Anger is an increasing problem in our lives, but very few people acknowledge it. In homes and offices, on the road and in the air, frustration and rage are all around us. In the first of two programmes, Griff Rhys Jones takes a startlingly honest look at anger in himself and others.

“About a year ago, I made a film for the BBC about a sailing race and during the course of it I got into a filthy temper,” says Griff. “I started shouting at the blameless people who were racing with me. I flew into a rage about something which was completely beyond my control. It was actually nothing new for me. I do get cross. This is a film about being angry; I’m going to talk to other people about their propensity to fly into a rage, to throw a wobbler, to lose it.”

Griff explores where anger comes from and its triggers. He speaks to a psychotherapist to see if feeling angry is an inevitable part of being a human being, and how it affects us all in everyday life.

Griff’s family, friends and people who’ve worked with him talk about his anger and how it has affected them. But it’s not just Griff who admits to losing his temper. Journalist Rosie Millard, chef Heston Blumenthal and former big brother contestant Chanelle Hayes also talk about their anger, instances when they have lost it and what the triggers have been.

Griff also explores the contradictory nature of anger – in some circumstances it can be seen as honourable, creative and justifiable, and yet it is also one of the main causes of crime, illness and depression. He visits the Metropolitan Police specialist training unit, where they learn how to deal with an angry mob or a person who can no longer cope and whose anger turns into violence.

Griff also has a surprising discussion about his anger with Anna Wilkes, his former agent and PA who worked for him for 15 years. He ends up discovering things about himself that he never realised.

Tuesday 23 September on BBC TWO