Since the end of his political career, former British Secretary of State for Defence Michael Portillo has become a prominent fixture on screens thanks to his informative documentaries and travelogues. He is currently receiving huge praise for the 16th series of Great Railway Journeys which airs on the BBC. It sees him travelling around the railway networks of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, and comparing how the various destinations have changed throughout the years - and now he has headed to Japan.

However, an earlier show of his from 2018 received even higher praise from viewers as he took them into places usually closed to the public. Portillo's Hidden History of Britain aired on Channel 5 and was also accompanied by an acclaimed book. In it the now 72-year-old visits abandoned, iconic locations around the UK that were at the centre of relatively unknown historical events and which are not open to the public.

The series, which can currently be rented on Prime Video, consists of just two seasons with four episodes each, making it the perfect binge watch.

It sees him visit places such as The Royal London Hospital, which was built in the East End of London 250 years ago, to provide free medical care for some of the poorest and most deprived people in Britain. It has also pioneered medical breakthroughs and healthcare for generations of men, women and children.

He also looked into the clandestine world of military secrets and spying with a visit to Orford Ness on the Suffolk coast which was owned by the Ministry Of Defence for almost a century until it closed in 1933.

Michael investigated the truth behind the mass of monumental concrete bunkers, rusting radar towers and crumpled military hardware.

In another thought provoking episode he went to Shepton Mallet prison to look at the history of British crime and punishment. Since it opened its doors 400 years ago, the prison has seen thousands of prisoners, numerous executions and countless escape attempts.

Audiences have been enamoured with the show, which has a slew of 10-star reviews on IMDb, and viewers heaped praise on it when it was broadcast.

Writing on X one said: "What a fascinating watch!! I've always wondered what was behind those grand walls and doors and now I know!! Wish I could see it for myself though #HiddenHistoryofBritain thoroughly enjoyed!!" Another added: "Another fascinating insight from Michael Portillo into relatively recent history."

A third chimed in: "Very cool. In real life I seek out places such as these." A fourth shared: "Thank you for such a wonderful programme on a magnificent building." A fifth commented: "Excellent programme, thank you." Meanwhile a sixth gushed: "We are loving @portilloandhen #HiddenHistoryOfBritain on @channel5_tv. Amazing stories. Brilliant television we can watch as a family!"