Isn't Michael Portillo adorable as a TV presenter?

[Beachtastic]

I grew up with the caricatures of him in Spitting Image and Private Eye, and could easily have written him off as a joke. So I'm glad he got to produce his fabulous train programmes - one of the few things my mum could watch with pleasure. Now that she's gone, I find myself watching his series again with great nostalgia and affection - not just thinking back to shared moments with her, but also pure appreciation of him!

The way he sails serenely across railway platforms, with that slow steam-ship upright gait... his lovely rosy, cheerful face... his bright jackets and trousers... the valiant way he pronounces alien names (quite convincingly, to my ear)... his genuine interest in people from all walks of life... his ability to make dull subjects fascinating... his absolute lack of ego: he really doesn't mind having a go at absolutely anything, not caring if he looks a chump (which means he never does)!

Beachtastic goes from being a fan to glueing her hands. How bizarre.

Personally I’m sick of the sight of him.

The presenter I really do like for anything travel related, is Simon Reeve.

Love has pierced her heart that is all.

You're comparing apples and oranges. Both have their place.

As someone who viscerally loathed the Thatcher government and all their works, I never expected to like him. His gracious and dignified behaviour when he lost his seat was the start of a turnaround (some of the other Tory big beasts who lost out that night made a show of themselves) and it can't have been easy when a substantial proportion of people were absolutely revelling in your downfall.

The programme with the single Mum was great, as others have said and his broadcasting since excellent. He does come over as genuinely nice, and maybe there has been self reflection and development as a person. It can happen.

Only so that when he shook hands with me, we would be forever friends!! It would be like "Handcuffed" but happier, and voluntary (at least, on my side...!!!)

I’m not comparing anything! Just saying I’m sick of the sight of Portillo and infinitely prefer Simon Reeve for that sort of programme.
As for saying any man of that sort of age is ‘adorable’, quite frankly I find it a bit nauseating.

??? 🤯

What's wrong with a man of that age?

You're not "getting like MY mother!"

Having worked for a veteran charity I've met and chatted with some adorable men. From their 70s to 90s.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12039495.opposition-outrageous-to-suggest-that-property-sale-would-help-central-office-funds-mcdonalds-denies-tory-deal/
He promoted the sale of the Conservative Club's listed building in Southgate (his constituency) to McDonald's, against the wishes of the majority of his constituents who were horrified. He spoke at a meeting at said club to try and convince the packed room that it was a good deal but was booed and shouted down, losing his safe seat in the next election. His name had become mud to the people who'd supported him.

What a lovely thread! His show used to be on when I visited my mum. She had dementia and I don’t think she had a clue what it was about, but she loved Michael Portillo and was particularly fascinated with his interesting range of clashing colours. ‘Oooo, yellow trousers! Surely somebody should tell him?’ Actually, it was like all her Christmases had come at once because commenting on people’s clothes was quite possibly her favourite pastime. Often in public at top volume😬 I enjoyed the show while I was there, but it never occurred to me to seek it out at home. Must have a wee look.

Michael's brother was my school's Spanish teacher.

Not particularly related to the original post but a random piece of information. His brother is nice too and a good teacher.

I’m sure they were all lovely- I just wouldn’t use ‘adorable’ in that context. To me the word belongs to babies/young children/virtually all baby animals except the likes of crocodiles!

Well his tour ticket sales seem to have taken off since you started this thread OP.

In fact.... Michael, is that you? 🧐

Some people would say babies and young children aren’t adorable

personally I think baby crocodiles are
🤷‍♀️

He's coming nowhere near Wales unfortunately.

Agree he is a good tv presenter.

Michael Portillo also understood why the Tories lost in 1997. Had it not been for the prejudice about what he termed 'homosexual experiences' in his youth, he would have become Tory leader in 2003. And could well have been Prime Minister in 2005 by the Tories becoming the largest party.

Ooh he lives very near me and I see him often walking around the neighbourhood. He is always very colourfully dressed and well put together. (He shops local for his clothes).

I think the rule is one must abhor anyone who was in maggies cabinet. - this is a very sound rule I think.

Maybe you've just... never met the right crocodile 🌞

Baby crocodiles are ridiculously cute.

I think when we were suffering through Boris's and Liz Truss's disasters we'd have happily settled for John Major and Michael Portillo in government.

I just don't understand how he ended up being a Euro-sceptic Tory with his background.

I enjoy his programmes.

The colouring on baby alligators is adorable too
I mean look at this gorgeous chap ❤️

Yes. Alligators too and all other members of the crocodilians.