PICKS OF THE DAY
Comedy: This Time With Alan Partridge, BBC1, 9.30pm
Keen to demonstrate the extent of his physical fitness, middle-aged Alan embarks on a high-octane SAS training mission. Resident drinks expert Rosie Whitter joins the team in the This Time studio, where Alan has the latest in a long line of his infamous on-screen meltdowns, throwing a volcanic temper tantrum over a journalist’s criticism of the show. But before the fireworks, Alan shares with viewers some of his poetry, a toe-curling, sycophantic ode to the BBC, which has finally given him a second series. Delicious, pin-sharp comedy, starring Steve Coogan (left), Susannah Fielding, Felicity Montagu, Tim Key and Rosie Cavaliero.
Music: Later With Jools Holland, BBC2, 10pm
In the first episode of this new series a number of famous faces join the pianist at his South London recording studio. Jools welcomes Noel Gallagher, who looks back on 10 glorious years of his band Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Plus, Walsall-born singer-songwriter Jorja Smith (left) performs new music from her latest project. Ohio rock band The Black Keys also show off their vocals with a version of Going Down South from their blues covers album.
Soap: Coronation Street, ITV, 7.30pm
Abi finds out that the horrific attack on Nina and Seb was triggered by Nina’s appearance. Elsewhere, Laura changes her mind and decides she wants to take back her daughter. She tells Imran (Charlie de Melo, above right) and Toyah (Georgia Taylor, above middle) that once Kelly’s been released, she’s coming to live with her. Imran is furious at the suggestion. Meanwhile, David asks Daniel to tutor Sam.
Film: The Long Shot, BBC1, 10.45pm
Out-of-work journalist Fred Flarsky lands a job writing speeches for glamorous US Secretary of State Charlotte Field, who is shortly to run for office as the first female president. Opposites attract and a very unlikely romance develops during an international campaign to champion environmental issues. Comedy drama starring Ravi Patel, June Diane Raphael, Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron (all above).
Drama: Van Der Valk, ITV, 8.30pm
Marc Warren (right) steps into the shoes of Barry Foster to take on the role of Dutch detective Van der Valk in this new adaptation of the Amsterdam-based crime drama. The corpse of two seemingly unrelated men are found in different parts of the city on the same day. Are the deaths connected, and if so, could there be a link to the disappearance of a student activist? Van der Valk must get to the bottom of things while dealing with an overeager rookie cop.