Rick Stein loves his food. He especially likes fish. I often find myself torn when watching Stein. I veer from thinking that he’s a lovable old uncle who should be viewed whilst drinking cocoa… that or he’s a twee bugger who needs some life slapping into him. Thankfully, I prefer to enjoy his little food adventures rather than wave an angry fist at him… which is why I’ll be tuning in to Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes (BBC2, Wednesday, 8pm).

As ever with Stein, he’ll be rustling up some hearty fodder (like a delicious sounding roasted kid and knuckles of lamb with wine and wild herbs). This show is the first of a new series following his journey around France. It’ll be the usual… Stein stopping at local markets and getting all teary over some local produce and yakking to the locals. As is par for the course in Stein’s shows, we’ll also get to see some foodie craftsmen making fine grub. On Wednesday, we’ll see some cheese being made… with a small handful of people in a small room stirring big pots of liquid. This won’t shatter your world, but that’s not the point. Like homely cooking, this show is designed to be warm and friendly. A bit like a nice blanket over your knee when it gets a bit chilly. [Mof Gimmers]