A TV PROGRAMME featuring Martin Clunes showing off the charms of Dorset has received mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike.

Celebrity travelogue Mel Giedroyc and Martin Clunes Explore Britain by the Book screened on Wednesday night on ITV1 and saw the pair take a literary tour of the county.

The i newspaper, giving the show a four star rating, called it: 'a jolly and entertaining trip', while the Telegraph newspaper, rated it two out of five stars and said the programme was 'tailor-made for philistines'.

"Both hosts seemed uninterested in the wondrous literary works of Fowles, Hardy or McEwan as they explored their various Dorset settings," the review said.

But viewers praised the show for its humour and stunning scenery.

One of the standout moments of the show was Martin Clunes shouting out, "Chundercats are go!", one said.

The comedic chemistry between Clunes and Giedroyc was also a highlight, with many viewers suggesting that the duo should have their own programme.

People also enjoyed the stunning landscapes showcased throughout.

Comparisons were drawn to the recently ended Channel 5 series Dorset: Country and Coast, voiced by Alan Titchmarsh.

Viewers said the programme was 'far better' and less of a 'snooze fest'.

One viewer mentioned that they found the programme to be stilted and poorly edited, while another viewer preferred the Channel 5 programme and criticised the 'constant giggling' on the ITV show.

  • You can catch up with Mel Giedroyc and Martin Clunes Explore Britain by the Book on catch-up service ITVX.