WHAT’S HOT TO WATCH TODAY
LET’S face it, we don’t often see the word “hero” used in its proper context. Record a few songs people like, you’re a hero. Star in a handful of decent films, you’re a hero. Tap in a sitter at Wembley, you’re a hero.
Except you’re not, are you? Not really. You’re just quite good at your job.
But THE NHS HEROES AWARDS (8.30pm, ITV) gets it spot-on. Hosted by Paul O’Grady – who’s had more than his share of first-hand experience as an NHS patient – it celebrates the work of individuals who rarely hit the headlines. People who toil away, improving and saving lives, often for gruellingly long hours and for a microscopic fraction of the money dished out to those “heroes” I hinted at in my intro.
Not just the medical staff, but everyone who somehow helps keep the Health Service going – volunteers, porters, cleaners, fundraisers, you name it.
The ceremony, from London’s Hilton in Park Lane, features tributes from the likes of Prince William, the Duchess of Cornwall, Sir Elton John, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Boy George and Dame Shirley Bassey.
Categories include Hero Doctor, Hero Nurse, Emergency Lifesaver and Mental Health Champion. ELSEWHERE tonight, there’s an extended episode of Channel 4’s excellent documentary series 24 HOURS IN POLICE CUSTODY (9pm), kicking off its seventh series. The investigation begins when a woman’s body is discovered on grassland, with her boyfriend brought in for questioning soon after. The case turns out to be anything but routine, the couple’s relationship anything but ordinary.