PICK OF THE DAY

THE CURE

9PM, CH4 ★★★★ Based on a bleak true story, this powerful drama follows the origins of the Cure The NHS campaign run by Julie Bailey (Sian Brooke, right). After the death of her mother, Bella, in shocking circumstances at Stafford Hospital in 2007,

Julie would not rest until she found justice for her mum; other bereaved families contacted her with similar stories of terrible lapses in care. Julie’s crusade got farreaching results, but as this moving drama shows, she paid a price – not just the loss of her beloved mum, but also abuse and condemnation from a frightened local community.

THE DOG RESCUERS WITH ALAN DAVIES AT CHRISTMAS

8PM, CH5 ★★★ Alan reminds us that a dog isn’t just for Christmas in this festive special edition. In the Wirral, RSPCA Inspector Anthony hopes that rescue spaniel Max will find a home, while Alan is at the Putney Animal Hospital, where desperate owners hope that their beloved pups will be well enough for the holidays.

HESTON’S MARVELLOUS MENU

9PM, BBC2 ★★★ Giles Coren takes us on a cultural and culinary nostalgia trip back to 2001, the year Heston Blumenthal’s Berkshire restaurant The Fat Duck was at the head of a food revolution. Heston re-creates his ‘multisensory tasting menu’, while diners paying tribute to the era include Dom Joly and

Andi and Miquita Oliver.

FREDDIE MERCURY: A CHRISTMAS STORY

9PM, CH5 ★★★★

Seeing in 1976 with Bohemian Rhapsody in the coveted Christmas number one slot sealed the Queen front man’s long-standing love for the festive season. This one-off hears from Mercury’s friends and loved ones as they pay tribute to his generosity and enduring Christmas spirit. SA