Stanley Tucci Reveals the Surprising New Destination for His Hit Food Series

After spending years eating his way across Italy, Stanley Tucci is setting the table somewhere new.

The Emmy-nominated actor and host has revealed that the next season of his acclaimed travel series Tucci In Italy will take viewers to the United Kingdom, where he has lived for nearly 15 years. Speaking on Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast on August 7, Tucci said the decision came from wanting to showcase a side of British cuisine that many people overlook.

“I wanted to do the U.K. because I just feel like there’s so much here,” Tucci said. “I’m not just talking about fancy restaurants… the produce, the seafood, the meat… the devoted people like fishermen, cheesemakers and farmers. That kind of stuff is amazing.” 

The move marks a notable shift for the series, which has built its reputation exploring Italy’s distinct regional cuisines and culinary traditions. While Italy remains close to Tucci’s heart, he believes Britain has its own remarkable food culture that’s worthy of the spotlight.
The actor also said filming the series has given him a deep appreciation for the people behind the food.

“I think that the produce that’s here — the seafood that’s here, the meat that’s here, the devoted people like these fishermen or lobstermen, or a guy who raises pigs that will be like the best pork you’ll ever eat — that kind of stuff is amazing. And then, really amazing chefs that are devoted to farm-to-table or farm-to-fork, I guess is the new expression.” 

The announcement comes as Tucci in Italy is once again in the Emmy conversation, earning another nomination for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special. Tucci’s previous CNN series, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, won three Emmy Awards before the actor partnered with National Geographic for the current incarnation.

In addition to filming the new season, Tucci is also staying busy on the acting front with upcoming projects, including The Devil Wears Prada 2, while continuing to balance his work behind the camera with life at home in London.