MUST-SEE SHOWS
VJ DAY 75: THE NATION’S TRIBUTE
Tonight, BBC1, 8.30pm
IN a final event marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, Joanna Lumley is joined by a host of famous faces to celebrate and commemorate the conclusion of the Second World War.
Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville; actress and singer Sheridan Smith; thespian Patterson Joseph; baritones Bryn Terfel and Willard White, and Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts will be honoring those who served in the campaigns in the Far East.
Plus, descendants and members of the military will give thanks to the veterans of the Second World War in a spectacular event at London’s Horse Guards Parade.
SIR CHRIS HOY’S SECRET WORLD OF JAPANESE BICYCLE RACING
Tomorrow, BBC2, 6pm
THE keirin is one of the most extreme events in track cycling. A test of controlled pacing then a tactical fight to the line, keirin is a sport in its own right in its country of origin and is steeped in the history that makes Japanese culture so unique.
In this film, Olympian Sir Chris Hoy heads to Japan, host of the 2021 Tokyo Games, to explore this phenomenon. For international riders, attending keirin school is a once-in-alifetime opportunity. Fifteen years ago, Chris was one of the first Britons to be invited to savour the ultimate experience in the career of any track cyclist.
SUPERSHOPPERS
Monday, Channel 4, 8pm
HELEN SKELTON and Sabrina Grant return with the consumer programme packed with moneysaving tips and the secrets of the big brands.
In the first edition they show how to save money booking a last-minute staycation, and there is also essential advice on
how to protect money if anything goes wrong on a holiday. There are tips on savings on foreign trips for next year, including surprising hacks with the major airlines.
BABS
Tuesday, BBC1, 8.30pm
BIOPIC of Barbara Windsor, following the key events of the actress’ life.
The story begins in 1993, with the actress preparing for a stage performance shortly before joining the cast of EastEnders. She looks back to her childhood as a lonely evacuee in the Second World War, her rise to fame in the Carry On films and her difficult relationships with her father, and her first husband, gangster Ronnie Knight.
HEATHROW: BRITAIN’S BUSIEST AIRPORT
Wednesday, ITV, 8pm
THIS new documentary goes behind the scenes of the airport, finding out how its infrastructure helps staff process thousands of passengers arriving from 84 countries.
In 2019, the airport is having its busiest year to date, and is expecting more than 81 million passengers to fly in and out of the terminals, with its 76,000 staff ready to take on whatever is thrown at them.
MANDY
Thursday, BBC2, 9.30pm
DIANE MORGAN has long been one of the most engaging writers and comedians on the box, as she proved with Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe, and more recently in Ricky Gervais’s successful saga, Afterlife. This series of short films centring on the down-on-her-luck heroine has also been a lot of fun in recent weeks.
In the first episode, Mandy has a visitor. Tony Way, from the aforementioned Afterlife, also stars. And there are more giggles where that came from in the follow-up when Mandy helps Lola win a new customer. Sean Lock guest stars in that offering.
SECRETS OF THE LUXURY SUPER YACHTS
Friday, Channel 5, 9pm
THIS one-off film focuses on the Italian Sea Group shipyard in Tuscany, where many beautiful luxury yachts are crafted.
There’s a look at the Superyacht Show in Barcelona, where owners (looking for an upgrade) have their vessels up for sale. In Monaco, cameras focus on the heart of the industry, where hungry yachting brokers pit themselves against each other for the next eightfigure boat sale.