PICKS OF THE DAY
Reality: 24 Hours In A&E, C4, 8pm
The harrowing reality TV series follows life inside the A&E department at London’s King’s College Hospital. Tonight, the staff (including Ahmed, left) meet a retired firefighter who has been hit in the face by a golf club. His wife reflects on the irony of him coming to greater harm on the golf course than in a burning building. Plus, a former marine who has dislocated his thumb after falling off a bike, enjoys the effects of gas and air as he reflects on the evolutionary benefits of risk.
History: Neanderthals: Meet Your Ancestors, BBC4, 8pm
Two-part documentary in which archaeologist Ella Al-Shamahi (above) brings the prehistoric humans back to life with the help of actor Andy Serkis, the man behind computer-generated characters in Lord Of The Rings and Planet Of The Apes. Examining the fossilised remains of a Neanderthal, they are able to create an animated reconstruction, revealing that they were far closer to modern humans than first thought.
Film: The Kid, Film4, 11.15pm
Set in the Wild West of the 19th century, a youngster named Rio Cutler goes on the run with his sister Sara to escape their violent uncle, Grant, who has made their life a misery. Along their journey, the siblings come across gunslinger Billy the Kid and his fearsome gang, forming an unlikely alliance with the infamous outlaw. Praised for being a likable film “even for moviegoers who don’t pine for the Western’s return”, this 2019 comedy adventure was the second film directed by actor Vincent D’Onofrio. The movie features a talented cast, including Parks And Recreation star Chris Pratt, Tesla actor Ethan Hawke (left), Dane DeHaan (far left) and Jake Schur.
Food: Great British Menu: The Finals, BBC2, 9pm
Celebrity cook Andi Oliver presents, as the eight winning chefs from the regional heats battle it out to get their starter course to the banquet celebrating 100 years of British broadcasting. Food podcast host Ed Gamble, Dame Floella Benjamin, Mowgli Street Food founder Nisha Katona and Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge (all above) accompany actor and comic Steve Pemberton on the judging panel this week.
Documentary: HMP Wakefield: Evil Behind Bars, C5, 9pm
Through interviews with ex-inmates, retired guards and relatives of Britain’s most infamous criminals, this documentary reveals secrets of life inside one of the UK’s toughest prisons. Exclusive phone calls from one of the UK’s longest-serving inmates, Charles Bronson (right), show first-hand what life is like at Wakefield Prison, and there are neverbefore-told stories about Jeremy Bamber, arguably as famous for his fight to get out of prison as for the crimes he committed.