More people watched ITV documentary about the Tyne and Wear Metro than Love Island!

Figures showed that an impressive 2.6million people tuned in to watch the first episode, which is more than hugely popular reality TV show Love Island.

The four part series, titled The Metro: A Rail Life Story gives a unique insight into the day to day operations on the Metro system as it gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Sunderland staff will be seen managing a crackdown on fare dodging and anti-social behaviour with father and daughter team Stephen and Lauren Shipley on Tuesday’s episode.

The show also features Metro staff managing crowds on the opening day of football season when Newcastle United play Arsenal at St James’ Park – a game that drew large fan protests in the city centre.

Viewers will also get to meet Digby, the UK’s first ever guide horse for blind people who will be seen doing some training on Metro to get him prepared for his new life with a partially sighted person in London.

Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing the next episode of the ITV documentary, which will give viewers more of an insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes at Metro on a day to day basis.

“The first episode proved popular and pulled down 2.6 million viewers and showed staff managing the day of the Spice Girls concert in Sunderland.

“In episode two there is more of the day to day crowd management and ticket inspections across the network to crackdown on fare evasion.

“Viewers will also the visit we had from Britain’s first ever guide horse as his new owner gets him ready for a new life on London’s transport systems. It certainly catches the eye of our passengers!

“It’s a privilege for us to showcase and share Metro on national television in our wonderful and vibrant region with a wider television audience as we prepare to mark Metro’s 40th anniversary.”