Stanley Tucci's Culinary Journey Abroad: A Peek into the Upcoming Season of "Tucci in the UK"

After three Emmy wins and two nominations for his beloved travel and culinary series, "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy" and "Tucci in Italy," the celebrated actor and food aficionado is embarking on a new adventure. This time, he's crossing the English Channel to explore the United Kingdom's rich gastronomic landscape in the upcoming season of "Tucci in the UK." In an exclusive interview with Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast, Tucci shared his excitement about the move and why he chose the U.K. as his next destination: "Italy will always have a special place in my heart, but there's no denying that Britain is a foodie paradise," Tucci revealed. "I've been living here for almost 15 years now, and London has just been named the best food destination in the world. I'm not just talking about Michelin-starred restaurants; I'm talking about the produce, the seafood, the meat, the artisanal producers – it's all outstanding." Tucci expressed his admiration for the dedicated farmers, fishermen, and chefs who are committed to farm-to-table and farm-to-fork dining, promising that "Tucci in the UK" will showcase their stories and highlight the country's diverse culinary offerings. Hosting a travel series was not initially on Tucci's radar, but as he explained, the idea of exploring Italy region by region came to him around 20 years ago: "I'd never seen anything like it before, so I brought up the concept to a few people, and they thought I was crazy," Tucci remembered. "But six or seven years ago, CNN approached me with an offer to create a show, and I knew just what I wanted to do." As for his favorite underrated region in Italy, Tucci recommends Le Marche: "It's right next to Tuscany and is not as crowded with tourists. The coastline is beautiful, the food is exceptional, and it's surprisingly affordable," he said. With "Tucci in Italy" once again earning a nomination for outstanding hosted nonfiction series or special, Tucci took the time to reflect on his journey from acting to hosting and what it's like to call himself "The Tooch." The podcast also covered his thoughts on the current Emmy race, his 10 Questions quiz, and a look back at his first appearance in Variety over four decades ago. Stay tuned for more updates on Stanley Tucci's gastronomic adventures as he travels across the U.K., and don't miss "Tucci in the UK" when it premieres next season!