TV HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY
A Wild Irish Year, RTE1, 6.30pm This episode is an ode to the beauty of nature in summer, featuring nesting birds, feeding whales and playful cubs. While for many humans it is a time of rest and relaxation, for the natural world it is a time of growth and change. Eoin Warner shares his love of bees and reveals the complex process of making honey in his beehives, while Tara Shine highlights the catastrophic decline of the elegant Curlew. Plus, Rob Gandola waxes lyrical about his favourite Irish animal — lizards. A Very English Scandal, BBC1, 9pm Here’s an engrossing period drama for you to chase away the Sunday night blues. In 1960s England, brilliant politician Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant) begins a then-illegal affair with young stable hand, Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw). Soon, the relationship turns sour and Jeremy turns to his friends for decisive action. He can see only one way of silencing his former lover for good. The Great House Revival, RTE1, 9.30pm This week, engaged couple Ronan Fitzpatrick and Mary Rahill are investing 200,000 Euro on restoring a two-room schoolhouse in Cavan built in the 1890s. The building has been derelict for years and narrowly escaped being condemned at one point. Mary and Ronan, who attended the school like his father before him, hope to create a modern, comfortable and stylish home within the constraints of one year, all the while planning a wedding.
MONDAY
Jamie’s Quick & Easy Food, Channel 4, 8pm Chef and activist Jamie Oliver is back with a new culinary series designed to help you whizz up tasty, easy meals without breaking a sweat. The first episode features four delicious recipes, each using just five ingredients. He serves up flaky pastry pesto chicken, a spicy ‘nduja vongole and a sizzling sausage bake, followed by a refreshing granita. You’ll be a home cook hero in no time. Say Yes to the Dress, RTE2, 10pm International wedding planner Franc helps pick out perfect frocks for blushing brides-to-be, ably assisted by the bridal consultants at Vows. First up is 23-year-old Aoife Lydon who is certain about what style of dress she wants, but Franc thinks a full-length gown would suit her best. Marie Moore, 32, has a very specific request — she wants her entourage to be moved to tears by her dress, something which hasn’t happened so far. Manchester: A Year of Hate Crimes, Channel 4, 10.35pm Last year, Manchester experienced its worst terror attack in living memory. On May 22, a terrorist detonated a homemade bomb as throngs of fans were leaving an Ariana Grande concert, leaving 22 dead and 116 injured. This special takes viewers to the frontline of racial and religious hatred with the officers of the Greater Manchester Police as they respond to growing numbers of this kind of report each month.
TUESDAY
Daniel and Majella’s B&B Road Trip, RTE1, 8.30pm The lovable duo enjoy their first island B&B experience at Bere Island Lodge in Co Cork. Majella is looked upon favourably by lady luck at Friday Night Bingo and the pair have an energetic start to St Patrick’s Day with a 5k island parkrun and the celebrations continue at Geararoe B&B in Millstreet. Prime Time — The Referendum Debate, RTE1, 9.35pm Miriam O’Callaghan and David McCullagh host RTE’s last televised debate where both sides of the issue go head-to-head in front of a live studio audience. If you’ve yet to make up your mind, this special will lay out the arguments to help you make an informed decision. The Works Presents, RTE1, 10.45pm John Kelly sits down with animator Nora Twomey, the director of The Breadwinner, which scored the Cork native an Oscar nomination. Nora tells John about what attracted her to the story which centres around a young girl growing up in Afghanistan, whose father is taken by the Taliban and she must dress as a boy to protect her family. The project even gained the support of Hollywood royalty Angelina Jolie, who would act as a mentor to Nora.
WEDNESDAY
Darkness into Light, TV3, 9pm Each year, tens of thousands of people internationally and in Ireland — come together under the cover of darkness to partake in a sponsored 5km walk or run to raise money for Pieta House, a charity which helps people who are affected in some way by suicide. This special hears heartbreaking individual stories, and also highlights the inspiring nature of the event itself. Stressed, RTE1, 9.35pm Most of us are affected by stress at some point in our lives, but for some, it can become a burden which negatively impacts day-today existence. This two-parter, presented by journalist Jennifer O’Connell, features a diverse cast of volunteers who feel they need to turn things around. In the first episode, we find out the results of the How Are You Ireland? survey and meet the people who are going to have their stress levels measured and tested. The Pat Kenny Show: Referendum Debate, TV3, 10pm The veteran broadcaster hosts a live referendum debate with key players from both sides of the campaign airing all the major talking points in front of an opinionated studio audience who are invited to contribute to the lively debate. Voters will be well informed as the campaign draws to a close.
THURSDAY
Paul O’Grady For the Love of Dogs: India, TV3, 7.30pm In the final episode of the series, the animal lover celebrates Diwali, the festival of light, with the people and pooches of one of Delhi’s oldest dog shelters. He also helps an anxious pup find its playful side and falls in love with an elderly black Labrador who lives at the rescue centre. Will he have some extra furry baggage when he returns to Britain? Super Garden, RTE1, 8.30pm Niall and Natalie have four children with autism and are looking for a garden that will provide a refuge from the stresses of their daily lives. Hoping to transform their green space is small time landscaper Anthony Faulkner, but while he’s big on imagination, he’s somewhat wanting on preparation and execution. Judge Gary is nonetheless impressed with the progress, but he urges Anthony to take control even though he admits he’s a bit out of his depth. My Trans Life, RTE2, 9.30pm The issue of gender fluidity has been something of a hot topic in recent times. Filmed over two years, this absorbing documentary offers an intimate portrait of the lives of five young transgender people on their journey to transition. In the concluding episode, Lily’s mother sees her artwork for the first time and comes to the sad realisation that life would have been much easier for her child if she had been gendered female at birth. Also, Luke gets financial help from Maura and decides to go ahead with a double mastectomy.
FRIDAY
Unreported World, Channel 4, 7.30pm In this final instalment of the factual series, reporter Ade Adepitan and director Johnny McDevitt head to the frontline of Rio de Janeiro, where Brazil’s military have been called in to assist local law enforcement in the fight against drug gangs. The groups have been in control of the city’s slums for some time now, and action is needed to help the innocents caught in the crossfire. The pair discuss the issue with victims, families, campaigners and politicians. How to Get Fit Fast, Channel 4, 8pm Many of us have the best of intentions when it comes to losing weight but the trouble comes when trying to stick to our diet and fitness regimes. Here, Anna Richardson and Amar Latif help viewers find the exercise perfect for them, as well as offering up scientific data. Anna finds out about calisthenics, while Amar tries out effective lunch break exercises. The Graham Norton Show, BBC1, 11.05pm Among the stellar guests on the famous red sofa tonight are Hollywood stars Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and Jeff Goldblum who are starring together in dinosaur flick Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. There’s also music from Jake Shears who performs Creep City.
SATURDAY
Referendum, RTE1, 9am The polling stations opened their doors yesterday, as the people had their say on the heated debate regarding the referendum on the Eighth Amendment. There is full coverage throughout the day on various platforms, with this morning’s live coverage analysing the latest news as it comes in. Breaking for the news at 1pm, we return to rolling reports at 2pm. The Biggest Weekend Live, BBC2, 4.30pm It’s a huge weekend for music fans, as the BBC run their huge event simultaneously across three locations, in Belfast, Perth and Swansea. This live coverage includes performances by Anne Marie, Liam Payne, George Ezra, Ash and Amy McDonald, with sets across the weekend also featuring Snow Patrol, Florence + The Machine and Taylor Swift.