TV PICKS OF THE WEEK
THE BRITISH ACADEMY FILM AWARDS TONIGHT, BBC1, 7PM
IT’S been described as the most diverse list of nominees ever produced by Bafta, with 16 of the 24 actors in the running for awards coming from ethnic minority groups – that’s an astonishing number when you consider that nobody of colour featured in last year’s lists.
That said, Viola Davis’ stunning performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is missing, although the film is represented via by a posthumous nod for her co-star Chadwick Boseman.
Of the six Best Director nominees, an unprecedented four are female – including Chloe Zhao (Nomadland) and Sarah Gavron (Rocks), whose films have garnered seven nods each.
Elsewhere, Sir David Attenborough’s A Life on Our Planet is in the running for Best Documentary
TOO CLOSE TOMORROW, ITV, 9PM
ACCLAIMED actors Emily Watson and Denise Gough head the cast of this new psychological miniseries
written by their fellow thespian Clara Salaman.
Watson plays forensic psychiatrist Dr Emma Robertson, who develops a dangerous relationship with Connie Mortensen (Gough), a woman accused of a terrible crime but who claims she can’t remember anything about the incident.
The three-part series continues each day until Wednesday.
ALL THAT GLITTERS: BRITAIN’S NEXT JEWELLERY STAR
TUESDAY, BBC2, REGIONS VARY
KATHERINE RYAN hosts this six-part contest from Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter as eight talented jewellers aim to prove they are a cut above the rest.
Tonight’s first test, the bestseller, challenges the contestants to make three silver bangles. Then they face the bespoke challenge – Ben wants a pendant necklace for his mother to wear when she collects her MBE. Who will impress judges Solange Azagury-Partridge and Shaun Leane, and who will be heading home?
THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE WEDNESDAY, BBC1, 9PM
JOE LYCETT welcomes the latest bunch of talented sewers to a new location on the banks of London’s River Thames.
In this opening episode, judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young set challenges based on wardrobe staples. The contestants begin with a pattern for a versatile sleeveless blouse, before transforming an old T-shirt into a new garment. Then they whip up a post-lockdown essential, the loose-fitting buffet dress.
FRANK OF IRELAND
THURSDAY, CHANNEL 4, 10PM BROTHERS Domhnall and Brian
Gleeson co-write and star in this new six-part comedy set in an idyllic suburb of Dublin.
Frank Marron (played by Brian) is a 32-year-old catastrophe; a misanthropic, narcissistic fantasist who’s convinced that the world owes him something. He is single, still lives at home with his mother, and can’t drive. His ex-girlfriend Aine has a new boyfriend, and although they broke up six years ago, Frank is finding that difficult.
Luckily, he has a loyal best friend, Doofus (Domhnall) who clears the debris left in Frank’s wake.
In tonight’s opening episode,
HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU
FRIDAY, BBC1, 9PM
LINE of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar is on guest-presenter duties tonight. The actor plays Ted Hastings in the police drama.
He’ll be putting the questions to regular team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton who will joined by guest panellists Katherine Ryan and Tim Shipman.
GAME OF TALENTS SATURDAY, ITV, 7.30PM
VERNON KAY hosts the game show, with two more contestants pairing up with celebrities to try to uncover the secret talents of mystery performers based only on their appearance and some intriguing clues, with big money up for grabs.
Vernon says: “Prepare to be shocked and amazed in equal measure.”