TV HIGHLIGHTS
MONDAY Secret Life of the Hospital Bed, BBC1, 11am A fly-on-the-wall look at how hospital beds have become one of the most precious commodities of the modern age. Cameras follow patients and staff as reallife dramas unfold. In Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, twoyear-old Nicholas is struggling to breathe and staff must react quickly. In Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a 52-year-old is awaiting a hernia operation while back in Newcastle’s busy A&E department, medics rally around 73-year-old Sandra whose speech has become slurred. Donal MacIntyre Unsolved, 3e Monday 10pm
On March 26, 1993, American woman Annie McCarrick vanished after last being seen in Johnnie Fox’s pub in the Dublin mountains. The case remains one the most talked about in Irish criminal history. Annie’s father, a former New York City police officer voiced his frustration with the gardai and their investigation of the case. Donal MacIntyre asks what the likelihood is of finding Annie and of the truth coming to light.
The Rubberbandits’ Guide to Everything, RTE2, 10.30pm
The four-part comedy series presented by comedians, pop stars and viral sensations The Rubberbandits, continues. This week, the pair delve into the world of the internet and the dastardly duo stage noexpenses-spared reconstructions and groundbreaking social experiment to deliver the truth... well their version of it.
TUESDAY Prison, My Parents & Me, BBC1, 11.10pm Shocking figures reveal that
10,000 children in the UK visit a parent in prison every week. These children suffer not only from not having both their parents around but from being ostracised and bullied. In a special film for Children in Need, the programme gives a voice to many young people, who reveal what it’s like to have a parent behind bars. With two out of three boys with a dad in prison going on to offend themselves, this film shows that when children are given support, their future can be bright.
Madrai na nGael, TG4, 8pm
It’s not the first thing you think of when you think of Michael Collins, but the rebel leader was a proud native breed dog-owner. This fascinating series examines the Irish ‘gra’ for native breeds. This six-part documentary tells the story of nine Irish breeds of dog. In the first episode, Seamus the Irish wolfhound is getting ready for his big role as mascot for the St Patrick’s Day parade. It looks at the role of the breed in myths including Cu Chulainn.
Body Fixers, E4, 9pm
The pop-up salon is open for the last time. Surgery addict Krystina wants another daring procedure, David wants a wax in an intimate place and Charley has a problem with her eyebrows. Also seeking assistance is Kirsty, who needs a remedy for her fungal feet, while Latoya is suffering the ill-effects of permanently wearing her hair in a ponytail. Hairdressers Daniel and Nathan, beauticians April and Melissa, make-up artist Alex and cosmetic doctor Dr Esho are charged with saving the day.
WEDNESDAY 24 Hours in A&E, Channel 4 9pm
The award-winning documentary series returns for a 12th series following patients treated in the same 24-hour period at St George’s in south-west London. In the opening episode, Mel, 71 is rushed to hospital after being accidentally knocked down and run over by her husband. Four-year-old Maddie is brought into A&E after falling over and injuring her neck on a train, and 68-year-old Bonnie arrives at St George’s after hitting her head on a bedside table.
Kids on the Edge, Channel 4 10pm
For almost a century, the Tavistock and Portman Trust has been at the forefront of exploring young minds. With exclusive access to the clinic, this series goes behind its doors for the first time and ponders the question that many will ask before children are born: ‘is it a boy or a girl?’ For an increasing number of children, the answer isn’t that straightforward. Peter Beard follows two families who attend the Tavistock Gender Identity Development Service as they make life-changing decisions.
The Undiscovered Peter Cook, BBC4, 10pm
When Peter Cook died in 1995, his widow Lin pulled down the shutters and refused access to the world’s media. This year, however, she invited her friend Victor Lewis-Smith and a BBC crew inside to make a documentary about the man she knew and loved. With access to Peter’s private recordings and letters, this is a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Britain’s greatest satirists.
ThUrSDAY The Secret Life of the Zoo, Channel 4 8pm
In the first episode of the new series, Florence and Nadine, two of Chester Zoo’s Grevy’s zebras, are about to give birth. However, fixing a due date is next to impossible. Other animals struggling to produce offspring are Iblis, an Asiatic lion and his partner of five years, Kumari. Though nothing is wrong with the pair on the surface, staff try to light the fires again by making Iblis more attractive to his mate. Will it work? Plus Rico, a twotoed sloth is finding it hard to attract female sloth, Tina.
DIY SOS: Million Pound Build for Children in Need, BBC1, 8pm
Nick Knowles, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and the purple-shirted helpers head to Blackpool to tackle this year’s most ambitious build. Nick and his team highlight the plight of Britain’s 250,000 young carers and that of Blackpool Carers Trust which provides support for them, but is struggling to cope with demand. The Trust, which is supported by funding from Children in Need, helps carers such as 11-year-old Tyanna and 10-year-old Gracie who care for their ill mother.
Bob and Roberta’s Excellent Protest Adventure, BBC4, 9pm
Patrick Brill, aka contemporary artist Bob and Roberta Smith, is known for his eye-catching placards and his eccentric political campaigns. In this film, Bob sets out to discover what’s getting everyone so up in arms. From dramatic scenes at the Republican National Convention just days after the killing of three police officers, to taking tea with fracking-fighting pensioners in Yorkshire, Bob asks whether protests actually mean anything or whether the digital age is transforming modern protest and the way democracy works.
FrIDAY Children in Need, BBC1, 7.30pm
Tess Daly and Greg James are the hosts for a spectacular night of fun and fundraising. Among the visual treats are a performance by the Aladdin cast and a dance performance by the cast of EastEnders. There’s also an exclusive look at the Doctor Who Christmas special and a group of children receive a very special surprise from girl band of the moment, Little Mix. If that’s not enough, Craig David is in the studio performing the charity’s official single.
Coastal Path, BBC2 8.30pm In the first episode of the new series, explorer and presenter Paul Rose sets off on what could only be described as the walk of a lifetime — 630 miles of England’s South West Coast Path. On his excellent adventure, he’ll discover wonderful wildlife, peculiar traditions and wild adventures at every turn on this stunning Devon and Cornwall peninsula. Young & Hungry, E4, 4.30pm
As the first series concludes, Josh and Caroline’s wedding is just five days away. Gabi sets aside her feelings for the groom and creates a 30th birthday present for him, and lets Caroline take full credit when she forgets the milestone. However, Gabi is knocked sideways when Josh expresses his heartfelt gratitude for the gift, leading her to ponder whether she should admit how she feels, potentially ruining the biggest day of his life.
SATUrDAY Michael McIntyre’s Big Show BBC1, 8.10pm
The family entertainment series returns in its prime time Saturday night slot. Pop songstress Ellie Goulding dazzles with her vocal range, and there is an exclusive performance from the cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new West End musical, School of Rock. A lucky member of the audience also becomes the Unexpected Star of the Show, and there’s a comedy sketch from the host and Olly Murs.
Sold! Inside the World’s Biggest Auction House, BBC2, 9.10pm
This year, world-famous auction house Christie’s celebrates its 250th anniversary. For the first time, cameras have been given access to its global empire to document a year in the life of the great institution. This two-part series lifts the lid on what it took to become a market leader and how it manages to stay on top in uncertain times, while insiders from key art markets go behind the scenes to reveal the people who keep the company’s wheels in motion.
Asian Provocateur: Mum’s American Dream, BBC1, 12am
In the last of the series, Romesh spends time with his mum, who wants to fulfil a life-long dream of becoming a film star. The pair take a hip hop tour trip of LA in a lowrider, but his day is derailed when the group of extended family turn it into a glorified shopping trip. There are more surprises in store for Romesh and his mum as they get to experience life as a private detective and go undercover. On the last day, Romesh wants to go to Comicon, but his mum isn’t interested, but at the last minute, he comes up with a bizarre idea.