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1958, fresh from reporting around the world, Alan Whicker takes his first trepidatious step into the world of TV instantly finding himself at home when the cameras roll.

To Alan’s immense relief and happiness the producers like his natural, amiable style and he becomes Â鶹Éç Tonight’s roving reporter.

But never one to stand still, Alan has an idea for a series of stories about social issues, reporting from the other side of the world. A 30,000-mile world trip, crossing five continents filming more than forty different reports.

But he’s proposing to do something never done before. It will be just himself and a two-man crew and Alan will direct, write, and front the pieces. All the rushes flown back to London for film editor Jack Gold to shape into stories for the nightly show.

Soon Alan, cameraman Cyril Moorhead and sound recordist Freddie Downton set out around the world. Going longer, faster and further than any other crew has done before. Alan pushes his tiny crew to the limit as they race around the world at break-neck speed. Has Alan bitten off more than he can chew?

Returning to England Alan and his shattered crew find their efforts have been worthwhile and Alan’s reports have gone down a storm.

Tonight’s producer, Donald Baverstock has the idea to turn these reports into stand-alone programmes.

A show that will be the making of Alan Whicker and define his unique style to the British public. But no-one can think of a name for the series!

How Alan Whicker reshaped TV and discovered his 'World'.

Alan Whicker … Jon Culshaw
Cyril Moorhead … Tom Dussek
Freddie Downton … Matt Beaumont
Donald Baverstock… Andy Cresswell
Alasdair Milne… John David Henshaw
Cynthia Kee… Amelia Armande
Grace Wyndham Goldie … Sorcha Brooks
Leonard Miall … Charlie Buckland
Joy Moorhead … Penny Scott Andrews
Marguerite Higgins … Antonia Kinlay
Ned Sherrin … Doug Devaney
Hong Kong Biggles … Justin K Hayward
Antony Jay … Brett Fancy
Jack Gold … Thomas Grant
Fred Atkinson … Russell Shaw
Interpreter … Mei Konski
Cliff Michelmore … Peter Walsh
American GI … Jeremy Albret

Producer: Simon Moorhead

A TBC Audio production, first broadcast on Â鶹Éç Radio 4 Extra in 2022.

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