Deep impact

THE Beeb knew it was onto a winner when the stunning aerial shots of the Great Barrier Reef achieved record ratings in the land down-under as historian and television presenter Neil Oliver moved the format away from the shorelines of Britain.

The eight, one-hour series not only explores the stunning Australian coastline, focusing on the history, people, archaeology, geography and marine life of different areas each week.

The reef is the subject this week and this part of Oz's eastern coast has an unpleasant history of South Sea Islanders being abducted and sold into slavery on sugar plantations. This particular piece of coast has also seen more than 30 shipwrecks, including the country's biggest maritime mystery involving the SS Yongala – nicknamed the Townsville Titanic. Xanthe Mallett dives to the spectacular wreck in search of answers concerning its calamitious sinking.

And it's the underwater world which really catches the attention with reporter Emma Jonston discovering you can now take the plunge without getting wet.

Tim Flannery is granted access to a scientific research zone to examine coral history.

Phil Smith, executive producer, says: "We have treated the Coast format with the ultimate respect, endeavouring to replicate the intelligence and charm of the great UK series. We deliberately kept the format close to the UK version and used the presenter Neil Oliver, who is a familiar face to viewers in the UK and Australia. We are certain the UK audience will appreciate this amazing insight into Australia’s glistering beaches, underwater footage and sunshine .

“It is spectacular and fascinating, and also shows parts of Australia from above, in HD, for the first time. We are extremely proud of the series, it is a privilege and a responsibility and I hope BBC viewers see a wee bit of Australia they might want to visit one day. At the very least, they will learn so much more about this wonderful way off nation."

The Supervet (Channel 4, 8pm)

PET owners will tell you that there's nothing more heartbreaking than dealing with an animal that is ill or injured. They can't, after all, tell you what's wrong or how they're feeling, and attempts to ease their pain usually fall flat – in a nutshell, their human guardians tend to feel hopeless.

An example tonight is Diane, the owner of Pixie, a 12-year-old cat who has been hit by a car. The poor creature is currently unable to walk, but Noel Fitzpatrick, the supervet himself, thinks he can get her back on her paws with the help of a bionic implant.

It may sound like science fiction, but such things are increasingly becoming science fact. The short but sweet series concludes with a Great Dane with a spinal problem and a new arrival at the practice.

Del Boys & Dealers (BBC1, 9pm)

WHILE Mr Trotter of Only Fools and Horse fame was an ageing wide boy, somebody constantly flirting with the wrong side of the law in an attempt to make a fast buck, the auction hunters here have to stick to the rules. But the results can be just as hilarious. Ernest is convinced he's found a chess set worth £10mat an Antiques Fair in Kent

Eccentric Sharon and Al usually deal in novelty goods, and use a hearse as their premier mode of transport. Tonight, they're shown travelling to France where they hope grab some great deals at a local auction, despite not knowing the lingo.