The Stranger on the Bridge (C4, 9pm)

BACK in 2008, schizoaffective disorder sufferer Jonny Benjamin headed to Waterloo Bridge, in London, intending to take his own life. But the kindness of a stranger, who stepped out from the crowds of passing commuters and spent 25 minutes talking to Benjamin, meant he eventually re-thought his actions, clambering down from the bridge.

Six years later, Benjamin is now a mental health campaigner and launched his Finding Mike campaign – Mike being the name he gave the stranger – to track down the passer-by, who he credits for helping him turn his life around.

Not only did the search spread around the world – and eventually we see the two reunited – but the story attracted the attention of documentary director Sam Forsdike, who spotted Benjamin's compelling video blogs. Though happy to be involved, Benjamin was realistic about the likelihood of finding their man.

"Jonny said, 'We will never find him'," recalls Forsdike. "I thought, 'Thanks for the vote of confidence', but why not give it a go?"

They knew Mike was of a similar age to Benjamin, and that he had been "on his way to work" on the day. Forsdike was confident that the film would work even if they didn't manage to track him down.

"I had great faith in Jonny and in his ability to interact with people," explains the director. "Jonny has this empathetic nature and warmth, people talk to him and confide in him. Principally, because he is so honest."

One of Benjamin's pleas was posted on Facebook and caught the attention of the Neil Laybourn's wife, who remembered her husband telling her about a similar situation many years before. Realising it was the same man he'd spoken to back in 2008, Laybourn got in touch.

"I was just as shocked as Jonny that we were meeting up again," he recalls. "To see it all again in the documentary is quite a powerful message."

Forsdike says: "One of the big things that I have always felt about this, is Mike for Jonny turned out to be Neil, but Mike for me is sort of an everyday man. There is a commonality to it. Everyone has a Mike; someone who transforms something in their life."

Benjamin adds: "I had never been so nervous in my whole life than before meeting Neil. We were coming to the end of our search. I didn't know whether to give him a hug or handshake!"

* If you or someone around you is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the Samaritans offer a 24/7 confidential support line. Visit samaritans.org or call 08457-909090. For more information about mental illness, rethink.org

VE Day: Remembering Victory (BBC1, 8.30pm)

ON Friday May 8, it will be 70 years since Winston Churchill announced the Second World War in Europe was over, prompting Britain to throw the biggest street party the country has ever seen. David Attenborough, Bruce Forsyth, Miriam Margolyes and June Whitfield are just a few of the well-known figures sharing their memories of the end of the conflict. Narrated by Julie Walters, with contributions from others including Johnny Ball, Honor Blackman, Jilly Cooper, John Craven, Cleo Laine, Kenny Lynch, Michael Parkinson, Leslie Phillips, Anne Reid, Esther Rantzen, Patrick Stewart and Una Stubbs. VE Day: Live from the Cenotaph is on Friday on BBC1 at 2.45pm.

Safe House (ITV, 9pm)

THE unlikely crime thriller continues with Michael (Peter Ferdinando) having a breakthrough in his hunt for the Blackwells and the police believe his arrest is imminent. However, Joe (Max True) is worried he's made a mistake that could endanger his family. Meanwhile, an unsettled Ali (Nicola Stephenson) makes an impulsive decision after receiving devastating news, Robert (Christopher Eccleston) tackles Mark (Patterson Joseph) about past events and Katy (Marsha Thomason) questions the former detective further, still unsure about his methods.

Viv Hardwick