Catch up TV

Series 1: 2. Greece

For the second leg of their European health adventure, middle-aged mates Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris touch down on the rocky Greek island of Ikaria, nicknamed the island of longevity. One in three Ikarians live well into their 90s, ten years more than most people in the UK, and Paddy and Chris are on a mission to find out how. \n\nTheir first stop is a village in the Highland Plateau where the majority of the really old-timers live. They meet a typical Ikarian family, who embody the simple way of life, and are set to work earning their self-sufficiency stripes. Whilst Chris gets to grips with milking the family’s goats for cheese, Paddy helps dad and daughter put up a fence in their fields. It’s hot and hard work, but the lads are rewarded with a beautiful Ikarian feast, the islanders' organic diet also being a key ingredient to long life. \n\nNext, Paddy and Chris head to the south of the island to meet Stavros, a 78-year-old fisherman. They might be more hindrance than help in bringing in the catch of the day, but as they head out into the Aegean Sea, the lads endeavour to find out if the Ikarian habit of not retiring helps to put more miles on the clock. \n\nSome Ikarians put their longevity down to their stress-free lifestyle and when it comes to winding down, the island has it all, including surf. Novices Chris and Paddy hit the waves for a stress-busting surf session that’s more wipeout than Hawaii Five-0, but both agree it definitely releases feel-good endorphins. \n\nHaving de-stressed, the lads decide to have a night out Ikarian style, which much to Paddy’s disappointment is less Bacardi Breezers and more backgammon. All over the island, men can be found playing this board game, and it’s not just a bit of fun. Board games like Backgammon are thought to keep the brain healthier for longer. Chris tries to teach Paddy, but it doesn’t go well. \n\nFor their penultimate day on the island, Paddy has a challenge up his sleeve designed to test their mettle, get them out of their comfort zone and build their mental resilience - rock climbing! Under the guidance of pro climbers Nick and Evangelos, and with all the appropriate safety gear, they go about scaling a 20-metre-high, almost vertical rock face. With a fear of heights, it could be a challenge too far for Chris. \n\nAfter facing their fears on Mikri Pounta, their final day on the island sees Chris and Paddy back on more familiar ground - well on two wheels anyway. They head to the hills on scooters and join one of the island’s famous village parties, a panigiri, which is a festival that celebrates a saint’s day, and every village on the island has at least one. After another big welcome plus feast, Paddy decides to give something back with a game from home - bingo. Luckily, he doesn’t go anywhere without his bingo balls, but will this beloved game travel? And what will both learn from their Ikarian adventure?

Source: BBC 1