PICKS OF THE DAY
Drama: Holby City, 8pm, BBC1
Jac (Rosie Marcel, left) attempts to bury herself in a mountain of work, determined to do all she can to save the life of a scared and fatalistic patient. Meanwhile, Sacha is forced to confront his faith when his mother sets him up on a blind date. There is also a familiar face back in town as Donna Jackson returns to Holby City, but she clashes with Fletch and questions if too much has changed for her to simply pick up where she left off. NB: 10.45PM IN SCOTLAND
Animals: The Dog Rescuers With Alan Davies, 8pm, Channel 5
A neglected elderly border collie is among the patients seen as a new series of this wonderful documentary show with Alan Davies (above) begins. Timmy has been found in a house surrounded by his own mess with a huge tumour on his face. Luckily for him, RSPCA officer Anthony has come to his rescue. Meanwhile, Inspector Helen meets Archie, a stroppy shih tzu whose fur is so matted he can barely see or hear.
Drama: Broken, 9pm, BBC1
Father Michael finds himself cast in the role of mediator when Helen’s brother arrives. He quickly ruffles a few feathers and becomes embroiled in an argument with his sister’s neighbour Carl (Ned Dennehy, left, with Sean Bean as Father Michael). As things escalate, the priest is torn – does he do what he knows is right in the eyes of the law or does he do what he feels may resolve things without causing poor Helen any more distress? Elsewhere, Chloe Demichelis wants answers from the long-suffering Michael. Just a single episode of this superb drama remains after tonight and Bean continues to impress in the role of Father Michael, the latest addition to a back catalogue of characters he has mastered.
Reality: First Dates, 10pm, C4
Teaching assistant Helen is lucky enough to sit down for a meal with “Deadly” tonight. Okay, his real name is actually David (above, with Helen). Apparently he’s a well-known figure in the world of garage music but despite being confident on stage, it is a different story in the sole company of a woman. Can he overcome stage fright to impress his date? Other diners include rock fan Anthony and fellow northerner Barbara.
Reality: The Hotel Inspector, 9pm, Channel 5
This is another new series starting tonight and Alex Polizzi (right) is in the North West. John and Mel own a beachfront business in the resort of Southport – their first dalliance into the hotel trade. The pair opened a craft ale bar and then started renovating the flats above it into a hostelry. With the residence more of a building site than a boutique hotel, Alex has to get stuck in as the first guests are due in a matter of weeks. Crumbs!