BBC Four TV Guide

Michael Portillo begins the final leg of his journey at the Transport Research Laboratory in Wokingham, where they have been keeping Britain's roads safe for 90 years. The presenter learns how practical research into road safety led to innovations such as seatbelts, zebra crossings and mini roundabouts

On the last leg of his epic journey across the north of England, narrowboater Robbie Cumming tackles the fast-flowing River Ouse and is forced to make an emergency stop. His destination is Ripon Basin at the outer reaches of Britain's inland waterways

Exploring the realm of the creatures to better understand how they have evolved. Travelling from the rain forests of French Guiana to the Arctic Ocean, scientists use traditional and cutting edge techniques to examine both modern insects and the fossil record in their search for a single common insect ancestor

Documentary examining why the Germans fought on despite disastrous military defeats between autumn 1942 and winter 1943, and describing how the perceived threat of communism posed by Russia was enough to persuade the army to persevere, even when victory looked impossible

Lucinda Lambton investigates the history of the great estate of Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan. First broadcast March 17, 2002

Despite enjoying a high-flying career as leader of Newcastle City Council, Mary despairs as her marriage to Nicky crumbles under the strain of infidelity and overwork. An alcoholic Geordie finds himself without a roof over his head, and Tosker's fortune is jeopardised. Decade-spanning drama, starring Peter Vaughan, Christopher Eccleston and Daniel Craig

The epic drama concludes in 1995 with an emotional reunion in Newcastle eight years after Mary and Nicky's last meeting. High-flying businessman Tosker launches his floating nightclub on the Tyne, and Geordie escapes from prison, descending into alcoholism while living on the run. Christopher Eccleston, Gina McKee, Mark Strong and Daniel Craig star