TV HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY
Howards End, BBC1, 9pm Finale of the sumptuous social convention period drama starring Hayley Atwell. Margaret has a decision to make when it comes to Henry — will she hold his past indiscretions against him or resolve to continue their engagement? Meanwhile, Helen takes off on a trip around Europe without saying a word, and only agrees to return when she learns that Aunt Juley has succumbed to pneumonia. This all leads to a final reunion and resolution.
Would You Believe: Life for a Life, RTE1, 10.30pm This is an extraordinary story of a woman and a man, linked by a heartbreakingly heinous act. Agnes Furey, a retired IrishAmerican nurse living in Florida, suffered the terrible loss of her daughter Patricia and grandchild Chris, when they were murdered by Patricia’s ex-boyfriend Leonard Scovens while he was high on crack cocaine. Despite becoming depressed, Agnes grew determined to understand why Leonard did what he did. The pair have exchanged many letters and spoken on the phone, and have recently set up a restorative justice programme called Achieve Higher Ground. Leonard, who grew up in a violent home, is honoured to have Agnes in his life, even though to date, they have not been able to meet.
MONDAY
Nigella: At My Table, BBC2, 8.30pm The domestic goddess cooks up an eclectic selection of comforting recipes perfect for winding down after a long day ticking items off the ‘to do’ list. On the menu tonight is a delicious supper of chicken with red grapes and marsala, followed by a sunken chocolate amaretto cake with crumbled amaretti cream. Other dishes include mussels with pasta, autumnal radicchio, chestnut and blue cheese salad and egg tortilla pie. If only we could look as good as Nigella when cooking them.
10 Things to Know About, RTE1, 8.30pm You may be surprised to learn that just one hour of sunlight on the Earth’s surface is enough to meet annual global energy consumption. But how can Ireland fully reap the benefits of this renewable resource? Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain meets solar expert Professor Peter Gallagher who explains how better understanding of the sun can help predict how solar events affect the Earth. She also visits a solar farm next to Belfast International Airport which will supply a quarter of the airport’s annual electricity use.
The Real Marigold On Tour, BBC1, 9pm Miriam Margoyles, Wayne Sleep, Rosemary Shrager and Bobby George reunite for another extraordinary adventure. This time the lucky ducks are off to China to sample retirement in the sprawling country. The fabulous four will stay in the capital of the Sichuan province, Chengdu. Here, Miriam finds more than the regional cuisine hard to stomach. The group also heads into the mountains where Miriam becomes emotional after a feeding session with a cute giant panda in a sanctuary.
TUESDAY
Neven’s Christmas Menu, RTE1, 7pm The popular chef follows his successful Italian culinary adventure with a selection of mouth-watering recipes that will be a godsend when the big day comes around. Tonight, he serves up crispy goat’s cheese and a lobster bisque. He also prepares roast goose, turkey satay and Vera’s Sherry Trifle. Finally, the chef makes oat biscuits, fig and cranberry chutney and candied walnuts. Impressing guests with these tips will be a cinch.
After the Headlines – Charlie Bird, RTE2, 9.35pm Journalist Charlie Bird takes a look at stories that at one time captured the attention of the nation. On January 10, 2007, a fishing trawler named the Pere Charles disappeared from radar just a few miles south of Hook Head with five men on board. Despite a massive search, none of the crew was found. On the same night, 30 miles away, another trawler, the Honeydew II disappeared beneath the waves. Seven fishermen were lost in that tragedy but none of their bodies was ever recovered. A decade on, Charlie meets the families and friends of those lost at sea.
Scott & Bailey, RTE1, 10.15pm The sassy and dogged crimefighting duo return for a thrilling fifth series. Rachel (Suranne Jones) is thrilled to step up to acting DI and takes on a case involving people who brag about committing murder and who lay a gauntlet for their next victims. Janet (Lesley Sharp) is relieved to have her friend back from her Vice secondment, and it turns out, at a time when she will really need her.
WEDNESDAY
Tastes Like Home, RTE1, 7.30pm Catherine Fulvio is in Belfast to meet Lilian Parks before heading to Johannesburg in South Africa to meet her friend Laura Greer. Catherine travels through Soweto in a Tuk Tuk and samples Walkie Talkies, a local delicacy. She meets a traditional African healer, learns about tribal dress and customs, and tastes food from artisan food producers. Along the way, Catherine rustles up delicious dishes including lamb shanks with bacon and red wine and Amarula panna cotta with Macadamia praline.
Xpose Presents: The Image Businesswoman of the Year Awards, TV3, 8pm The team brings all the glamour from the glittering business awards. Now in its 11th year, the ceremony celebrates inspiring women. Xpose has access all areas on the red carpet, on stage and backstage as some of Ireland’s leading minds are honoured. Among the nine categories are Entrepreneur of the Year and CEO of the year. More than 800 industry experts will be in attendance.
My Astonishing Self, RTE1, 9.35pm In this one-hour documentary, actor Gabriel Byrne explores the life, works and passions of George Bernard Shaw, an Irishman who found his voice in England. Gabriel believes that Shaw is the most relevant thinker and literary genius that Ireland has ever produced. Starting out as a campaigner, Shaw turned his street speeches into plays. He was never afraid of provoking the establishment and standing up against discrimination of any kind. Byrne also explores his radical political thinking which courted controversy.
THURSDAY
Catching a Killer: A Bullet Through the Window, Channel 4, 9pm This unsettling film looks at the case of a young man who was gunned down in his home in a quiet suburban street in Milton Keynes. With exclusive access to the Thames Valley police, the documentary uncovers the circumstances behind the 19-year-old’s death. As the investigation navigates twists and turns, mourning family members learn about how the teenager was recently groomed into a shady world of drugs and guns.
Billy Connolly & Me, TV3, 10pm This one-hour special takes a look at the living legend that is Billy Connolly. For five decades, the anarchic comedian has been making us laugh about the very fabric of life. Here, fans of all ages from around the world share their stories of how Billy has inspired and influenced them. Peter Kay and Adam Hills credit him with inspiring their stand-up careers while his wife Pamela talks about life with Billy.
The School, RTE2, 10.35pm Finale of the hilarious mockumentary about the shenanigans of a principal, teacher and secretary at a Cork primary school. Here, dastardly Tom plays dirty to try to outdo Dominic’s sixth class but ends up upsetting pupils taking part in the Nativity. However, he gets a chance to redeem himself when an unforeseen situation arises. Elsewhere, a lovelorn Briege thinks that Dominic is planning a romantic gesture.
FRIDAY
Sounds Like Friday Night, BBC1, 7.30pm In the last episode of the music series, chart stormer Dua Lupa sits pretty as co-host. The English singer-songwriter was signed after she began covering songs from other artists on YouTube and since then has sailed to the top of the charts with New Rules. Tonight, she’ll be performing in the studio and introducing Kasabian and Rag’n’Bone Man.
Ride Upon the Storm, RTE2, from 9.40pm Double bill of the drama about a priest whose ancestors have been in religious life for more than 250 years. Here, Christian returns home from Nepal with a new outlook on life and one which he decides to turn into a book. In the follow up, Christian discovers that Amira has left Mark and the pair bond over his work.
SATURDAY
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, BBC1, 8.30pm TV presenters Marvin and Rochelle Humes hand over their phones in the first-ever double Send To All. Michael will be sneaking into a bedroom in the outrageous Midnight Gameshow and there will be music from The Vamps. Plus, an extra in an advert finds themselves as the Unexpected Star of the Show.
The Graham Norton Show, TV3, 9.50pm Star of film Zero Dark Thirty, Jessica Chastain, will be on the red sofa to chat about acting. Comedian Dawn French will be injecting humour into proceedings. Completing the line-up are actor Rebel Wilson and stars of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black. Plus, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds perform Holy Mountain.