Dara goes with the flow

HAVE you ever wished you knew more about volcanoes: why they exist, the devastation they can cause (they do get a bad press, it must be said) and whether they can actually have a positive side?

- Mike Ward

If so, I bring great news. Over the next two nights, you can become more clued up on this subject than you ever thought possible. And all you have to do is watch your TV.

It has to be the right programme, obviously. You won't learn much, volcano-wise, from watching Corrie, say, or STACEY & JOE (8pm, BBC1), a new series offering us a glimpse into the lives of Stacey Solomon, Joe Swash, their five children, two dogs and four ducks.

No, the programme you'll need to watch is VOLCANO WITH DARA O BRIAIN, a fascinating two-part special which starts tonight at 9pm (on the channel I'm afraid we now have to call just 5, even though that's annoying and stupid).