// BBC ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS — MODA & SOCIETÀ
The Trip's Rob Brydon originally against playing fictional version of himself
The 61-year-old, renowned for his role as Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey, stars alongside Steve Coogan in The Trip
Actor and comedian Rob Brydon has said he was initially against the idea of playing a fictionalised version of himself in The Trip, but ended up enjoying it and thought it made viewers "more curious".
The 61-year-old, known for his role as Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey, stars alongside Steve Coogan in the comedy series as exaggerated versions of themselves.
Directed by Michael Winterbottom, it follows the pair as they travel around the world and dine at different restaurants.
Brydon said he and Coogan originally thought the idea was "a bit passé" but eventually concluded that Winterbottom was right to suggest it.
Speaking ahead of the series' season five premiere in London, Brydon said despite his initial hesitation, he enjoyed playing a heightened version of himself.
"When [director Michael Winterbottom] first suggested it, we were both against the idea of playing versions of ourselves," he said.
"But in fact, as ever, Michael was right because it just gives the show... you're more curious about it. Is that how they really are?"
Rob Brydon stars alongside Steve Coogan in The Trip, directed by Michael Winterbottom (centre)
Brydon, who grew up in Baglan, Port Talbot, is often seen engaging in competitive mimicry of famous actors, such as Michael Caine, Al Pacino and Hugh Grant, in the programme.