THERE are not many TV programmes which seem to serve much purpose other than to simply entertain.

And to be honest, like most people I like to watch shows that are just a bit of fun and that take me away from the mundane.

But after a week of lots of self indulgent nonsense, watching The Secret Millionaire on a Sunday night somehow makes me feel a bit more humane.

Every episode sets me off on an emotional rollercoaster with laughter, tears and joy, leaving me physically exhausted.

The show, if you aren’t aware of it by now, sees millionaire benefactors saying goodbye to their luxury lifestyles and going undercover in deprived areas to find out who needs their help.

After many successful series the programme (first aired in 2006) returned in October.

This week 30-year-old self-made multi-millionaire Mark Pearson stepped out of his comfort zone to go undercover in Nottingham – where crime rates are twice the national average – in an attempt to find people he can help.

After visiting centers for victims of domestic violence and knife crime to help them move on from their horrific experiences, Mark donated £112,000 which was split between four causes.

I always come away with a sense of catharsis that the millionaire has learnt a lot about themselves in the process of the show.

With only a few more episodes left in the current series, I can’t wait to see what else is in store.