Girls’ night in… and out
1 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Animals – India TUESDAY, ITV, 9PM NEW SERIES
Like a Scouse Dr Dolittle, animal-mad comic Paul O’Grady heads to India to rescue and rehabilitate some of the continent’s vulnerable wild animals. And he loves it.
‘It’s the most remarkable place I’ve ever been – the atmosphere, the scenery, the food. But the cruelty to animals is heartbreaking,’ Paul says. ‘I met an elephant called Mohan who was in his 50s – emaciated and brutalised, he’d spent his life in chains. While I was stroking him, a big tear rolled out of his eye. I lost the plot completely.
‘But there are lighter moments, too,’ Paul adds. ‘I’m laughing a lot – getting soaked trying to shower the elephants, bottle-feeding a baby rhino. And going through the streets in one of those tuk-tuks [auto-rickshaws] – fabulous.’
2 X Men: Apocalypse FROM FRIDAY, SKY CINEMA
Michael Fassbender as evil villain Magneto joins James McAvoy as mutant leader Professor X and Nicholas Hoult as genius Beast, helped out by Jennifer Lawrence’s shape-shifter Mystique, in this lavish superhero adventure. Can the world be saved? Have fun finding out…
3 Rip Off Britain MONDAY, BBC ONE, 9.15AM NEW SERIES
Our own Gloria Hunniford joins forces with Angela Rippon and Julia Somerville again, as the avenging angels of consumer issues. The formidable trio tackle the problems that matter to you – from soaring bills and bad customer service to horrible holidays and disappointing dining.
4 First Dates TUESDAY, CHANNEL 4, 10PM NEW SERIES
You know the drill by now. Romantic hopefuls turn up to the London restaurant where matchmaking maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his team are on hand to help love blossom. And, of course, the camera crew catches every minute – sweet or awkward!
5 Nashville FRIDAY, SKY LIVING, 9PM NEW SERIES
The guys and gals of Music City are back for season five of the glam US drama. As the news of Juliette’s plane crash reverberates (she’s played by Hayden Panettiere, above), emotions run high and Highway 65 hits the skids.