Hairy Biker Si King shared how he keeps his mental health in check as he joined Robson Green for the last of his Weekend Escapes in the North East.
The pair met up in rainy Northumberland to tour some of the region's gems for the final episode of the BBC Two series. But it wasn't the first time that Robson and Si had crossed paths, the Grantchester star explained as they hit the road.
"I know Si from back in the day, when I'd just started treading the boards," Robson told viewers. "Because before he became famous in front of the camera, Si worked behind the scenes - so he's well used to putting me in my place."
READ MORE: ITV's Vera cast flock to Gateshead estate for new series leaving residents delighted
Si worked in film and TV production for a number of years, including being a location manager on the first two Harry Potter films. It was behind the scenes of a TV drama that he first met fellow Hairy Biker Dave Myers in 1995, when he was working as a second assistant director and Dave was a make-up artist to the stars.
After the pair visited Chillingham Castle, Si candidly opened up about his mental health. "I'm not ashamed to admit that I've struggled with my mental health most of my life," Si told Robson as he revealed his unusual coping mechanism - playing the drums.
When he's not rustling up delicious dishes in his day job, Si is a drummer and singer in funk and soul group The King Cush Band. "I get very tetchy if I haven't picked up the drums for three or four days. I absolutely need that to ground myself," he admitted.
Fortunately, old pal Robson had a surprise in store as the pair continued their trip across Northumberland. "We're going to Beadnell to play the bongos," he announced to a thrilled Si.
"I knew you did a bit of drumming, and I knew you were in a band - and the fact that you haven't invited me to sing in your band, I'll just take that with a pinch of salt, because I don't know if you know, but I've done a bit of singing in me day," Robson joked.
Si and Robson had a go at an open-air music lesson on the beautiful Beadnell Bay as the sun set. And as the pair tucked into sausage sandwiches together later on, Robson told him: "Si, you're the most gorgeous fella. I've missed you, man."
As the series comes to a close, it's clear that Robson's exploration of our stunning region will be missed by viewers. One fan wrote on Twitter: "Robson Green's Weekend Escapes is the most wholesome content on TV right now."
"Robson Green's Weekend Escapes is a wonderful series," another person tweeted. "He is a terrific presenter and I love all his journeys and escapades - unmissable."
A third viewer said: "Robson Green's Weekend Escapes is a wonderful advert for North East tourism." All 15 episodes of the series are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
READ NEXT:
Northumberland hillfort safari gets big booking boost from Robson Green TV show
Vicky Pattison admits being 'bag of nerves' ahead of appearance in Parliament for new charity role
Call The Midwife's Helen George 'unsure' of future after 'concerning' hint about Trixie
Jacket Potato's Masked Singer identity a done deal as 'undeniable' proof surfaces online
