TV PICKS OF THE WEEK
SECRETS OF THE ROYAL PALACES Tonight, Channel 5, 8.30pm
Kate Williams is uncovering the secrets of more royal residences, starting with the largest permanently lived in castle in the world, Windsor Castle.
It was originally built by William the Conqueror and later monarchs would also make their mark on it – Charles II was responsible for the Long Walk and George IV added 30 feet to the height of the walls after deciding the original tower was too short.
Kate also uncovers some of the more gruesome stories of palace history, including the death of Princess Charlotte in 1817.
VERA Tomorrow, ITV, 8pm
Brenda Blethyn’s detective is back to tackle some new cases, beginning with a daring robbery at a port.
The investigation takes an interesting turn when it emerges that the heist was an inside job.
However, the ‘insider’ wasn’t just motivated by the cash – his son had been kidnapped to ensure that everyone stuck to the plan.
Unfortunately, that plan is about to go wrong...
Kenny Doughty returns as DS Aiden Healy and look out for Emmerdale veterans Charlie Hardwick and Bill Ward among the supporting cast.
JUNIOR BAKE OFF Monday, Channel 4, 5pm
Harry Hill presents as 16 of Britain’s most talented young bakers take to the tent.
In the opening episode, superstar pastry chef Ravneet Gill and surprise guest judge Paul
Hollywood test the aspiring bakers on their cake skills.
First up is a Technical challenge, which might be the most stressful sponge the kids have faced.
Then for the Showstopper, the judges ask them to create cakes depicting their proudest moments.
THE SECRET LIFE OF OUR PETS Tuesday, ITV, 8pm
In this new series we get an insight into what our furry, feathered or scaled friends get up to when our backs are turned.
The four-part programme mixes science and the latest camera technology to capture extraordinary feats of communication and athleticism, as well as displays of animal supersenses, revealing how our own lives could be enriched if only we could tap into them.
THE BAY Wednesday, ITV, 9pm
It came as a blow when Morven Christie decided to quit her role as DS Lisa Armstrong in this rather wonderful crime drama.
Taking her place is Marsha Thomason who returns to her native North West to take on the role of
Morecambe’s new Family Liaison Officer DS Jenn Townsend.
On her first day, a body is found in the Bay, and Jenn struggles to prove her worth to her colleagues when the grieving family aren’t willing to let her into their world.
SCREW Thursday, Channel 4, 9pm
Supervising officer Leigh Henry (Nina Sosanya) is coming under increased pressure to produce her birth certificate, to secure the promotion she so desperately wants. But how far will she go to get it?
The return of a troublesome old adversary on the wing is the last thing Leigh needs, and her controversial strategy to help a prisoner who’s being intimidated pits her against Gary, but could bring an unexpected solution to her problem.
DEATH IN PARADISE Friday, BBC1, 9pm
Former Eastenders actress Tamzin Outhwaite and Waterloo Road actor Jason Done guest-star as golf clubowning couple the Faircrofts in the latest episode of the sun-soaked murder mystery.
The arrival of a long-lost brother to a family-run golf course on Saint Marie culminates in a body on one of the holes. However, when the team’s prime suspect appears to have a cast-iron alibi, Neville and co are left with what seems to be an impenetrable conundrum.
Ralf Little, Josephine Jobert and Don Warrington lead the cast.