This is exactly what this intriguing documentary aims to do, projecting what would happen to the Earth if mankind were suddenly wiped out.

As if it were a post-apocalyptic film, the programme uses impressive visual effects (pictured) to take us through the scenes on the planet hours after we’re gone; then days, years, centuries and, finally, millennia.

What of our pets, buildings, landmarks and records? Soberingly, they all go as virtually all remnants of our civilisation decay as nature reasserts its power.

Voiced by leading experts in the fields of biology, engineering and geology, Life After People yields interesting findings.

London’s Underground system would be flooded within days, the Eiffel Tower would fall in 200 years and eco-systems would build up in skyscrapers, with cats at the top of the food chain.