PICK OF THE DAY

WALKING BRITAIN’S LOST RAILWAYS 9PM, CH5

★★★★

The UK’S rail network used to cover more than 20,000 miles, but half of that has gone, and the lost section Rob Bell (right) is exploring this week is the Elham Valley line in Kent. Completed in 1899, the railway played a low-key part until it was requisitioned by the government in the Second World War – and targeted by the Luftwaffe. Rob hears the fascinating tale of how the line’s curves helped to defend the area, and learns of its VIP guests. He then discovers how it gave way to the future of rail travel with the Eurotunnel.

UNREPORTED WORLD 7.30PM, CH4

★★★★ Cobalt is powering the world’s green revolution,

but the practice of mining the mineral is a dirty one. Seventy per cent of it is mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Central Africa, and this episode reveals that local workers are displaying very worrying health effects – and receive very little pay.

SUSAN CALMAN’S GRAND DAY OUT 8PM, CH5

★★★★

To be, or not to be... That’s the question Susan is pondering as she heads into Shakespeare country. In Stratford-uponAvon, she visits the former home of the Bard’s wife, and looks behind the scenes at the Royal Shakespeare Company, including its store of more than 40,000 costumes.

MRS BROWN’S BOYS LIVE 9.30PM, BBC1

★★★

The popular sitcom is back for a Halloween-themed special – and it’s totally live! Agnes gets a shock visit from a face from her past, but it soon becomes clear that no one else can see them… So, has Agnes gone mad? Or is something spooky going on in Finglas? Father Damien is on hand to help.