One fan of Michael Portillo has provided a short, succinct summary of what it was like to meet him. Four simple words summed up the meeting.

Posting to the Fans of Michael Portillo Facebook page, one fan shared a snap of him with the TV star. They shared their excitement, writing: "Met Michael Portillo last night, he signed my Bradshaw(s) guidebook." Summing up the experience, they added: "Very entertaining and lovely man!" Meanwhile, over on Reddit, another fan shared their encounter. They wrote: "Met Michael Portillo today! It was pretty cool. Had a photograph and everything. problem is, I didn't recognise him until my dad pointed it out and I went over to him." Someone else replied: "Could you not spot his neon trousers from a mile away? In all seriousness, he is a tremendous chap. I thoroughly enjoy his railway documentaries on BBC Two."

Michael is set to return to BBC Two and iPlayer this week with four new Great Railway Journeys series, covering Japan, South Korea, Central Asia, and Europe.

The 15-part Great Japanese Railway Journeys kicks off tonight featuring Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo.

However, the star was once "banned" from another BBC show. He once claimed to be rejected by geneaology show Who Do You Think You Are?

He made the admission during an appearance on Steph's Packed Lunch in 2021, telling host Steph McGovern he was approached by the show about taking part, only to then be rejected.

Recalling the meeting he said: "I told this story about my father. So, they said, 'you've told that story already'."

His revelation came as Steph admitted she too had been passed over for an appearance on the show. "I think a lot of people get told their family is boring.

"I had a meeting with them once as well and never heard from them again. A few of my friends have said that too, and we all think our families must be boring," she laughed.