PICKS OF THE DAY
History: Charlene White: Empire’s Child, ITV, 9pm
ITV news presenter and Loose Women host Charlene White (left) takes an eventful journey into her past to discover how the legacy of the British Empire has shaped her own family’s history. A mystery surrounding the racial heritage of her great-great uncle, Edward Stanbury, kick-starts her investigation into the history books as she unearths more details about her family’s past than she could have ever dreamed of. Starting her personal journey from her home city of London, Charlene travels to Devon where she meets an expert in genealogy. Her journey finishes in Jamaica, where she reaches a deeply moving conclusion to her story.
Environment: Shop Well For The Planet?, BBC1, 8pm
Diversity’s Jordan Banjo and Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page (left) travel to Grays in Essex to help a family of six who are at an early stage of their eco journey. Jenny and Carlos have four children – 24-year-old Tarik, 15-year-old Tiana May, Daisy River, 11, and four-year-old Bradley. Being eco was never an important factor in their lives until the pandemic, but Jenny and Tarik have recently decided to overhaul their lifestyle by giving up meat and going plant-based.
Arts: The Directors, Sky Arts, 8pm
The return of the programme looking at some of the most respected film-makers and the individuals who shaped the cinematic experience for generations to come. The first episode examines the life and work of Oscar-nominated John Sturges (above, right), best known for directing war movies and westerns. His films include classics such as The Magnificent Seven, Bad Day At Black Rock and The Great Escape.
Drama: All Creatures Great And Small, C5, 9pm
As Chamberlain heads to meet with Hitler in Munich, James musters up the courage to tell his parents some difficult news. Meanwhile, the prospect of a return to war acts as a reminder to make the most of life while you can. But James’s agenda is thwarted by an emergency with the Alderson’s pregnant mare. Starring Nicholas Ralph, Rachel Shenton, Imogen Clawson and Tony Pitts (all above). Last in the series.
Film: Poltergeist, BBC4, 9pm
Horror, co-written and co-produced by Steven Spielberg, starring JoBeth Williams (right). The Freelings are just like many other American suburban families but one night the youngest child hears a voice coming from inside the television set. At first there is an invasion of friendly spirits, but then a terrifying force of evil threatens to destroy the house and carry off the children into an unseen netherworld. From the director who brought us The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.