BEST OF THE REST
TRAVELS IN EUROLAND WITH ED BALLS BBC2, 9pm
ED Balls has been travelling around Europe to see the world from the point of view of people voting for right wing populist parties.
He says: “If you think everyone who votes for one of those parties is mean and nasty then you’re missing what’s going on.”
This makes for fascinating viewing as Ed, who is admirably open-minded, attempts to get to the root of why people are voting away from the mainstream.
In this episode, Ed is in Poland where he joins men working in a coal mine. Led by a populist right wing party, the country is steadfastly refusing to close its mines. Ed gets involved in the mining in the hot, cramped conditions.
Meanwhile, in Saxony, Germany, Ed visits a place the media dubbed the Nazi village because far wing party AFD (Alternative For Germany) did so well.
The first person he meets wants to take him to the woods with an axe and a chainsaw… No wonder he’s apprehensive.
BEST HOME COOK BBC1, 8pm
SIX cooks remain in this charming competition, where they’ve all become best pals living together in a country house.
As they all get ready for the next stage, it’s like The Apprentice, but without the back-stabbing, yelling or egomania. They all egg each other on and hug each other when there are tears.
It is getting emotional now. Their first challenge is to create the ultimate vegetarian curry night, including two curries, a traditional bread and a fried snack.
Chris Bavin says “depth of flavour” about 17 times, but will anyone give the man what he wants?
Later, there’s much whooping and excitement when the cooks find out the Rustle Up task involves sausages.
But the two whose dishes don’t go out with a bang will face Angela Hartnett’s Eliminator round – steamed lemon puddings with custard.
“It’s dead easy,” says Mary Berry. “Yes, but that’s because you’re Mary Berry!” notes Claudia. She makes a good point.