Catch up TV

Series 1: 4. North East

Ricky and Ralf are in the north east, a part of the world they both love. It is where a bit-part acting gig got Ricky noticed for his breakthrough TV role on Brookside, and where Ralf’s secondary career as a semi-pro footballer took off – on a TV charity match. The pair get their heads around the region’s fanatical love of footy, talking to Middlesbrough legend, much-loved TV star and part-time singer Chris Kamara. \n\nThere is more sport as Ricky and Ralf glean some secrets from two expert local trainers on the ancient pastime of pigeon racing. But things also get emotional with an evocative trip back in time to a working coal mine, now a museum to the industry decimated in the 80s. The pair also visit one of Ricky’s favourite charities, which helps families still struggling in the wake of the industry’s collapse.\n\nBut the trip ends on a high as Ricky and Ralf visit the end of Hadrian’s Wall in Newcastle’s aptly named Wallsend and enjoy a Guy Fawkes fireworks display fit for a Roman emperor.

Source: BBC 1