UK TV programmes to watch this week : 17/10/2020

Top Gear (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 18th October 2020)

Freddie Flintoff, Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness head to Cyprus on a budget rental car adventure and sample the exciting new sport of car water-skiing. Back at the test track, Chris and Paddy check out the latest family cars from Audi and Lamborghini.

Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 18th October 2020)

Michael Palin recalls the making of his third travel series Full Circle, a journey around the Pacific Rim which took him to Russia, China, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand and North and South America. This series saw Michael adopting a more investigative role than in previous odysseys, particularly when encountering the drug wars and poverty that plagued Colombia. With contributions from David Attenborough and Joanna Lumley.

Enslaved with Samuel L. Jackson (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Sunday 18th October 2020)

A look at those who resisted slavery, including the famous Underground Railroad and freedom boats that helped runaway slaves to escape to the safety of Canada, using a network of safe houses to make the perilous journey north. The programme also examines the influence of famous freedom fighter Harriet Tubman and the black soldiers who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

Saving Lives at Sea (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 20th October 2020)

The Fraserburgh crew race to save a stricken fishing boat without a working rudder in a force-eight gale. On Loch Ness, a yacht becomes trapped on a weir, and one wrong move by the lifeboat crew could send it over the edge. On the north Devon coast, the Minehead crew comes to the aid of a puppy that has swallowed a fishing hook.

Secret Scotland (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 23rd October 2020)

The comedian explores Aberdeenshire and Angus on Scotland’s north-east coast – a vast area of cliffs, beaches, rolling hills and fertile farmland. Susan begins with a visit to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, where she learns about the castle’s role in the Second World War, tells the time on Scotland’s largest sundial and is let loose with the pruning shears on a very special grape vine. Later, Susan is given a crash course in seal first aid and learns of the Aberdonian who inspired escapologist Harry Houdini.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.