TV HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY Antiques Roadshow, BBC1, 7pm
The much-loved, long-running series returns to our screens this evening, as host Fiona Bruce and the team hit the road again, ready to unearth some of the most incredible relics and trinkets brought to them by the general public. This opener takes them to the recently-opened Concorde Hangar at the Aerospace Bristol museum, where items include a vintage model car that belonged to a PoW, an Elizabethan-era ring and a collection of classic guitars.
Celebs Go Dating, E4, 9pm
It’s a tough life constantly being in the spotlight, especially when it comes to the dating world. Luckily a new batch of celebrities are about to get a helping hand. Experts get them out into the world of romance, offering some advice on how to find the perfect partner. Having a go in this latest series are Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey, Love Island participant Georgia Steel, The Only Way is Essex lad Pete Wicks, veteran TV personality and singer Kerry Katona, Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, Ibiza Weekender personality David Weekender, reality television personality Megan McKenna and Love Island contestant Jack Fowler.
Dermot Bannon’s Incredible Homes, RTE1, 9.30pm
The architect continues his travels, with this penultimate edition of the series taking him to Sweden. There are some jaw-dropping abodes to take in, including an original timber cabin located at Harads in Swedish Lapland which dates back to 1942, and the beautiful, world-famous Treehotel.
MONDAY Child Genius, Channel 4, 8pm
Richard Osman temporarily steps away from his duties on daytime quiz Pointless to host the latest series of the brain-scratching competition aimed at brilliant young boffins. Across the series a group of eight to 12-year-olds go head to head in a range of tough challenges, as they look to prove that they are the smartest of the pack. This opener tests their linguistics, spelling and Old English abilities and knowledge.
This Time with Alan Partridge, BBC1, 9.30pm
Steve Coogan returns as his best-known creation, the mouthy and often hapless television personality, Alan Partridge. The star finally gets his big break, when the regular host to the BBC’s magazine show, This Time, comes down with something and they need a new host. Of course, Alan thinks that he is the man for the job, but must keep his cool when all sorts of eyebrowraising topics start popping up.
The 91st Academy Awards, RTE2, 9.30pm
It is, without a doubt, the biggest night on Hollywood’s calendar, as the long road of the awards season finally comes to an end. The stars are out in force for tonight’s glitzy affair, which is a little different from previous years as there is no fixed host. Instead a revolving door of big names take to the stage across the night as they take it in turns to announce and entertain. The Favourite and Roma lead the pack with 10 nominations each, with other main contenders including A Star is Born, Green Book and Bohemian Rhapsody also looking to claim a few wins.
TUESDAY Home of the Year, RTE1, 8.30pm
The search continues for judges Hugh Wallace, Deirdre Whelan and Peter Crowley, as they check out tonight’s three candidates. First they meet architect Robert Logan and his wife Julie, whose self-build modern farmhouse in Antrim competes against interior designer Emily Cunnane’s terraced redbrick home in Dublin and Eniko and Mike Kirkwood’s two-storey cottage in Down.
Safe At Last: Inside a Women’s Refuge, Channel 4, 10pm
This moving one-off documentary is narrated by actor Julie Walters and reveals what life is like in a women’s refuge for those who have had to flee abusive relationships. It is the first time that cameras have been granted such access, which makes for an eye-opening and poignant view inside a facility that is in danger of being closed as a result of a lack of funding.
Inside Britain’s Black Market: Who’s Selling Fake Stuff? BBC1, 10.45pm
This documentary follows investigative reporter Livvy Haydock’s six-month journey inside the black market which floods Britain’s streets with fake gear, replicating everything from clothes to medication. She wants to discover where all these knock-off products are coming from and who is behind it all.
WEDNESDAY The Satanic Verses: 30 Years On, BBC2, 9pm
Broadcaster and journalist Mobeen Azhar presents this one-off examination of the effect that Salman Rushdie’s book, The Satanic Verses, had upon the Muslim community in the UK after its release in 1988. It caused genuine outrage, with Rushdie receiving a number of threats on his life as a result. Mobeen also discovers that, although three decades have passed, the wildfire surrounding its release still blazes today.
Inside Ireland’s Biggest Prison, Virgin Media 1, 9pm
This eye-opening glimpse inside The Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, Co Laois, concludes, with an examination of the facility’s ability to rehabilitate its inmates. It also asks the broader question — is rehabilitation possible in prisons across Ireland, or is it a losing battle?
Operation Transformation, RTE1, 9.35pm
The fitness-orientated competition concludes, as the leaders discover just what eight weeks of intense changes to their diets and fitness regimes can do. Kathryn Thomas is there to welcome Cathal, Paul, Pamela, Jean and Siobhán to this year’s finale, but have they been able to stick to the changes, and how do they feel the experience went?
Three Girls, RTE1, 10.35pm
Maxine Peake, Lesley Sharp and Molly Windsor are among the cast of this new three-part drama, which recreates a shocking real-life case that took place in Rochdale, England. Holly is a teenager who has just moved to the small town. However, she finds her new life there take a dark turn, one that involves exploitation and abuse. Sexual health worker Sara knows the signs, and will do anything to help the youngster escape it.
THURSDAY The Parkinson’s Drug Trial: A Miracle Cure? BBC2, 9pm
The hunt for a cure to Parkinson’s Disease continues, with this new two-part series shining a light on a potentially groundbreaking and experimental new drug that could go a long way in winning the fight against it. Over the course of a six-year trial, 42 participants offer their bodies up to the research, in the hopes that the findings can help save the lives of the estimated 10 million currently struggling with the devastating disease.
Three Identical Strangers, Channel 4, 9pm
Stranger than fiction best sums up the story at the heart of this one-off feature-length documentary. It tells the story of Robert Shafran, Edward Galland and David Kellman, three men who grew up within a 100-mile radius of each other in New York State. However, what they didn’t know is that they were actually identical triplets, only finding out at the age of 19 that they were separated at birth. Their discovery led to fame, but as unbelievable as their story was up to that point, it was about to take another unexpected twist.
Jump Girls, TG4, 9.30pm
The two-part look at the women who are challenging the standards of horse racing concludes. Following the likes of trainer Jessica Harrington and her daughters Kate and Emma, as well as jockeys Rachael Blackmore, Katie Walsh, Lisa O’Neill and Katie O’Farrell, we find out how the sport’s future is being shaped by these stars.
FRIDAY GAA Scor na nog Finals, TG4, 6pm
Catch the highlights from last month’s finals, after a selection of excellent young performers took the stage at the Travellers Friend in Castlebar, Co Mayo. GAA clubs from all over Ireland were represented, offering a little something for everyone including music, song, dance and more.
Box Office, Virgin Media 2, 9.30pm
Now that the dust from this year’s Oscars has settled, Lisa Cannon hosts another edition of the entertaining movie magazine show. As always she gets us caught up on all the latest news and reviews, and sits down for in-depth conversation with some of the biggest on-screen stars from Ireland and Hollywood.
SATURDAY All Together Now, BBC1, 7.30pm
The singing competition with a difference returns tonight. Comedian Rob Beckett presents the action, as performers of every shape, size and style compete for a chance to advance to the next round. A mix of soloists, groups, amateurs and professionals take it in turns to perform, as they attempt to impress the huge judging panel known as The 100. Led by Spice Girl Geri Horner, it’s all about whoever gets the biggest response from the panel, with the top two advancing.
Casualty, BBC1, 8.40pm
This edition of the long-running medical drama is the first of a two-part crossover with weekday companion series, Holby City. The hospital is delivered a massive blow as the staff grow concerned that they have been the target of a cyber attack. They must band together if they are to make it through the day. The gripping story concludes on Holby City at 8pm on Tuesday.