TV HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY
A Wild Irish Year, RTE1, 6.30pm The series concludes with winter, which is not much fun for humans and even less for animals who must make the season’s inhospitable landscape their home. In this final episode, we take a look at Ireland’s smallest mammal — the adorable pygmy shrew. These extraordinary little warriors ensure their survival by feeding around the clock. Plus, cameras follow a dedicated fisherman as he departs for a 12-hour shift along the rugged Donegal coast. Britain’s Got Talent, TV3, 7.30pm Declan Donnelly hosts as the colourful contest reaches its grand finale. Viewers have been treated to a mix of some good, some bad and some downright weird performances, and some outstanding acts have also been on display. However, the time has come for the winning acts to win the hearts of the public. The ultimate winner will be crowned the 12th champion and take home a cash prize of £250,000 and a coveted place at this year’s Royal Variety Performance. A Very English Scandal, BBC1, 9pm The gripping political drama starring Hugh Grant concludes. Norman Scott has survived a bungled attempt on his life and publicly accuses Jeremy Thorpe of orchestrating a plot to kill him. With years of acrimony between them, Norman and Jeremy go head to head in court, while the world watches on. Who will come out the other side with their reputation intact?
MONDAY
Raised by the Village, RTE1, 6.30pm It’s said ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, and this experimental series tests out just that. Twothirds of Irish children are raised in the city, but growing up in an urban jungle in not always conducive to a young person’s health and wellbeing. Here, under the guidance of child psychotherapist Stella O’Malley, two rebellious kids are shipped off to the country to see if a change of scene will help them change their ways. Scott, age 15, is a precocious maths prodigy from Kimmage, Co Dublin and is sent to live with the Nixons in Carrigallen, Co Leitrim. His mother hopes a strong sense of community can help him find his path in life. Meanwwhile, phone-addicted Leah from Tallaght goes to live with the Hurley family in rural Co Cork. Suffragettes with Lucy Worsley, BBC1, 8.30pm This year marks a century since women aged over 30, who owned property, were allowed to vote in Britain and Ireland. Historian Lucy Worsley reveals the often brutal battle women had to wage to earn this right. She looks at the heart of the drama, alongside a group of lesser known, but equally remarkable suffragettes who decided to rise up against every rule. Lucy explores what it was like to have the law constantly on their tails and exposes the horrific prison conditions these women had to endure for their beliefs. Love Island, 3e, 9pm There really is no escaping it. The reality series set on the idyllic island of Majorca will be taking over the airwaves for most of the summer, so you might as well grab your flip-flops and join in. Caroline Flack hosts as sizzling singletons looking for love take up residence in the luxury villa. There is a monetary incentive to boot, with the winning couple sharing a £50,000 jackpot. But is it all about the money, or will love play a part?
TUESDAY
How to Cook Well with Rory O’Connell, RTE1, 7pm If you’re in need of some culinary inspiration, look no further as cookery king Rory has some tantalising dishes to tempt our taste buds. This week, he prepares Macroom buffalo mozzarella with courgette, candied lemon and marjoram. Next, it’s roast sirloin of beef with creamed corn and pickled red onions, followed by fresh orange and passion fruit granita with mango, banana and lime. Our Girl, BBC1, 9pm New series of the military drama following the exploits of courageous army medic Georgie Lane (Michelle Keegan). In this opener, Georgie is in Nigeria, working as part of the British Army’s effort to help train local forces to fight against Boko Haram. However, Georgie is struggling to cope with the death of Elvis, and places herself and other members of 2-section in grave danger when they go offgrid and fall into the grasp of Boko Haram insurgents. The Fourth Estate, RTE1, 11.10pm Filmmaker Liz Garbus follows the inner workings of the The New York Times in this illuminating series about the current US President. With unprecedented access to the editors and reporters, Garbus’s team reveal the challenges, triumphs and many pitfalls of a leader who is openly hostile towards mainstream media. Here, the first three months of Trump’s presidency tests the mettle of the political reporters as they adapt to a non-stop news cycle and a President who calls them “the enemy of the people”.
WEDNESDAY
The Truth About Carbs, BBC1, 8pm Dr Xand Van Tulleken, a selfconfessed carb lover, is keen to discover whether they are a killer. This film investigates the latest research into the possible link between carb consumption and infertility in both sexes, and looks into whether genetic changes are taking places as we pass our eating habits to our offspring. Xand also trials an eating plan devised to help diabetic and obese patients swap carbs for healthier alternatives. Healthy Appetite, RTE1, 8.30pm It’s the final episode of the series that pitches two accomplished chefs against one another in a bid to make their signature dishes less calorific, without skimping on taste. Here, Michelin Bib holder Stephen Gibson of Pichet and Lina Gautam from Montys of Kathmandu turn their delicious dishes into something that won’t leave diners feeling guilty. Tocht na Mathar, TG4, 9.30pm Bridget McAnallen tells the heartbreaking story of her son, Cormac, who died suddenly in his bed in March 2004, aged just 24. He was a promising sportsman who played Gaelic football at senior inter-county level for Tyrone, and at club level for Eglish. Since his untimely death, his family have dedicated themselves to raising awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome through The Cormac Trust.
THURSDAY
Supershoppers, Channel 4, 8pm The popular show is back for a new run with Anna Richardson and Sabrina Grant at the helm. Tonight, the consumer champions take on John Lewis, showing that the retail giant’s famous price promise can’t always be believed. The pair also look at what’s in dairy free milk and the truth about supermarket value-brands. Madam Secretary, Sky Living, 9pm Tea Leoni stars as the weary Secretary of State in the explosive finale. Elizabeth and cabinet members brace themselves for the fallout as President Dalton prepares for a retaliatory nuclear attack on a country that reportedly just launched missiles bound for the US. The Irish Post Music Awards, TG4, 9.30pm Ten of the country’s top acts perform under one roof, for a night of toe-tapping Irish music, to launch the prestigious awards ceremony in the INEC Killarney, Co Kerry. Guests including Una Healy, The Blizzards, Beoga and many more are expected to be in attendance on the night. Categories handed out include Best Country, Best Folk, Best Pop/Rock albums and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
FRIDAY
The Crystal Maze: Celebrity Special, Channel 4, 9pm Richard Ayoade has seamlessly stepped into the role of the enigmatic Maze Master, and this new series sees an army of famous faces take on The Crystal Maze. Tonight, Olympic legend Kelly Holmes takes charge of MC Big Narstie, actress Jorgie Porter, internet star Alfie Deynes and gold medallist Greg Rutherford in a thrilling journey to the elusive Crystal Dome. The Graham Norton Show, BBC1, 11.05pm It isn’t Friday night without the bubbly host ushering in the weekend. On the famous red sofa tonight, Usain Bolt chats about taking part in this year’s Soccer Aid, Hollywood star Channing Tatum talks about Magic Mike Live, Jennifer Saunders and her daughter Beattie Edmondson discuss their role in Disney film Patrick, and Rob Brydon chats about his role in Swimming with Men. Music comes from Florence + the Machine.
SATURDAY
Germaine Bloody Greer, BBC2, 9pm This one-off documentary gives the charismatic Australian writer and intellectual the opportunity to reflect on her remarkable life and career, in that unfiltered and witty way that is entirely her own. Topics include breaking onto the scene in the 1970s, and her bestselling book The Female Eunuch, which is considered one of the most important texts when it comes to the feminist movement. This special also features archive footage and unseen material which gives a thorough insight into her life. Hannibal’s Elephant Army: The New Evidence, More4, 9pm An examination of the facts behind one of history’s most theatrical and legendary events — the Carthaginian general’s daring crossing of the Alps with an army of 40,000 men, 9,000 cavalry and 37 elephants.