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After what feels like an endless wait, The Trip has returned with a new series that follows Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan on a culinary expedition around Greece.
While it’s entertaining to see the fictionalised versions of the two comedians wine and dine their way around exotic locations, it’s not precisely the sole reason why viewers tune in.
The most notable aspect of The Trip is the impressions the pair reel off over dinner. Some are incredibly rusty (their Al Pacino needs a lot of work), but others are spectacular.
This new series sees the pair tackle, among others, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone and Henry VIII as a cockney.
Below is a list of the 10 most memorable impressions to date.
In at 10, Brydon’s Dustin Hoffman impression, which sees him recite the actor’s Oscar winners speech for Kramer vs Kramer in 1989, is an interesting one considering that it doesn’t seem that good until you shut your eyes. Give it a go.
9 | Ronnie Corbett
Which series? The Trip, The Trip to Greece
A brief one, but a gem nonetheless. Brydon tackles Ronnie Corbett and pulls it off with aplomb, mainly thanks to accurately capturing the late funnyman’s recognisable laugh. Corbett gets another go in the new series, too.
8 | Marlon Brando
Which series?The Trip to Italy
Even Marlon Brando would have struggled to impersonate his Godfather character Vito Corleone without the mouthpiece he wore during filming, but Brydon somehow manages it. Not that Coogan’s too impressed. “You should put rolled up bread in your cheeks to pad them out,” he says.
7 | Sean Connery
Which series? The Trip
Coogan and Brydon both use the fact they regularly order drinks as a prime opportunity to showcase their Bond impressions. Sitting top of the heap is their Sean Connery, which essentially turns into the both of them repeating ”shhhaken, not shhhtired” over one another.
6 | John Hurt
Which series? The Trip to Spain
Only on The Trip could an excursion to see a dinosaur statue turn into an excuse to start shouting in the voice of John Hurt. Moments after Brydon has given it a go, Coogan swoops in and tries his own interpretation out. One of the rare impressions that doesn’t happen at a dinner table, so we get the addition of Coogan’s John Hurt stance.
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Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan in 'The Trip to Spain' (IFC Films)
5 | Michael Parkinson
Which series?The Trip to Italy
Brydon impersonates the famous interviewer in an extended scene that sees the pair discussing which comedian has set the “benchmark” for British comedy. Coogan himself struggles to suppress laughter when, after stating that he starred alongside Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder, Brydon as Parkinson replies: “You died in the first 10 minutes, Steve. I felt you die in the first five minutes, in all honesty.”
4 | Anthony Hopkins
Which series? The Trip
Brydon’s Anthony Hopkins is an early favourite. As he reads a manuscript aloud on a car journey, Coogan says: “You were thinking of doing Anthony Hopkins, weren’t you?” inspiring Brydon to launch into a terrific impersonation of the Welsh actor.
3 | David Bowie
Which series?The Trip to Spain
This impression sees Coogan traverse 40 years of Bowie in one sentence. After Brydon reveals that the musician followed him on Twitter before his death, Coogan – impersonating Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust days – replies: “Shall I follow Rob Brydon?” before jumping to an older version of the singer: “Or shall I follow Rob Brydon in my later years?”
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2 | Mick Jagger
Which series?The Trip to Spain
Coogan’s time to shine truly arrives with his impersonation of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. The secret to his success lies in the contorting of his lips into a huge pout while moving his head about in a jittery fashion. A “peacock-style” double-clap tops it off perfectly.
Which series? The Trip, The Trip to Italy, The Trip to Spain
It’s perhaps no stretch to say that The Trip has acquired more viewers over the years thanks to Brydon and Coogan’s Caine-offs. This particular impression has become something of an old favourite, making an appearance in each series. The highpoint was the first time it occurred when both lock heads over how exactly to nail the actor’s voice – while actually doing it.
The Trip to Greece airs every Tuesday at 10pm on Sky One and is available to watch on NOW TV
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