocumentary series about the current crisis in the Conservative party. |
Narrator | |
| 2019 |
Great Canadian Railway JourneysMichael Portillo explores Canada, armed with his Appleton's Guidebook. |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2019 |
Great Alaskan Railroad JourneysMichael Portillo heads for the Last Frontier of the United States armed with his 1899 Appleton's Guide-Book to Alaska. |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2018 |
Portillo's Hidden History of BritainPortillo's Hidden History of Britain sees former UK politician Michael Portillo investigating abandoned buildings around Britain. |
Self - Host | |
| 2018 |
Great Indian Railway JourneysGuided by a century-old Bradshaw’s Handbook of Indian, Foreign and Colonial Travel, Michael Portillo embarks on a railway adventure across... |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2016 |
Great American Railroad JourneysMichael Portillo crosses the Atlantic to ride the railroads of America, armed with Appleton's General Guide to the United States,... |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2015 |
Portillo's State SecretsMichael Portillo takes a look through the national archives to discover different stories that have been hidden in previously classified... |
Self - Host | |
| 2014 |
Railways of the Great War with Michael PortilloMichael Portillo examines the role of the railways in World War I and travels through Britain and Europe uncovering stories... |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2012 |
Great Continental Railway JourneysMichael Portillo travels on the great train routes of Europe, as he retraces the journeys featured in George Bradshaw's 1913... |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2011 |
PerspectivesA British TV documentary series for ITV. Each hour long program sees well-known celebrities travel to various parts of the... |
Unknown character | |
| 2010 |
Great British Railway JourneysMichael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. Portillo travels the length and... |
Self - Presenter | |
| 2009 |
Christianity: A HistoryEight-part history of the Christian faith, looking at its origins, development and turbulent past. High-profile British personalities examine a religion... |
Self | |
| 2008 |
The Supersizers...Restaurant critic Giles Coren and writer and comedian Sue Perkins experience the food culture of years gone by. |
Participant | |
| 2008 |
Portillo on ThatcherFormer cabinet minister Michael Portillo assesses the legacy and continued influence of Margaret Thatcher on the Conservative Party. He talks... |
Self | |
| 2007 |
The VerdictFollowing a fictional rape case in a real court room, argued by leading barristers and presided over by a real... |
Unknown character | |
| 2006 |
The One ShowA topical magazine-style daily television programme broadcast live on BBC One. |
Self | |
| 2006 |
The Summer of Rave, 1989In the final days of the yuppie decade, the summer of ’89 saw a new type of youth rebellion rip... |
Self | |
| 2004 |
London Under AttackCould London cope with the devastating effects of a multi-pronged terrorist attack? Using a fictional yet plausible scenario, together with... |
Self | |
| 2004 |
This WorldThe series is mainly focused on social issues and current affairs stories around the world. International current affairs documentaries, replacing... |
Unknown character | |
| 2003 |
The Terry and Gaby ShowThe Terry and Gaby Show was a daytime television show broadcast on Five on weekday mornings between June 2003 and... |
Unknown character | |
| 2003 |
Trust Me - I'm a PoliticianLast December's "Cheriegate" affair did little to abate the rampant public cynicism reserved for politicians - a mistrust evidenced in... |
Self | |
| 2003 |
This WeekAndrew Neil, Michael Portillo and friends with late night political chat. |
Self - Panelist | |
| 2002 |
Great BritonsEach programme is dedicated to one of the Top Ten Great Britons voted for by the public throughout the last... |
Self | |
| 2001 |
The RivalsA documentary by Michael Cockerell revealing a portrait of the Chancellor Gordon Brown and his shadow Michael Portillo |
Unknown character | |
| 1998 |
ParkinsonMichael Parkinson returns for a second run of his iconic talk show. |
Self | |
| 1993 |
The Big StoryBritish current affairs series with Dermot Murnaghan tackling a different issue at home or abroad each week. |
Unknown character | |
| 1983 |
Natural WorldNatural World is a nature documentary television series broadcast annually on BBC Two and regarded by the BBC as its... |
Unknown character | |
| 1980 |
Great Railway JourneysGreat Railway Journeys, originally titled Great Railway Journeys of the World, is a recurring series of travel documentaries produced by... |
Self - Presenter | |
| 1979 |
Question TimeThis topical debate series based on Any Questions? typically features politicians from at least the three major political parties as... |
Self - Panellist | |
| TBA |
200 Years of The RailwaysBBC Daytime commissions two-part series: 200 Years of The Railways which will air on BBC Two later this year. September... |
Michael |
Latest Release
Got a question about Michael Portillo?
Michael Portillo's career highlights include his role as a government minister and his acclaimed television documentaries, particularly 'Great British Railway Journeys,' which showcases his passion for travel and history.
Michael Portillo has received several accolades for his work in broadcasting, including the Royal Television Society award for Best Presenter, recognizing his contributions to television.
Michael Portillo's first significant television role was as a political commentator on 'This Week,' which he joined in 2003, establishing his presence in the media.
Michael Portillo's most successful television shows include 'Great British Railway Journeys' and 'This Week,' both of which have gained high viewership and critical acclaim.
Michael Portillo is married to Angela MacDonald-Jenkins, and they have one daughter. He maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career and family.
Michael Portillo's estimated net worth is around $5 million, reflecting his successful career in politics and television.
Michael Portillo has achieved significant milestones in his filmography, including hosting multiple travel documentaries that have received critical acclaim and popularity among viewers.
The theme of Michael Portillo's documentaries often revolves around travel, history, and culture, providing viewers with an insightful look into various destinations and their significance.