Chesney Hawkes, Dr Amir Khan, Victoria Pendleton and Jay Rayner Join Award-Winning LNER Podcast Routes as It Returns for Series 3

Leading the Series 3 line-up are singer, songwriter and actor Chesney Hawkes, GP and TV doctor Dr Amir Khan, Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton, food critic and broadcaster Jay Rayner, Race Across the World winner Alfie Watts, and broadcaster and author Hilary Whitehall, with additional guests to be announced.

Now an established hit in branded podcasting, Routes has won Gold at the Corporate Content Awards in both 2025 and 2026, recognising its standout storytelling and audience engagement. Produced by content agency This Is Distorted, the series has become known for its warm, human conversations that go far beyond traditional travel content.

Rather than focusing solely on destinations, Routes explores the personal meaning behind travel from formative journeys and career-defining trips to family holidays, unexpected detours and the moments that stay with us long after the journey ends. Each episode blends humour, honesty and reflection, offering listeners an intimate look at how travel shapes identity and perspective.

Host Jenni Falconer said: "Routes is one of those shows that genuinely surprises me every single time. I sit down with someone I think I know, and within minutes they’re taking me somewhere completely unexpected - a childhood holiday that changed everything, a work trip that went gloriously wrong, a weekend away they’ll never forget… Every guest brings a completely different map of their life and I feel incredibly lucky to be the one they’re sharing it with. Series three has some of my favourite conversations yet. Funny, heartfelt, and full of moments I genuinely didn’t see coming."

Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the third series of our award-winning podcast, Routes. Jenni Falconer takes listeners on a journey of discovery as a fantastic list of celebrity guests reveal their love for travel, favourite destinations and share some of the memories that have shaped their lives. We have some great conversations lined up this season and we can’t wait to share the first episode on 7th July, whether you’re travelling onboard one of our trains - where you can scan the QR code to listen - or via your favourite podcast app.”

Produced by This Is Distorted, Routes is a leading example of branded podcasting that blends entertainment, storytelling and brand purpose, connecting with audiences across both digital platforms and onboard LNER services.Available on all major podcast platforms, YouTube, onboard LNER trains via seat-back QR codes and available on lner.co.uk.Routes is the perfect companion for travel across the East Coast Main Line and beyond.