A FAMOUS face will be showing a presenter around Dorset tonight on television.

Martin Clunes, who lives in Beaminster, will appear in Britain by the Book tonight on ITV1, a programme exploring the county's literary links.

He'll be taking actress, comedian and writer Mel Giedroyc on a tour of Dorset exploring the spectacular scenery and iconic locations made famous by some of Britain's favourite books and films.

The pair will be calling in at Lyme Regis where they'll walk in the footsteps of Meryl Streep's French Lieutenant's Woman, they will stoke up the engine on a steam train ride through Enid Blyton country and having worked up a thirst, Mel and Martin will sample Dorset's finest cider on a farm overlooking magical Corfe Castle.

The cameras will also follow them on a boat trip to the world-famous Durdle Door during which Martin will distract Mel by reading bursts of Thomas Hardy and they will meet, walk and talk with Raynor Winn, author of the blockbuster No. 1 best-selling novel The Salt Path.

Throughout this revealing and joyful episode Martin shares his love for Dorset, takes Mel to his favourite secret spot, explains how Peter O'Toole inspired him to get into acting and talks about the precious book his dad gave him as a boy, before his untimely death.

  • Mel Giedroyc and Martin Clunes Explore Britain by the Book will be on ITV1 on Wednesday, September 6 at 9pm.