Beloved television personality Jane McDonald made a poignant and emotional return to screens on Friday night, revealing a powerful personal philosophy that drove her to embark on her latest adventure. The singer and presenter debuted her new Channel 5 travel series, Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole, on 2 January 2026, taking viewers on an epic expedition from the Antarctic to the Arctic.
An Epic Journey Begins at the End of the Earth
The inaugural episode saw Jane commence her bucket-list adventure on the Antarctic Peninsula, the closest point to the South Pole accessible for her journey. The star didn't hold back, immersing herself in the stark beauty and challenges of the frozen landscape. Her activities included navigating around Winter Island to witness towering icebergs and native wildlife up close, and braving the perilous, icy waters in a two-person kayak.
Following the day's thrill-seeking, which also involved zipping about on a zodiac inflatable boat, Jane joined 224 fellow guests and travellers, including pioneers Martin, Chris Lynn, and Michael, for a communal dinner with a breathtaking sea view. It was during these reflective moments that the tone of the show shifted to something more profound.
'Tomorrow is Never Promised': A Heartfelt Revelation
In a candid and moving segment, Jane opened up about the core motivation behind undertaking such a demanding trip. "Tomorrow is never promised, and we have got a window," she admitted to her fellow travellers. "While we are still well and fit, we can do a paddleboard and fall in and get back up. Here is to adventure travel and new friendship."
This heartfelt admission underscored a message of carpe diem – seizing the moment while health and opportunity allow. It framed the entire travelogue not just as a sightseeing tour, but as a conscious, celebratory embrace of life's possibilities.
Packing Panic and a 'Game Changer' Solution
The journey wasn't without its pre-trip anxieties, as Jane later confessed to a minor 'breakdown' while attempting to pack for the extreme climates. Faced with the dilemma of fitting bulky Antarctic gear like massive coats, three jumpers, and a ski suit into a single case, she turned to the internet for a solution.
Her saviour? Vacuum travel bags. Demonstrating their use on screen, Jane showed how the technology compressed her voluminous clothing to half its size. "This, to me, is a game changer," she declared, while offering a crucial piece of advice for viewers: "Don't forget, though, to weigh it because it's still gonna weigh the same."
Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole is available to watch on Channel 5 and its on-demand services.
