TV HIGHLIGHTS
MONDAY
Scannal, RTE1, 7.30pm The series that delves into the stories behind infamous scandals returns, looking at the twoword phrase that shook Irish politics in the 1970s: “thundering disgrace.” When Minister of Defence Paddy Donegan uttered the fateful words in an otherwise uneventful address, the phrase had a ripple effect so severe that it resulted in President of Ireland Cearbhall O Dálaigh handing in his resignation, the first man in his position to ever do so. British Sitcoms: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves, BBC4, 9pm With its classic British sitcom season in full swing, the BBC dips into the archive and lookso. at some of the best comedy moments and characters ever produced. Rebecca Front narrates the walk down memory lane filled with classic moments, with contributions from stars including Richard Curtis, Jack Dee and Steve Coogan. Tattoo Fixers on Holiday, E4, 9pm The trip abroad in the summer sun is almost over for Sketch, Jay, Alice and Paisley, but before the series reaches its conclusion and they head back to the rainy streets of London, they fix up a few more ink regrets, including a ridiculous sombrero nipple tattoo, some wonky eyes and a group of lads looking to get a commemorative group tattoo.
TUESDAY
Body Fixers, E4, 9pm For those who roll out of bed on the wrong side, the Body Fixers salon opens its doors again to provide a cure, welcoming those suffering from the most shocking hair and beauty malfunctions and providing them with makeovers. In the opener, the professionals help Beatrice, whose home relaxing treatment melted her mane, and regular gym bunny Rob, who wants to go from the self-professed palest guy in London to a bronzed adonis. Later Live... with Jools Holland, BBC2, 10pm The maestro is ready to strike up the band for a new run of his long-running series. Join Jools as he welcomes Nashville favourites Kings of Leon, who return with their first new material in three years. Also taking the stage is The White Stripes’ Jack White, making his solo acoustic debut and re-imagining songs from his back catalogue. Rock and roll icon Sting also plays songs from his latest album, while French electronic act M83 also perform. Stacey Dooley Investigates: Sex in Strange Places, BBC1, 11.45pm In the third and final episode of her eye-opening series, Stacey Dooley travels to chilly St Petersburg in Russia, looking into the two very different sides of sex work in the city while travelling the streets. This includes meeting Avlora, a 24-year-old VIP sex worker who charges big money per night and lives a lavish lifestyle. Stacey then sits down with Lilliana – who is looking to make her big break into the world of high-end escorts – at her first photo shoot.
WEDNESDAY
Skies Above Britain, BBC2, 8pm The final look into the bustling London airspace involves an insight into the rigorous threeyear course that hopefuls must sit to become an air traffic controller, as seen through the eyes of aspiring newcomers Tim and Tom. Then, Lizzie prepares for her first solo flight as she chases her dream of becoming a commercial pilot, and Heathrow faces major delays when activist Sheila and protest group Plane Stupid stage a sit in on a runway. Lost Sitcoms: Steptoe and Son, BBC4, 9pm In finding a different way to celebrate their sitcom season, the BBC have come up with the great idea of remaking vintage episodes of classic series, with this being the turn of Steptoe and Son. Starring Jeff Rawle and Ed Coleman in the titular roles, the double act face conflict when Harold is desperate to head off on a skiing holiday, but problems arise when he doesn’t want Albert to join him. Vote, BBC1, 10.45pm An intriguing insider’s look at the political landscape of Northern Ireland, seen from the perspective of members of the five main parties – Emma Little Pengelly, Megan Fearon, Doug Beattie, Claire Hanna and Naomi Long – in the build up to the 2016 Northern Ireland Assembly election. The documentary uses exclusive access to find out what life is like on the campaign trail, and why someone would want to pursue a career in politics in Northern Ireland.
THURSDAY
The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs, BBC1, 9pm Dr Chris van Tulleken partakes in a pioneering medical experiment in which he meets people who rely heavily on prescription pills. His goal is to teach them what their medication is actually doing for them – if anything – and try to help them kick their habits. His first patient through the door is Wendy, a woman who has been reliant on painkillers for the past 20 years. He sets her a test when he prescribes two weeks of medication with a twist: some of them are the painkillers, some are placebos. Keeping a log, will her results show that the pills aren’t as crucial as she thinks? My Floating Home, More4, 9pm Mark Evans sets sail for a house hunting show with a difference; these couples want to leave their landlocked homes behind and exchange them instead for a home on the water. In the first episode of a seven-part series, the host meets Mark and Holly, who want a new living experience along the Chichester riverbank. The design they’re after is quite unique, with features including a rooftop decking for entertaining. The Stranger, RTE1, 10.15pm This intriguing documentary looks at the mysterious death of artist Neal MacGregor on a remote Irish island. His body was found in a stone shed, where he lived in almost total isolation from the rest of the world, with no heating, water or electricity. The possessions he left behind only raised more questions, and the show tries to piece together his life and final days, and answer why he lived like he did.
FRIDAY
Hooten and The Lady, Sky1, 9pm The brand new action adventure series promises to shine new light on forgotten temples and lost treasures, as a loveable tomb-raiding rogue (Michael Landes) and a fiery museum worker (Ophelia Lovibond) set off on an adventure of a lifetime, which sees them first land in the Amazon, where they stumble across the lost city of gold, the legendary El Dorado. Aquarius, Sky Atlantic, 9pm The 1960s-set police drama returns with a second series, as David Duchovny is back as Sam Hodiak on his ever-burning path to bring in the notorious Charles Manson (played in a chillingly entertaining manner by Gethin Anthony). The gripping opener picks up with Sam being pulled into a new disturbing case (is there any other kind?) after receiving a package stuffed with photographs of missing girls. Meanwhile, Manson and his everexpanding family move into the home of their new benefactor. How long will it be before the charismatic cult leader wreaks more havoc? If the first season is anything to go by, this will be an entertaining watch. Celebs Go Dating, E4, 10pm After three weeks of trying to burst onto the dating scene, the celebs face their last day and their final challenge. The big question is who will be bringing a date to the final dinner party, and who will be turning up by themselves? There are tough decisions to be made across the board, including Joey Essex’s tough call of picking between Becky and fellow celeb Stephanie Pratt. Meanwhile, will there be more tears for Paisley, or will Davide step up and be the man she’s been waiting for?
SATURDAY
All Together Now: The Great Orchestra Challenge, BBC2, 8pm After months of masterclasses, mentoring and rehearsals, it’s time for the playoff between the last two remaining orchestras at the Royal Albert Hall. At stake is the chance to play at the celebrated Proms in the Park and be crowned Britain’s most inspirational amateur orchestra — no mean feat. In preparation for the final, both orchestras have been sent to a bootcamp where a team of professional musicians put them through their paces. Series judge Paul Daniel gives them their final masterclass while series mentor Chi-chi Nwanoku keeps her eagle eye on proceedings. The series will conclude with a once in a lifetime performance at Proms in the Park in front of their family and friends. The Jonathan Ross Show, UTV Ireland, 10pm The host is really good at pulling in the A-listers. Joining the Saturday night legend is the brash and hilarious comedian and star of Trainwreck, Amy Schumer. She is sure to give the charismatic host a run for his money. He will also check in with all-action man and adventurer Bear Grylls and star of The Night Of and Star Wars: Rogue One, actor Riz Ahmed. As if that’s not enough, chart-topper and X-Factor runner up Olly Murs will be chatting and performing. Your Saturday night is sorted. Pass the popcorn. The X Factor, TV3, 8pm Love it or hate it, this worldfamous singing competition is perfect Saturday night fodder to help you escape the stresses and strains of the working week. If the eccentric and talented contestants aren’t enough to keep you enthralled, the eclectic mix of Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Nicole Scherzinger and the man of the hour Simon Cowell, will be enough to add some dazzle to your evening. Tonight, those lucky enough to have made it through are welcomed to Boot Camp at Alexandra Palace.