TV hIGhLIGhTS
MONDAY
Going Back Giving Back, BBC1, 3.45pm
Aled Jones goes on an incredible journey back to the 1940s to hear the courageous story of one of the last remaining Land Girls in Great Britain. The woman, who worked the lands and fields during the World War II, meets a modern day veteran and his family who are still feeling the effects of war. The question is, can she use her own experiences to help them?
My Kitchen Rules UK, C4, 5pm
Michelin-star chef Michael Caines and queen of home cooks and food writer Prue Leith come together to judge 16 pairs of amateur cooks who open their home restaurant for one ambitious night. At stake is the appetising prize of a whopping £10,000 and the right to say “My Kitchen Rules”. The first to put on their aprons are Glasgow girls Ami and Nicola. Their restaurant theme is ‘Two Hungry Weegies’ and on the menu is curried langoustine soup, slowcooked roasted pork belly and millionaire shortcake. Yummy.
Geansai, RTE1, 7.30pm
The first edition of this new series is a sporty affair. Ahead of Mayo’s trip across the water to take on London’s blossoming GAA side, this documentary takes a look at the sport’s everexpanding reach. The Connacht Senior Football Championship is a competition with international flavour — not only including London, but a team from New York as well — and it is clear that the sport is ready to go further afield than our shores.
TUESDAY Empire, E4, 10pm
The hyper-glossy US export is back for a third series. Set in the ever-evolving hip-hop world, the entertaining drama follows a music mogul and his dysfunctional family as they navigate the ups and downs of the dog-eat-dog music industry. The opening episode does not disappoint in the drama stakes. Lucious uses his streaming service to pursue his music legacy and clashes with Tariq, who leads a federal task force to investigate him.
First Dates Abroad, E4, 11pm
Despite losing her last squeeze to the Navy, Kelsey is still keen on a man in uniform, so could suave Navy boy Daniel be her perfect match? Chris, whose weight loss has increased his confidence, is hoping to fulfil his grandmother’s wish that he will get married and settle down within her lifetime. His date Jessica is desperate to avoid being relegated to the ‘friend zone’. Will this pair hit it off ? Lastly, Shaz is not afraid of putting herself out there, so can she meet someone who matches her on all levels?
Fishing Impossible, UTV Ireland, 7.30pm
This series offers a look at the sport of fishing on a whole other level. Three angling fanatics are on the ultimate fishing trip across the globe. From attracting great white sharks in South Africa to catching salmon in Canada, they go the extra mile to get up close and personal with extraordinary marine life. In this edition, the boys are in Kenya in search of the Nile perch. In order to catch it, they must endure a 500km drive to Lake Turkana.
WEDNESDAY Our Girl, BBC1, 9pm
It’s the last in the series of the military drama. Brave heroine Georgie (Michelle Keegan) continues to suffer from the effects of her recent kidnapping ordeal in Kenya. So, in an ambitious attempt to put the awful experience behind her and move on with her life, she throws herself into last-minute wedding plans with Jamie. Sadly, as luck would have it, just before the big day, Georgie is given one more assignment which lands her in greater danger than ever. Will she make it in one piece up the aisle or will her life continue on a dangerous trajectory? Containment, E4, 9pm This claustrophobic drama draws to a dramatic close tonight. Lex has one chance to knock Dr Lommers off her pedestal for good and strategically plans his next move. Will he succeed? Meanwhile, Jana, Suzy, Teresa and Xander put their lives on the line to escape the cordon. Elsewhere, Dr Cannerts and Jake make a ground-breaking discovery, but will it be the answer they all need to vanquish the deadly disease?
Conor Pope’s Dodgy Dealers, TV3, 9pm
Brand new consumer show presented by the consumer journalist. Conor Pope comes to the rescue of people who have been victimised by companies by misinformation. As well as helping bring closure to the victims, the everyman warrior offers viewers valuable tips and useful insights into consumer rights.
ThUrSDAY The Apprentice, BBC1, 9pm
The search for Alan Sugar’s next business partner begins, and it promises to be the most exciting series yet. Over the next 12 weeks, Sugar will separate the wheat from the chaff until only one outstanding candidate remains. Under the watchful eyes of Karren Brady, director of Premiership team West Ham United and Claude Littner, the candidates are sent off on their first task — to sift through collectables at Wimbledon Car Boot sale and hopefully find some treasures to turn into profit.
The Incredible Story of Marie Antoinette’s Watch with Nicholas Parsons, BBC4, 9pm
The Just a Minute host explores his life-long love affair with clocks as he goes in search of the most valuable and famous watch in the world. The so called Marie Antoinette masterpiece was made by 18th-Century watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet, for the ill-fated queen. Parson visits Paris and Versailles and has a look at his dazzling work. The film also offers a glimpse into Parsons’ own private clock collection.
Nashville, Sky Living, 10pm
Glossy honky-tonk drama set in the Tennessee capital. As usual, there’s plenty of backstage drama to keep the country stars busy. It Rayna’s turn to furrow her brows as she grows concerned about Deacon’s business venture with an acquaintance from AA. Meanwhile, Luke risks his relationship with Colt. Will he come to regret it?
FrIDAY The Great British Bake-Off: An Extra Slice, BBC2, 9.30pm
It’s dessert week and only six bakers remain. Joining Jo Brand in the studio are Olympic silver medalist Rebecca James, Creme de le Creme judge Cherish Finden and comedian Chris Addison. Jo and her guests will have the not so arduous task of sampling food, looking at pictures that viewers send in and of course, and most importantly, dissecting the week’s goings on. Plus, Jo interviews the latest baker to leave the tent.
Later... With Jools Holland, BBC2, 11.05pm
One of the UK’s most exciting gospel and soul-rooted R&B singer-songwriters, Tony Momrelle treats viewers to a performance at the piano with a track from his current album
Keep Pushing. Also, Twin Atlantic make their debut appearance on the show following their recently released fourth album
Gla, and Irish singer-songwriter and chameleon James Vincent McMorrow plays his new material. It’s like a night out in the house.
Travel Man: 48 Hours in Lisbon, C4, 8.30pm
Writer, actor and podcaster Adam Buxton accompanies Richard Ayoade on a voyage of discovery in Lisbon — the Portuguese city known for its beautiful tiling and maritime history. The pair travel on an electric rickshaw, visit a tinned-fish emporium, take the Elevador de Santa Justa and listen to fado — Lisbon’s version of the blues. They are certainly in the right job, we’re not jealous at all.
SATUrDAY Strictly Come Dancing, BBC1, 6.45pm
The Saturday night staple brings us one of the highlights of the series — movie night. Fourteen couples remain and every one of them will be in the spotlight tonight as they aim to deliver their best performance. Who will be able to put themselves in character and prove to be a box office hit and who will be a flop? There’s everything to lose and much to gain in this star-studded edition of the glossy spectacle. All you need to decide on is your beverage. Sequins optional.
Boy George’s 1970s: Save Me from Suburbia, BBC2, 9.30pm
Popstar Boy George revisits and assesses how the 1970s moulded the person and artist he would become. Set against a backdrop of social discord and sexual repression, the Seventies was a decade that revelled in glam rock, disco and punk. This fascinating documentary also includes contributions from contemporaries Martin Degville, Andy Polaris and DJ Princess Julia. George called the Seventies “a glorious decade where I discovered who I was”. It will certainly be a glorious musical romp which is perfect fodder for a Saturday night and you just might end up on your feet.
Walking Through Time, C4, 8pm
Dr Tori Herridge explores exciting subjects from Britain’s glorious history. The Jurassic Coast of Devon and Dorset is one of the jewels in Britain’s crown, but how did it come to be? In this episode, Tori walks along the 150-million-year-old cliffs of Kimmeridge at its eastern end, back through time to the red cliffs of Budleigh Salterton to reveal why the Jurassic Coast is chock-full of world-class fossils. If that’s not enough to whet your voracious appetite, she will also encounter the biggest sea predator ever to have lived and discusses a devastating global disaster that nearly wiped out life on planet Earth. The series will certainly offer an alternative to Saturday night escapism.