Jay McGuiness reflects on faith and ‘Judgement’ in catholicism during pilgrimage

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Singer and actor Jay McGuiness has opened up about his relationship with Catholicism, expressing that he found it “too judgemental” for his beliefs. McGuiness, known for his time in The Wanted and as a Strictly Come Dancing winner, is taking part in the BBC’s Pilgrimage: The Road Through The Alps. The series follows a group of celebrities, including comedian Helen Lederer and TV personality Jeff Brazier, as they trek from the Austrian village of Inzing to Einsiedeln Abbey in the Swiss Alps.

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McGuiness, raised in an Irish Catholic family in Nottinghamshire, reflected on his upbringing and how his views have shifted. “I was raised going to Catholic school, attending church on Sundays, but as time has gone on, the rule book that comes with being a Catholic feels too judgemental for where I am now,” said the 34-year-old. He now identifies as agnostic, stating he has no firm belief about the existence of a higher power, though he remains curious to explore his spiritual identity.

In contrast, fellow pilgrim and British army engineer Harry Clark, from Slough, has always had faith. Clark, who served in the Catholic Church and played the violin in his youth, expressed his excitement to meet the other pilgrims and learn about their beliefs. “I’ve questioned who God is my whole life, not in a bad way, but because no one knows who God is,” Clark shared.

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The series also features a diverse group of participants, including comedian Daliso Chaponda, who is exploring the Baha’i faith, and journalist Nelufar Hedayat, a modern Muslim. Their journey takes them through the scenic Arlberg mountain pass, culminating at Einsiedeln Abbey, home to the Black Madonna, a 15th-century religious icon.