This week’s best TV
FRIDAY PILGRIMAGE: THE ROAD TO SANTIAGO (BBC Two, 9pm)
THIS new three-part series follows actor Neil Morrissey, entertainer Debbie McGee, comedian Ed Byrne, singer Heather Small, priest and one-time Goggle-boxer Kate Bottley, journalist Raphael Rowe and TV presenter JJ Chalmers as they tackle the famous 780km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage across Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and the shrine of St James.
Along the way the participants question their lives and faith, as well as pondering whether a medieval pilgrimage still has any relevance in the modern day.
SATURDAY THE VOICE UK (ITV, 8.30pm)
THE battle rounds may be over, but the fight goes on for this year’s contestants on The Voice UK.
We’re now 11 weeks into the competition, and it’s certainly a marathon rather than a sprint. So far, some very talented individuals have fallen by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace.
Judges Jennifer Hudson, Tom Jones, will.i.am and Olly Murs each invite various famous names to help hone the wannabe singing superstars’ skills as the knockout rounds begin – and once they’re complete, it’s time for the final to take place.
SUNDAY THE DURRELLS (ITV, 8pm)
LIKE Downton Abbey, period drama The Durrells has won fans across the globe because of its oh-so-British approach to a historical setting.
Written by Simon Nye, it’s based on naturalist Gerald Durrell’s threepart autobiography, which charted his childhood adventures on the Greek island of Corfu.
If you’ve enjoyed previous runs of the drama, then you’re sure to love the latest. Nye is keen to point out that it’s the kind of programme that people of all ages can enjoy: “It is family viewing but hopefully with a bit of surprise and nuance.”
MONDAY IMAGINE – ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER: MEMORIES (BBC One, 10.45pm)
FOR almost five decades, Andrew Lloyd Webber has reigned over musical theatre, with shows including Cats, Evita, The Phantom of the Opera and most recently School of Rock the Musical.
To mark his 70th year, the publication of his autobiography, Unmasked, and a massive four-CD collection of his songs, the composer and impresario talks to Alan Yentob about his success, his bohemian childhood and the memories he has chosen to reveal.
TUESDAY SHETLAND (BBC One, 9pm)
WHEN the latest series of Shetland began in February, writer David Kane promised it wouldn’t be just another whodunit. Instead, the drama would explore some bigger themes – and leave DI Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) facing some very uncomfortable dilemmas.
As the series reaches its conclusion, the copper’s personal and professional lives collide as the historical DNA results force him to confront the possibility that his stepdaughter’s biological father Duncan may have been involved in Lizzie Kilmuir’s murder and possibly Sally McColl’s as well.
WEDNESDAY DAMNED (C4, 10pm)
AS THE latest series of Jo Brand’s social worker sitcom draws to a close, it looks like Al (Alan Davies) – burned-out and disillusioned – is ready to pack in his job and make a fresh start in Scotland.
Rose (Brand) may be feeling like the butt of the joke this week, as she discovers the pitfalls of dating the boss’ brother – especially as Lee (Nick Hancock) is making a last ditch attempt to win her back.
Nitin (Himesh Patel) tries to guide Nat (Issy Suttie) through her pregnancy, and Martin (Kevin Eldon) and Mimi’s (Lolly Adefope) unorthodox living arrangements come under scrutiny.
THURSDAY MARTIN LUTHER KING BY TREVOR MCDONALD (ITV, 9pm)
TREVOR McDonald has long had a dream to make a documentary about one of his heroes, Martin Luther King – and now, he’s getting to fulfil his ambition with this film, broadcast ahead of the 50th anniversary of King’s assassination on April 4, 1968.
Starting with King’s monumental I Have a Dream speech, the veteran broadcaster works back to learn how this icon of the civil rights movement became a leader almost by accident.