BBC Two TV Guide

Deirdre O'Kane, Jay Rayner, Tessa Sanderson and Iwan Thomas test their general knowledge skills in the penultimate round of challenges

Michael Portillo's railway tour through Uzbekistan continues in the lush oasis surrounding the historic city of Samarkand. Here, he uncovers the Central Asian origins of the apple, a fruit that travelled to Europe along the Silk Road. Boarding a high-speed train along the old Trans-Caspian Railway, Michael also hears how the Russians toiled to build this remarkable line through the shifting sands of Uzbekistan's steppe

Emma suspects the pond is being fished by more than their local fishermen and trail cameras capture the visit of a family of hungry otters. The Williamsons take their ram lambs to a prestigious sale on the mainland hoping to make big money and secure their reputation as top tup breeders, while Callum and Zara's children Lucy and Lottie enter the young handlers competition at the Arran agricultural show

The last heat of this year's competition has arrived, and the final group of six amateurs have been waiting for their shot at culinary stardom. Anna Haugh and Grace Dent will be putting them through their paces across two tasks. The hopefuls include two teachers, a pub manager and a civil servant. The signature dish round kicks off proceedings, with Anna and Grace hoping to sample a creation that represents the amateurs down to a tee

Porthcawl's crew receive a call about a swimmer who's been swept out to sea in a rip current on the south-west coast of Wales. On the Cornish coast, the Sennen Cove and Penlee crews respond to reports of a 31,000 ton cargo ship that's about to run aground on the Wolf Rock lighthouse. The Chiswick crew race to rescue of a party boat that has lost engine power on the Thames

Bob, Paul and Ted travel to Blakeney Point, a nature reserve and important nesting ground for terns and gulls, for a sea-fishing adventure off the north Norfolk coast. On the first day, the rain is lashing down, but they bravely meet the elements head on and fish in some of the most challenging conditions they have ever faced. After a day of mixed fortunes, they take a boat back to the car and head to their accommodation for the evening. Bear's Cottage was built in 1856 and is surrounded by 200 acres of trees, including giant redwoods and noble firs

Insights and global interviews on the news stories of the day. With Paddy O'Connell

Livestock farmer Joyce has a rare tumour in her bile duct and is undergoing a complex operation to have it removed. During the life-saving procedure, Anya Adair and Professor Steve Wigmore encounter a difficult dilemma with huge consequences. Also, surgeon Malcolm Will has taken on a rare case involving a tumour that has invaded his patient's chest wall