Tracey Breaks the News
BBC ONE, 9.30PM
After losing her to the USA for 30 years, Tracey Ullman returned to our shores two years ago and has reminded us of her unparalleled talents as an impressionist. She captures the physicality of her famous subjects – Angela Merkel and Judi Dench are standouts – as well as their voices, and hats off to Ullman’s prosthetics teams for her remarkable transformations. After an acting stint in last year’s Howards End, Ullman returns to her comfort zone tonight with a second series of the topical sketch comedy show in which she skewers politicians, mostly – although we’ll also be treated to more of Ben Miller’s scene-stealing Rupert Murdoch, with Ullman as Jerry Hall. Although no preview tape was available due to last-minute filming, Ullman was pictured as Michael Gove in promotional material and has also promised impressions of Jeremy Corbyn and Jacob Reesmogg. The previous series attracted criticism for weak writing, and some skits do lack bite, but slack should be cut – it’s a notoriously difficult format to pull off. Ullman’s gift for mimicry means she hits the mark often enough for the show to be a welcome bit of light satire to wind up the week. Vicki Power impromptu drumming ceremonies in the streets as she explores the importance of rhythm in the country’s music and meets its major players. Future episodes take her to Mali and South Africa.