Fiennes Return to the Nile features cousins Ralph and Sir Ranulph Fiennes attempting to recreate Ranulph’s famous 1969 expedition down the Nile.
Airing globally on National Geographic in 2019, this new three part-series features the “World’s Greatest Living Explorer”, Sir Ranulph Fiennes (pictured right), as he returns to the scene of one of his earliest feats – his 1969 expedition along the River Nile. As the 50th anniversary of that quest approaches Sir Ranulph is ready for a new challenge: can he teach his famous cousin, actor Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaids Tale, Shakespeare in Love), how to master the role of a lifetime?
Fiennes Return to the Nile cousins
For over 50 years Sir Ranulph has lived through countless escapades and life-threatening experiences. From summiting Everest to discovering a lost city in Oman, he’s accomplished more than most men can ever dream of.
His cousin, Joseph Fiennes (pictured left), is an award-winning actor, star of stage and screen, who shot to fame for his portrayal as William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love and is currently starring in Emmy award-winning series The Handmaid’s Tale. But can Joseph cut it in Sir Ranulph’s world, does he have what it takes to be an explorer? Together they’ll crawl through the claustrophobic confines of a newly discovered ancient Egyptian tomb in Minya, get to grips with Tachtib – a traditional fighting technique using four foot sticks – and come face to face with dangerous snakes and spiders.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes, commented: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to re-trace the steps of my original expedition in 1969, and this time with my cousin Joe and National Geographic. I know first-hand how fascinating and exhilarating Egypt is for an explorer and I can’t wait to show Joe the ropes and to see how much Egypt has changed in the last 50 years”.
Joseph Fiennes, who also serves as a producer on the series, commented: “I am delighted to be embarking on this adventure with National Geographic and my cousin, Ran. It is every boy’s dream to go on an expedition with the world’s great living explorer. I am delighted to be going on this journey.”
A test of grit, courage and determination, Fiennes: Return to the Nile will also showcase stunningly beautiful and desolate landscapes and reveal the bond between the cousins as they face challenges at every turn.
What: Fiennes Return to the Nile
Where and when: National Geographic, DStv Channel 182 in 2019 in 172 countries and 43 languages
WS
