Frank Gardner's Real Tintin Adventure

BBC correspondent Frank Gardner goes in search of the origins of the cartoon character that inspired him to become an adventuring journalist.

Frank grew up reading Tintin, and as soon as he was old enough to explore the world for himself, he set off for Russia on his first adventure - just like Tintin.

Frank investigates the similarities between Tintin's adventures and those of real-life photojournalist Robert Sexe, on whom Tintin - created by Belgian comic artist Hergé (Georges Remi) - is allegedly based. His quest leads him to Belgium and then on to Russia. With his waspish sense of humour and love of travel, Frank explores the secretive world of the early Soviet Union and an era now seen as a golden age of exploration and travel.

This trip will be broadcasted by BBC 2 on October 2011. Moulinsart participates to the production.