Trainspotting Live will be presented by Newsnight's Peter Snow and co-hosted by engineer Dick Strawbridge and mathematical sociologist Dr. Hannah Fry across three consecutive nights.

Aired live from Didcot Heritage Railway Centre, the show takes a look at British history, travel, and engineering with segments featured from different railway sites around the country.

Tom McDonald, head of natural history and specialist factual, said: “I am delighted to be doing a big live show for BBC Four on a subject which is so close to the nation's heart, which will build the most comprehensive picture of Britain’s rail network ever attempted.”

The show's creators say they hope that the series will appeal to an audience outside of the niche market of hardcore train enthusiasts, with viewers encouraged to send in videos of their own train-related experiences. 

Snow added: “Even more exciting than watching election results come in is watching glorious trains speed past on a major railway line, and if it happens to be a steam engine passing by – what a bonus!”