MUST-SEE SHOWS
STRICTLY COME DANCING Tonight, BBC1, 7pm
IT’S time for the celebrities to staaaaaart dancing in earnest as the first live show arrives.
It was difficult to assess the celebrities’ form in their group dance during the launch.
However, the bookies are expecting big things from CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual and East-Enders’ Emma Barton, who some seasoned Strictly watchers will be hoping will waltz Anton Du Beke to his first win.
But will the judges agree as the 15 couples take to the floor?
STACEY DOOLEY: FACE TO FACE WITH THE BOUNTY HUNTERS Tomorrow, BBC2, 9pm
BOUNTY hunters have been part of the American justice system since the 1800s, but should they still have a role to play in the 21st century?
That’s what Stacey is finding out as she follows a group of hunters as they track down fugitives who have skipped bail.
She learns that in the US, defendants who are too poor to bail themselves out of jail rely on bondsmen to loan them their bail money. But when they don’t play by the rules, the bondsmen can send bounty hunters to find them and bring them back to court.
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT Monday, Channel 4, 9pm
THE documentary goes inside the walls of Winchester Prison – which was placed into special measures in December 2017 – at a time when overcrowding, violence and drug use across the prison system in the United Kingdom is at an all-time high. Filmed over a 48-hour period – with access to the prisoners, staff and senior management – the episode focuses on a time of significant unrest.
LIVE: THE CIRCLE Tuesday, Channel 4, 9.15pm
THE reality show is back with a longer run, more live shows and a new presenter in the form of Emma Willis. Contestants move into the same apartment building, but don’t interact face to face.
Instead, they communicate via a purpose-built, voice-activated social media app, which allows them to be whoever they think they need to be to win over the other players. Last year, Alex Hobern won £75,000 by posing as a woman named Kate, but will this year’s crop be themselves or adopt a new persona?
THE BIG HOSPITAL EXPERIMENT Wednesday, BBC2, 9pm
IN A radical social experiment, 14 volunteers aged 18-24 spend four weeks delivering patient care on the NHS frontline at Royal Derby Hospital, aiming to find out whether volunteers could help relieve the pressures of staff and make a positive difference to NHS patient care.
It’s the final week of the scheme, and The Royal Derby Hospital senior staff assess the success of the experiment.
PAUL O’GRADY’S LITTLE HEROES
Thursday, ITV, 8.30pm
YOU may not expect many laughs from a series about Great Ormond Street, the famous hospital that treats 600 children every day. However, the heartwarming wit from the children and presenter Paul, will raise far more smiles than their health problems generates tears.
Tonight, the presenter meets a couple of two-year-olds with very different problems.
Lucas has a detached retina and requires laser surgery, while Taylor-Rose has accidentally swallowed a watch battery.
Hopefully they’ll all be laughing and smiling before the credits roll.
THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW Friday, BBC1, 10.35pm
TO KICK off the 26th season of his chat show, the host welcomes Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren, who is starring in new period drama Catherine the Great, on Sky Atlantic. Author, adventurer and documentarymaker Simon Reeve is also on the sofa to discuss his upcoming series The Americas, as is comedian and actor Jack Whitehall.
Rupaul discusses bringing his hit Drag Race show to these shores while music is from former member of US girl group Fifth Harmony, Normani.