Nelufar Hedayat, a journalist and television presenter, has offered a revealing glimpse into the profoundly moving and sometimes turbulent discussions set to feature in this year’s BBC Pilgrimage program.
The seventh installment of “Pilgrimage: The Road Through the Alps” is returning with seven prominent individuals undertaking a demanding 300-kilometer trek through the stunning landscapes of Austria and Switzerland, following a historically significant Catholic route. The cast – comprised of Hedayat, Helen Lederer, Daliso Chaponda, Harry Clark, Jay McGuiness, Jeff Brazier, and Stef Reid – embark on a deeply personal journey of reflection and exploration.
Speaking with GB News and other media outlets, Hedayat, at 37 years old, described her own internal struggles alongside the intense exchanges she experienced with her fellow pilgrims. She recounted a particularly fervent conversation that occurred early in the first episode, stating: “That dinner was extremely heated, and it happened very soon into the series. It wasn’t heated because of what we anticipated.”
Hedayat explained that despite the diverse religious backgrounds – encompassing Muslim, Christian, and other beliefs – present at the table, the conflict wasn’t rooted in theological disagreement. “You know, you have a Muslim, a Christian, and more all around a table, what are they going to argue about? Religion – but it wasn’t.
She elaborated further: “Daliso wasn’t trying to soothe my feelings; he was intentionally prompting me to express the anger and frustration I’d been harboring. It felt remarkably authentic – intensely so. None of it was easy, and as any pilgrim knows, this type of journey is inherently challenging, tapping into very raw emotions.”
Hedayat revealed a significant personal conflict she has wrestled with regarding her faith: “As a Muslim, and someone who critically examines the world around me, I’ve reached a point where I question everything. These established texts and traditions that we were entrusted with are proving increasingly difficult for me to reconcile. I wasn’t anticipating assistance on this journey from a Christian colleague, utilizing her own faith – nor did I expect solace from another Muslim like Stef Reid.”
She continued: “It’s become clear to me that I don’t need to rigidly adhere to the past. The wisdom of others—like Harry Clark’s insights—has fundamentally shifted my perspective. I’ve learned so much, and now understand it is permissible to move beyond outdated doctrines.”
The experience proved emotionally taxing for Hedayat, who described her feelings as “terrifying, itchy, cringe-worthy, difficult, and unprocessed.” Reflecting on her extensive career as a journalist reporting from conflict zones – including Afghanistan, the Arab Spring, Syria, and illegal markets – she shared: “My journalism has taken me to some of humanity’s darkest corners. I’ve witnessed women suffering under Taliban rule, the chaos of the Arab Spring, debilitating tear-gas attacks, desperate refugees, and the production of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. For me, religion represents control, and this journey forced a reevaluation of that perspective.”
The program’s exploration promises to be profoundly affecting, prompting viewers to contemplate fundamental questions about faith, belief, and human connection.
“Pilgrimage: The Road Through the Alps” will premiere on BBC Two and iPlayer this Sunday, April 20th at 9pm. Subsequent episodes will air on April 21st and 22nd also at 9pm.
