PICK OF THE DAY

McMafia

9PM, BBC1

This expensive-looking new eight-part drama stars James Norton as Alex Godman (right), the son of a depressed Russian mob kingpin, who finds himself drawn into his father’s nefarious activities. A highflying, London-based hedge fund manager, Alex soon discovers that organised crime can be like quicksand – the harder you try to escape its clutches, the further it drags you into its murky depths.

This first episode finds Alex learning some shocking truths about his beloved eccentric uncle Boris (David Dencik).

Grandpa’s Great Escape

6.55PM, BBC1

Tom Courtenay and Jennifer Saunders are among the starry cast of this poignant and funny one-off, based on a book by David Walliams, who also stars. It’s the story of Grandpa, a former Second World War Spitfire ace – now suffering from Alzheimer’s disease – whose grandson gives him the chance to relive his glory days.

The Great Festive Bake Off

7.40PM, CH4

With a Winter Wonderland theme, the second of two seasonal specials sees Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding joined in the tent by a further four former contestants – Benjamina and Rav (from 2016), Rob (2012) and Sandy (2015). Whom will Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood crown Festive Star Baker?

Sue Perkins And The Chimp Sanctuary

9PM, BBC2

After a recent change in US law, decades of medical testing on chimpanzees have finally come to an end, not a moment too soon. This poignant film sees Sue Perkins visiting the US national chimpanzee sanctuary to meet a group of new residents, recently liberated from laboratories. SH