When Johnny Vegas, a veteran British comedian, teamed up with fellow comic Lucy Beaumont for the premiere of Series 6 of World's Most Dangerous Roads, viewers got a wild ride through Montenegro’s razor‑edge cliffs and hairpin turns.
The episode aired Sunday, 3 November 2024 at 8 p.m. on U&Dave, the UKTV entertainment channel that has been rolling out the motoring‑meets‑comedy franchise since 2018. Over three days, the duo faced a busted engine, a bout of nausea, and the revelation that Beaumont can’t actually drive – a twist that turned a high‑octane road trip into a comedy of errors.
How the Montenegro Adventure Came Together
Production was handled by Ricochet, the independent outfit behind several UKTV hits. Executive producer Sandy Watson oversaw the shoot, while head of factual and factual entertainment Helen Nightingale green‑lit the series for the network. The specific ordering for U&Dave came from channel director Cherie Hall and commissioning director Hilary Rosen.
The Montenegro leg was filmed in the rugged coastal region around Montenegro between late September and early October 2024, though exact dates remain under wraps. The crew set out on a borrowed 4×4, planning to tackle the famed “Mojkovac–Risan” stretch, a route that drops an estimated 800 metres over a few kilometres.
The Road‑Trip Reality: Laughter, Nausea, and a Stalled Engine
Here’s the thing: Beaumont’s chronic travel sickness turned the tight mountain passes into a genuine health hazard. Halfway through the first day she was frantically hunting for a bucket, a moment that left both comedians clutching the steering wheel and giggling despite the queasiness.
But wait – the car’s engine started coughing up smoke and finally gave out on a hairpin just outside Kotor, forcing a full stop. “I can’t believe I have such fond memories of being so bloody terrified at times,” Vegas later told the British Comedy Guide. “I can only put it down to Lucy’s inexhaustible quirky humour under pressure and Montenegro’s stunning variation of landscapes.”
Beaumont, who admitted she never learned to drive, added, “I still can’t believe I made it in one piece; I didn’t want to be on a dangerous road with Johnny driving, but I didn’t want to leave either.” Her candid confession, coupled with a few improvised “history lessons” for locals, gave the episode a surprisingly heartfelt vibe.
What the Rest of Series 6 Brings
- Episode 2 sees comedians Babatunde Aléshé and Kae Kurd head to Zambia’s remote plateau.
- Episode 3 is a compilation titled “World’s Most Dangerous Roads: Rhod Gilbert’s Extra Mile,” narrated by the veteran comic Rhod Gilbert.
- Three brand‑new episodes are slated for 2025, expanding the franchise’s global reach.
The format stays true to its roots: pairs of comedians are dropped into perilous terrain, asked to engage with local culture, and forced to confront their own limits. The motoring‑genre label on the UKTV site captures the hybrid nature of the series—part travel documentary, part comedy‑road‑trip.
Critical Reception and Viewer Response
Initial reactions on social media highlight the episode’s blend of awe‑inspiring vistas and cringe‑worthy moments. Fans praised the authenticity of the breakdown scene, noting that “you can practically hear the engine sputter”. Meanwhile, critics from Chortle and TV Zone UK praised the chemistry between Vegas and Beaumont, calling it “a masterclass in improvisational comedy under pressure”.
Interestingly, Rotten Tomatoes mistakenly listed the network as BBC, but all official sources—including the UKTV press release dated October 2024—confirm the home of the series is U&Dave. The error sparked a brief online debate about the importance of accurate metadata for streaming platforms.
Why This Matters for UK Comedy and Travel TV
The series represents a growing trend where UK comedy talent is leveraged to explore far‑flung locales, offering audiences a fresh angle on travel‑show formats. By pairing comedians who aren’t traditionally associated with motoring, producers tap into a broader demographic—viewers who might tune in for the laughs but stay for the scenery.
For Johnny Vegas, whose real name is Michael Joseph Pennington, the show adds another chapter to a career that began on the alternative comedy circuit of the 1990s. Beaumont, best known for her role in “Meet The Richardsons,” gains exposure beyond the sitcom realm. Their joint appearance also underscores UKTV’s strategy of cross‑promoting talent across its comedy slate.
What’s Next on the Horizon?
Beyond the 2025 episodes, UKTV hinted at possible spin‑offs focusing on non‑comedian celebrities—maybe actors or musicians—who could bring a different dynamic to the dangerous‑road formula. The network also mentioned exploring new regions like the Andes or the Canadian Rockies, promising even more breathtaking backdrops.
For now, fans can re‑watch the Montenegro trek on the U&Dave streaming app, where the full hour‑long episode is listed with a runtime of precisely 60 minutes on IMDb.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Montenegro episode affect Johnny Vegas’s career?
The show highlights Vegas’s willingness to step outside his usual stand‑up arena, exposing him to a younger streaming audience. Industry analysts note that his participation could lead to more reality‑based projects, broadening his brand beyond traditional TV comedy.
What safety measures were in place for the dangerous roads?
Ricochet hired local stunt coordinators and a medical crew on standby. The 4×4 used was equipped with a rollover cage, and both comedians underwent a brief safety briefing before hitting the mountain passes.
Who else is featured in Series 6 besides Vegas and Beaumont?
Episode 2 pairs Babatunde Aléshé with Kae Kurd on a Zambian road trek, while Episode 3 is a highlight reel narrated by comedian Rhod Gilbert, pulling together the most dramatic moments from previous seasons.
Why was Lucy Beaumont’s inability to drive a plot point?
Producers wanted genuine tension. Beaumont’s lack of driving skills forced the pair to rely on teamwork and improvisation, creating natural comedy moments that resonated with viewers.
When will the next season of ‘World’s Most Dangerous Roads’ air?
Three fresh episodes are slated for early 2025 on U&Dave, with locations still under seal but expected to include South American mountain routes.
