I’M IN The MOOD FOr...
A SPELLBINDING SHOW The Next Great Magician, UTV Ireland, 7pm
Stephen Mulhern and Rochelle Humes begin a search for the next terrific trickster who will hold us enthralled with sleight of hand. The first round features such traditional acts as escaping from being buried alive and the old getting-out-of-a-straitjacket routine, but magic mutt ‘Houndini’ appears to be bringing something fresh to the table.
SCI-FI THRILLS Mars, Fox/National Geographic, 9pm
Two channels, one known for drama and the other science, both debut this intriguing blend of fiction and fact.
It is the year 2033, and for the first time since the moon landings, mankind is off on a trip through space, this time fulfilling a long-held dream to land humans on Mars. However, with just seconds to go before landing on the surface, the ship’s systems go offline. Ben Cotton stars in this programme that also features several real-life scientists who discuss what such a perilous mission might entail given the state of our current technology.
STRIKING IT RICH Operation Gold Rush with Dan Snow, BBC2, 8pm
The historian’s at-times hazardous recreation of how wannabe prospectors travelled to the Klondike, the last great gold rush site of the 19th century, reaches its destination. The team starts prospecting. It’s backbreaking work, but will they find gold still buried in them there hills?
NATURAL WONDERS Planet Earth II, BBC1, 8pm
David Attenborough narrates this look at how animals survive at extremely high altitudes. Tonight, a young snow leopard is protected by the pack, grizzly bears deal with their winter fur, and the eagles go hunting for food.