Great Canal Journeys

This programme caught me completely by surprise, I tuned in assuming it would be full of great scenery, amazing vistas and a little bit of history about the canals themselves... and it was, in fact the history aspect was extremely well covered by Tim, who is a very well informed man and a joy to listen to as his passion for the subject matter is mesmerising... but here comes the punch, through Tim and Pru, who are well into their 80s you get this fantastic insight into love, relationships and getting older. I found the journeys quite emotional, Tim and Pru's spirit of adventure lifted my heart so much as I watched them navigate the waterways. Absolutely brilliant, a hidden gem.

Despite the very occasional boring stop-off, this travelogue series is groundbreaking TV. Seeing veteran actors and well-seasoned boaters Prunella Scales and husband Timothy West still living life to the full at such a range of locations - even with the limitations of Alzheimer's - is the best form of entertainment. I always assumed this series would sadly end with the inevitable, but making the brave decision to continue the show with barging novices Gyles Brandreth and arthritic Sheila Hancock proved to be genius - I've only see their first episode so far, but I laughed so much! Hopefully Great Canal Journeys will continue for many more years.

A brilliant series that works on so many levels - travelogue, history documentary, living with Alzheimer's story and, most successfully, insight into a couple who are still devoted to each other after so many years.

Happy to say that, after a number of e-mails to the production company Spun Gold and numerous promises of imminent dee vee dee (sorry, a rather over-zealous IMDb thinks capitalising dee vee dee is shouting) releases, I've finally heard that a two-disc 'highlights' package will be released on July 3rd. At last!

I'm going to sound ancient, but here me out. This show is so much more than a travelogue. It's a documentation on how a couple who've been together for over 50 years are still going strong. Compare that to most couples today who split up. It's also a release from watching copious amounts of sex, swearing and violence, as well as D-list celebrities in the jungle munching down on kangaroo privates or gangs of orange, fake-tanned morons who can barely count past two.

Just one of the most joyous programmes channel 4 have ever made; delightful, whimsical, lighthearted and funny in in the most touching way. Tim and Prue are one of the great theatrical partnerships, both professionally and privately. Who could not be moved by their deep love for one another and all that is beautiful on the canals? Also, they're doing a fantastic PR job for our great canals which can only have a positive knock on effect. Long may they both continue on these wonderful adventures set to exquisite scenery and that hauntingly lovely soundtrack. If only all documentary/reality TV was made as brilliantly as this - Channel 4 please reassure me there are more series to come?