John and Richard have been friends for fifteen years. Over that time they have been colleagues, flatmates and a comedy double act. Despite notching up numerable credits on stage, TV, film and radio between them, right now they are skint with no prospect of work. They have, as per usual, gravitated back towards one another and are currently flat-sharing again.

John is dynamic, enthusiastic and slightly eccentric. Richard is happy-go-lucky, dreamy and also slightly eccentric. Their working relationship isn’t the smoothest - bossy John gets frustrated that he always has to motivate Richard. Unmotivated Richard gets frustrated that John keeps bossing him around. Despite all this, they have a shared comic sensibility that gets them riffing for hours and making each other laugh. They also have a tendency to drive one another mad. One fears that petty quibbles about the washing-up and using up the milk will pale into insignificance after a few weeks on a cramped boat.

But they both possess that key element found in all good comedians - being keen observers of the human condition and behaviour. Neither takes himself too seriously, and the tone of the series reflects this everyman aspect of the show. They are our smart, warm and funny guides to this journey. And both are determined - if not initially unsuited - to accomplish their mission. Both have a natural charm and lovable daftness that will capture the hearts of a nation willing them to succeed. Even Tracy Edwards MBE has jumped on board and will accompany them, as a passenger, on the most treacherous leg of their journey.

John and Richard are a classic odd couple, firm friends, and a naturally funny pair of likeable people who have already inspired an astonishingly large and colourful network of help and support for their high seas, high stakes mission.