RADIO CHOICE

EGYPTIAN Pharaohs were, as part of the mummification process, wrapped in long lengths of thin linen bandages, coated in resin. It took a great deal of time and a great deal of material. All this week, we will hear stories from THE GOLDEN THREAD (RADIO 4, 9.45AM (FM), 12.30AM), Kassia St Clair’s recent book on how fabric changed the world. The first essay reveals how the Egyptians believed that fabric helped the dead to make the journey from this world to the next.

THE police are called to a home where a woman has been viciously assaulted. Family liaison officer Jackie Hartwell (Meera Syal, pictured) is sent to offer comfort and support, while keeping a watchful eye out for any actions and reactions that might throw light on the case. It soon becomes clear that the woman has been the

victim of a serial offender, who will strike again. The West Midlands-set police drama A SMALL TOWN MURDER (RADIO 4, 10.45AM, 7.45PM) always

delivers strong stories that are rooted in reality. n ELVIS COSTELLO joins JOOLS HOLLAND (RADIO

2, 9PM) to perform one of his greatest hits; you may well know the song, but this rendering will be radically different, making it sound fresh to your ears. Elvis also plays tracks from his new album, Look Now, including Burnt Sugar Is So Bitter, which he co-wrote with that great songwriter Carole King.