BBC presenter Michael Portillo found himself in a comical predicament during the latest episode of his series Great Japanese Railway Journeys, when he was swarmed by nearly 1,500 wild deer in Nara Park, Japan.
Portillo, known for his vibrant wardrobe, was filming in the sacred city of Nara when a local resident used a French horn to call the Sika deer. The animals, associating the sound with acorn treats, quickly surrounded the presenter.
“The deer are arriving in huge numbers,” Portillo observed, before shouting “Get off me” as the animals trampled him. He later remarked: “These deer are delightfully tame, but every now and again one tramples me, reminding me that they are wild animals.”
The horn tradition dates back to 1896, according to Portillo’s guide. After the ordeal, Portillo noted that Nara is home to important Shinto and Buddhist religious sites, some over a thousand years old.
Viewers were also distracted by Portillo’s outfit—a purple jacket with clashing red trousers. One fan posted on X: “Michael Portillo trousers,” while another added: “I love Michael Portillo and his outrageous wardrobe.”
Great Japanese Railway Journeys is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
