PICKS OF THE DAY
Property: Grand Designs, C4, 9pm
The main reason for choosing Grand Designs as our lead pick today is not because it is a particularly earthshattering project – although it is the transformation of an underground water reservoir near the Humber Estuary into a family home. Instead, it is to leap to the defence of host Kevin “too posh” McCloud (left, with tonight’s grand designers Richard and Felicia). Channel 4’s recent starstudded advert featured their leading men and women repeating genuine viewers’ complaints about them, including the posh jibe aimed at McCloud. Nonsense, we say. He has been a superb host of this show for years, displaying charm, compassion, knowledge and wit in bucket loads.
Food and drink: Secrets Of The Royal Kitchens, Channel 5, 9pm
Light-hearted glimpse into the world of the British Royal family, exploring regal traditions and priceless jewels, as well as looking through the keyhole of the grand palaces. A royal butler explains how he accidentally ended up dancing with the Queen, an interior designer describes what he found in the drawers at Buckingham Palace and Her Majesty’s PR man reveals the real reason the staff bar at the same palace was closed.
Film: Eddie The Eagle, Film4, 6.40pm
At the conclusion of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, nobody in their right mind would have imagined that almost three decades later a film would be made chronicling the achievements of the man who finished last in both the 70m and 90m ski jump events. Despite that, it happened. Taron Egerton stars as Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards with Hugh Jackman (above, with Egerton) and Christopher Walken.
Medicine: The Highland Midwife, Channel 5, 8pm
A new series of the documentary taking viewers to the unforgiving surroundings of the Scottish Highlands starts tonight. We follow three expectant mothers and the professionals who attend them, like Sheena (right). In the first episode, midwife Breda is concerned that Steffi and Tom’s baby may arrive before they can make it to the hospital. Meanwhile, Katie, who is 40 weeks, prepares for the birth of her baby in a birthing pool in her own front room.
Soap: Coronation Street, ITV, 7.30pm & 8.30pm
Adam (Sam Robertson, above right) learns that it was Gary who attacked Ryan and confides in Imran. Later, he chooses the pub as the perfect place to confront Mr Windass (Mikey North, left) with evidence of what happened. Meanwhile, Evelyn’s nonplussed when Fiz receives a birthday card from Jade, Hope’s former teaching assistant in Birmingham, while Shona tells Leanne that Max has been suspended.