In 1997, prior to making this series, actor Ewan McGregor was in an episode of the American TV series "ER" which was similarly titled: ER: The Long Way Around (1997).
Ewan McGregor: I said, "Eve, I want you to look after my wedding ring while I'm away," and she started to cry and I said, "Eve. Eve, I can't wear my ring or I won't get laid on the trip!"