The first of a special three-part behind-the-scenes documentary at Britain's busiest airport - Heathrow - was aired on Thursday (June 4).
Getwestlondon caught up with one of the stars of the ITV programme - who featured in the opening episode - airport duty manager Anuj Bhardwaj, who otherwise refers to himself as the Sheriff of Heathrow.
Mr Bhardwaj, of Northolt, who describes his role as the "conductor of an orchestra" is filmed helping reunite a family with teenagers travelling alone who lost their way out of the busy airport.
"The scenes show the process we go through to support distressed families and reassure them that we will find them again," he said.
"The documentary is a wonderful way of showcasing the side of Heathrow that people don’t see and the 75,000 jobs that make up this city for helping passengers through their journey to the rest of the world."
He says working at the airport is like "starring in The Truman Show - constantly being watched and always on stage", and said he loves his job where he is surrounded by people constantly.
ITV's film crew collected more than 400 hours of footage at the five-terminal airport over a period of nine months to put together three-hours of airport life.
The first episode focuses on arrivals going inside the control tower alongside the airside operations team on the ground who help keep the taxiways clear; baggage handlers on-the-go; Heathrow Animal Reception Centre who welcome a tiger; follows the London Ambulance Service paramedics at Heathrow; on-site Metropolitan Police; social workers at Travelcare helping a homeless man; and planespotters.
Mr Bhardwaj, who has worked at the airport for nearly eight years, and in his current role ensures the airport is operating to plan to minimise disruption to customers, was followed on and off for around 10 shifts.
He added: "I didn’t really think about it too much beforehand, but it was great having them there as they were really interested in my work and I am always eager to talk about my job as I love working at Heathrow.
"I often get asked about my role and it can be quite difficult to explain.
"I describe myself as the conductor of the orchestra and it is great for people to get more of an understanding about what my role involves."
He says his family and friends were excited to see him on TV, adding: "They also have been teasing me as I call myself the 'Sheriff of Heathrow' in the programme. I am certain I’m going to get a Stetson for Christmas now!"
His favourite part of the airport is standing in arrivals watching people enter the country and see their loved ones.
His message to passengers is: "Heathrow is full of people that are passionate about working here.
"If you are ever lost or experience something that is below standard – stop and tell somebody that works for us all about it because we are always here to help and improve."
Catch up with 'Britain's Biggest Airport - Heathrow' on ITV Player and catch part two on June 11 at 9pm.
