PICK OF THE DAY

DRACULA

9PM, BBC1 ★★★★★

Just as they did with Sherlock, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat inject wit and new ideas into familiar literary characters. The series begins in tandem with Bram Stoker’s novel as Jonathan Harker recounts his dreadful experience at Dracula’s castle. But in the first of many successful diversions, Jonathan is telling his story to a nun, Sister Agatha (the brilliant Dolly Wells), an intelligent and wry woman who is undaunted by Dracula’s darkness. Claes Bang (right) is excellent as the Count; by the end of this first of three episodes, he’s made the character entirely his own.

DOCTOR WHO

6.55PM, BBC1 ★★★★

Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor is back with a two-part story to open the new series. Also returning are her companions, played by Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole, while familiar faces Lenny Henry and Stephen Fry also join in on the action. The second episode will be back in the usual Sunday-evening slot.

EARTH’S TROPICAL ISLANDS

9PM, BBC2 ★★★★

Starting with Madagascar, this series explores the unique life of three stunning islands – Borneo and Hawaii will follow. Madagascar is home to many species of lemurs, from ringtailed to the sifaka, but this episode also sheds light on the island’s long-extinct animals, their remains found in vast underwater caverns.

BANCROFT

9PM, ITV ★★★★

Sarah Parish’s bad cop antiheroine is riding high at the start of this new, threepart story. Newly promoted, she’s getting away with murder – and more. After a brutal double killing brings her back into contact with her estranged son, Joe, it won’t be long until she’s back to her old manipulative tricks. SA