PICK OF THE DAY

RIDLEY ROAD 9PM, BBC1

★★★★

Loosely inspired by real events, this handsomely mounted new four-part drama is based on the novel by Jo Bloom, and has been adapted for the screen by the comedy actress and writer Sarah Solemani. It’s set in the East End of London during the 1960s, when far-right fascism is on the rise. Rory Kinnear (right) is real-life fascist Colin Jordan, the leader of a neo-nazi organisation determined to rid the country of foreigners and restore good old British values. Newcomer Agnes O’casey is young Jewish woman Vivien Epstein, who goes undercover to ruin Jordan’s best-laid plans.

THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE: REPAIRING OUR PLANET 6.05PM, BBC1

★★★★★ Launched by Prince William and the Royal Foundation in October 2020, the Earthshot Prize aims to discover and celebrate solutions to the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet. In this first of a new series, the Prince introduces us to the finalists and their projects.

THE MATING GAME 8PM, BBC1

★★★★

This new natural history series is about ‘the greatest challenge of all – attracting a partner.’ David Attenborough will be exploring the animal dating scene, meeting the creatures who make a song and dance about finding a mate. The five-part series begins by looking at how animals breed on the planet’s grasslands.

MIDSOMER MURDERS 8PM, ITV

★★★★

In the first of a new run of the cosy crime drama, DCI Barnaby and DS Winter (Neil Dudgeon and Nick Hendrix) are called in to investigate the death of Victor Karras, a manufacturer of exclusive board games, who appears to have been poisoned. Caroline Quentin and Rachael Stirling are among the suspects. MM