Cameras have been following much-loved singer Michael Ball as he explores mid Wales for his new travel documentary, Michael Ball’s Wonderful Wales.

After spending time in Aberystwyth, there’s a spot of lunch with the local red kite population at Gigrin Farm near Rhayader, before the star heads to Ynyshir, on the Dyfi estuary, for a Michelin-starred experience with multi-award-winning chef Gareth Ward.

During his stay in mid Wales, the actor and broadcaster paid a visit to the dark skies of Staylittle, at nearby glamping site Wigwam Hafren with Allan Trow of Dark Sky Wales.

Site owner Nia Meddins presented Michael with a hamper of local produce of Dyfi Gin and lamb during his five-hour stay in the area. She said she hopes the television series will help boost tourism in the area following the coronavirus pandemic.

Nia said: “He was a lovely man, very nice. He’s exactly what he’s like on TV.

“We’re busy and booked up but getting any promotion and raising our profile like this will definitely help us.”

Michael’s journey then heads north to the Harlech coastal fortress, before he ventures to the town that ‘roofed the world’ – Blaenau Ffestiniog – and enjoys a steam-powered railway trip across the Glaslyn estuary to Porthmadog.

Michael goes on to relish the Italian architectural delights of Portmeirion, before joining the Glanaethwy choir for a powerful performance.

The singer hopes the series will help people see that “there are so many layers to the Welsh landscape, to the Welsh people, to the Welsh heritage, to just dive into.

“It’s a joy of a place and it’s on our doorstep – don’t miss out on it.

“There aren’t many places like it in the world, and we should be really proud of it.”

Michael Ball’s Wonderful Wales continues on Friday, July 13 at 8pm on Channel 5.