A QUIRK of television scheduling allows me to indulge in one of my guilty pleasures in what, for me at least, has been a slow start to the new season of programmes.

Now in its third series, Great British Railway Journeys (weeknights, BBC2, 6.30pm) sees former Conservative minister Michael Portillo criss-cross the country following George Bradshaw’s Victorian railway guide book.

And this week, as luck would have it, he’s in our part of the world.

Filmed last summer, the shows this week have seen Portillo start off in Windsor, and make his way to the Isle of Portland.

So far he has visited many places dear to my heart, including evoking memories of growing up in Hampshire, visiting the Victorian railway works in Eastleigh and the Watercress Line between Alresford and Alton.

This programme is far more than a train geek’s fantasy though.

It explores the social and economic history of our island and whatever you think of his political career, it’s hard not to warm to Portillo as a host.

He is enthusiastic, relaxed and genial and brings a real warmth to what he is doing.

Along the way, he visits – in his aim to see what is left of Bradshaw’s Britain – many quirky and forgotten places and this week that has included a secret library in Wimborne and a trip on the Swanage Railway, in the final episode of the week due to be screened tonight.

It’s hardly rip-roaring viewing, but it’s a nice reminder of, as the title suggests, all that remains great about our country and the sheer breadth and depth of things that can be discovered by journeying closer to home than many of us might do.

On Channel 5, Celebrity Big Brother (nightly, 9/10pm) is back in its traditional New Year slot, having launched last week.

When Channel 4 gave up on the format it would have been easy to assume that it would quickly die a final death on the neighbouring station, but it, along with the annual summer-long version, has been somewhat revitalised in its new home.

This celeb version includes a curious mix, from former EastEnder Natalie Cassidy to Hollywood bad boy Michael Madsen, via several female models you’ve barely heard of and X Factor reject Frankie Cocozza.

Now a week in, it’s made for some slightly painful but also compelling viewing, as the group try to promote their careers.

Watching Madsen discussing the perils of fame with Cocozza was bizarre to say the least, as the star of Reservoir Dogs was suddenly on a level with some kid who’s been “famous” for two minutes.

Enjoying (or should that be enduring?) Pineapple Studios’ Andrew Stone’s odd behaviour was also entertaining.

Channel 5 has taken the show on in the right spirit, not taking it too seriously.

They’ve added names on the screen so we don’t forget who people are, and things like montages set to music, as well as giving Geordie voiceover man Marcus Bentley free reign to largely take the mickey out of the participants.