PICK OF THE WEEK

SATURDAY

Strictly Come Dancing (BBC1, 7pm)

You have to feel for Bruno, as that judge’s seat is clearly not very comfortable. Barely a week goes by without him having to stand up while dispensing opinions on the latest American Smooth, Tango or whatever dance discipline the celebs have just executed. Mind you, there have been enough jaw-dropping moments to see millions of us at home almost jump out of our seats, and we can expect plenty more in this show as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host the semi-final. The remaining four couples hope to edge a step closer to holding that Glitterball trophy. Each couple will now perform two routines in a bid to impress the powersthat-be in the studio and at home.

Harrogate: A Great Yorkshire Christmas (Channel 5, 7.50pm)

With a cash-strapped council, Christmas has been cutback in the historic North Yorkshire spa town - tinsel has taken a tumble and the festive lights have fused. But to ensure that Harrogate isn’t left in darkness, the townsfolk have got together to raise the necessary funds. This documentary follows local retailers as they prepare for the town’s annual Christmas Window Competition. The competition is fierce, as reigning champion the Adage Dance Shop goes head to head with the juggernaut that is Betty’s Tea Rooms, the uber-competitive gift emporium Bijouled, and new shop on the block Furnish & Fettle.

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show (BBC1, 8.20pm)

The lively comedian hosts an evening of entertainment, recorded in front of an audience at the London Palladium. Joining Michael this week are global superstar Camila Cabello, who will be singing her new single Easy, and former King of the Jungle and football legend Harry Redknapp, who hands over his phone to play Send to All. Michael also wakes up one of the biggest boy bands in the world for an extra special Midnight Gameshow with Westlife, plus there are incredible surprises in store for members of the audience.

From Elton John to Gary Barlow: Celebrating 100 Concerts Live at Eden (BBC4, 10.25pm)

A look back over the last 18 years of the Eden Sessions, the concert series held at Cornwall’s Eden Project which has become renowned for showcasing musical greats in the stunning surroundings of the two famous biomes. Introduced by Nile Rodgers, who headlined the 100th show, this programme includes a performance by Pulp, who played at the first one in July 2002, and there are also sets by the likes of Duran Duran, Bastille, Muse, Gary Barlow, Van Morrison, Madness, Primal

Scream and Lionel Richie.

The Jonathan Ross Show (STV, 10.25pm)

When the Detours debuted in the early 1960s, they failed to make much of an impression on

the masses. However, when they morphed into the Who in 1964, the lives of band members such as Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend were never the same again. They sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and crafted a string of smashes, including I Can’t Explain; My Generation; Substitute, and Pinball Wizard. Their 1969 rock opera Tommy became an unforgettable movie in 1975, and 1973 album Quadrophenia also got the big screen treatment. The band enjoyed many highs, but also assorted lows, such as the death of drummer Keith Moon in 1978. This week band members will be chatting and performing in the studio ahead of their first new album in 13 years.

SUNDAY

Seven Worlds, One Planet (BBC1, 6.20pm)

David Attenborough looks at the fauna of Africa, home to the greatest wildlife gatherings on Earth. But even in this land of plenty, animals face huge challenges. At its heart is a vast tropical rainforest full of life, where young chimpanzees learn how to use tools to make the most of the jungles riches. With knowledge passed down from generation to generation, they can access the best forest foods. Rivalling the jungle for it sheer abundance of life is Africa’s Great Rift Valley. As this episode reveals, it formed 30 million years ago when a mass of molten rock forced the land upwards.

Glenda Jackson makes a rare TV appearance in this often moving drama. She plays Maud, a funny, loyal and endearing woman living with dementia. When best friend Elizabeth (Maggie Steed) fails to turn up for a shopping trip, Maud is certain something terrible has happened, so she sets about trying to solve the mystery of her friend’s disappearance. Despite her system of recording discoveries on notes, Maud can’t ignore the feeling that she has lost a crucial clue that would unlock the mystery of Elizabeth’s fate. Daughter Helen (Helen Behan) puts her mother’s concerns down to forgetfulness and won’t take them seriously. Thankfully, Maud’s granddaughter Katy (Nell

Williams) is thrilled to go behind her mum’s back to assist in her grandmother’s detective work. See feature on page 87

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Final (STV, 9pm)

They’ve survived until the end after enduring Bushtucker Trials, camp life and each other. But which of the finalists will you crown this year’s King or Queen of the Jungle? Ant and Dec reveal which of the campmates will follow in the footsteps of 2018 winner Harry Redknapp. It’s been a rollercoaster ride of a contest, with highlights including the windy skyscraper challenge on day one, and the moment Jacqueline Jossa had to face her fear of spiders in an early challenge. While Caitlyn Jenner has become a show favourite, it remains to be seen who will emerge from the camp victorious.

Guy Martin’s Great Escape (Channel 4, 9pm)

It is the most iconic motorcycle stunt in movie history - the climax of the film The Great Escape, when Steve McQueen’s character Lieutenant Hilts steals a bike and attempts to jump two border fences into Switzerland. Hilts clears the first fence but then crashes and gets recaptured. Now Guy Martin wants to do what Hilts couldn’t - clear both fences. Along the way, Guy meets actor John Leyton, one of the stars of the original movie, and visits Professor Hugh Hunt at Cambridge University, to learn about the physics behind jumping bikes. He also flies to Poland to the site of the original Stalag Luft III.

I’m a Celebrity: Extra Camp

(ITV2, 10.35pm)

There have been plenty of memorable moments in the jungle this year, from that windswept skyscraper challenge on day one, to Jacqueline Jossa facing her fear of spiders. However, of all the contestants, Caitlyn Jenner has garnered the lion’s share of publicity, not least because she handled many of the scariest moments with a refreshing lack of drama. Who has been crowned the winner? Well that’s revealed this evening on the main show, but Joel Dommett, Emily Atack and Adam Thomas will be like kids on Christmas morning when they conduct the King or Queen’s second interview of the day.

MONDAY

Food Unwrapped (Channel 4, 8pm)

Another selection of favourite investigations from the team. Jimmy Doherty hears about a threat to British juniper berries that could mark the end of gin’s recent resurgence in popularity, while Kate Quilton delves into the contents of herbal bedtime teas to establish if they really can help people get to sleep more easily. Big oyster fan Matt Tebbutt wonders why he never finds pearls in his seafood platters so sets off for China, where he discovers that pearl production is full of surprises.

Question Time Special (BBC1, 8.30pm)

In case you didn’t know it, this is one of the most important weeks in British politics as voters go to the polls. In this edition of the topical debate show, a selected audience of voters under 30 question leading figures from each of the main parties ahead of Thursday’s General Election. The topics will range from the cost of living, to job opportunities, education, housing, Brexit and beyond, as these young adults try to ensure their needs are not be forgotten about by the party leaders.

Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railway Journeys (Channel 5, 9pm)

For more than 100 years, visitors on the Orient Express ended their journey at Istanbul’s railway station. It’s where Chris begins the latest of his adventures, and it’s a chance to witness one of Turkey’s great engineering triumphs, the Marmaray Rail Tunnel that passes beneath the Bosphorus. Tarrant is surprised by the extremely modern, highspeed train that whisks him along the route of a 2,300-mile railway built a century ago by Germans to connect Berlin to the oil fields of Baghdad. Our host continues to Ankara on the trail of a great icon of modern Turkey: Mustafa Kemal, a hero of the revolution that followed the First World War. He was revered as ‘Ataturk’, who modernised the newly emancipated nation and united it with his railways.

Made in Chelsea: Buenos Aires (E4, 9pm)

A trip to Argentina gets off to a dramatic start as Liv and Habbs both find themselves single. Habbs is devastated after discovering that

Jamie has been messaging other girls, and to make matters more complicated, her ex Harvey is also out in Buenos Aires. Will Habbs’ head be turned? Meanwhile, Tristan and Verity’s romance is blossoming as they embark upon their first holiday as a couple, but how will Verity feel as Miles enlists Tristan as his wingman with hot Argentinian girls? Will hebe led astray?

The Case of Sally Challen (BBC2, 9pm)

In 2010, Surrey mother-of-two Sally Challen bludgeoned her husband Richard to death as he ate lunch at the kitchen table, and was found guilty of murder at her trial in 2011. This documentary follows her appeal against the conviction, with her new defence lawyers arguing she was the victim of Richard’s coercive control, a newly understood type of psychological abuse, and she should be in prison for manslaughter, not murder. It is the first time coercive control has been presented to the courts as a defence to murder.

TUESDAY,

The Royal Variety Performance 2019 (STV, 7.30pm)

It’s that time of year again when a wealth of showbiz talent, including the latest Britain’s Got Talent winner, perform for royalty. Colin Thackery was the nation’s favourite when he walked off with the BGT 2019 winner’s title earlier this year, so it’s bound to be an especially moving time when he takes to the stage here. Ubiquitous funnymen Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan are your hosts, and there is plenty of top-drawer talent taking part, including Rod Stewart, Lewis Capaldi, Harry Connick Jnr and Luke Evans. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are the royals in attendance, and for the third year running, the event takes place at the London Palladium.

Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas (Channel 4, 8pm)

Kirstie Allsopp presents a special peak-time episode of the daytime craft show, offering a guide to home-made creations to make Christmas a bit more special, from decorations to food and drink. Among the ideas featured in the show are recipes for handmade cheese and candied pecans, as well as two different festive cocktails with bitters. Kirstie’s suggestions for projects include an alternative to the traditional tree that will not shed pine needles, a frozen ice bucket, and a selection of dazzling decorations.

Amazing Spaces: Northern Lights Adventure (Channel 4, 9pm)

Finland has some fantastic hidden architectural gems, as George Clarke and master-craftsman

Will Hardie reveal in this snowy edition of the engaging strand. Beginning in the heart of the country, they explore an iconic Finnish lodge on the edge of a frozen lake. And there’s no shortage of those; the area has 187,000 of them. They cross the country and head into the arctic circle in pursuit of the iconic northern lights. Along the way, we witness a collection of 60 tree houses, a mini city of igloos, and a cabin built in two weeks. Plus, George takes a husky ride to the most northern stop, at Lake Inari. There he visits a caravan on skis, and Will sees the city built underneath Helsinki.

Rick Stein’s Secret France (BBC Two, 9pm)

The amiable chef has served up a feast of fascinating shows in recent weeks, and naturally he’s saved the best until last with trips to the Languedoc and Provence. On the menu in the border town of Uzes is salt cod. Rick is also impressed by an array of French patisserie and chooses a seasonal fig tart to have with his morning coffee. Next stop is the harbour town of Cassis, where he tries North African lamb chorba cooked by a local fisherman. And back in his country kitchen, our host prepares a comfit tomato and aubergine tart tatin. Bon appetit.

The Apprentice: The Final Five (BBC1, 12.05am)

An in-depth profile of the five candidates who have made it through to the 2019 final of the business challenge. The programme examines what drives the ambitious would-be entrepreneurs, and looks back at the highs and lows of their time on the series, as they have grappled with the assorted money-making challenges placed before them. Featuring contributions from family and friends, as well as Alan Sugar’s faithful aides Karren Brady and Claude Littner, who offer their assessment on how the finalists have fared so far.

WEDNESDAY

Secrets of Your Christmas Food (C5, 8pm)

Sian Williams and Stefan Gates lift the lid on the food that goes into the annual festive feast. Stefan visits a turkey farm to investigate the reason for the price difference for a basic white turkey, at around £20, and a Norfolk Black, which can cost £75. Sian discovers how the bitter taste is being bred out of sprouts and there’s a report on mince pies, revealing how the most expensive may not be the best tasting. Plus, why do people fall asleep after eating Christmas dinner?

The Secret Life of the Zoo at Christmas (C4, 8pm)

As the festive season approaches at Chester Zoo, Bactrian camels Becky and Mei-Li are about to be given a seasonal surprise in the shape of Sparky, a young addition to the herd. In the zoo’s aquarium, Clerk and Doris, longterm mascara barb fish partners seem to have lost their spark - will the arrival of three new females in their tank perk them up a bit? Meanwhile, red pandas Nima and Koda are

also going through a difficult time in their relationship, but the keepers are still hopeful there will be a new arrival at Christmas.

My Grandparents’ War: Kristin Scott Thomas (C4, 9pm)

Kristin Scott Thomas has starred in a string of projects over the years, from Prince’s film Under the Cherry Moon, to more recent offerings such as Darkest Hour and Tomb Raider. However, it’s her grandfather William who steals the spotlight in this edition of the series. He served as a commanding officer in the Royal Navy throughout the Second World War, and survived some of its most devastating battles, from Dunkirk to D-Day, but never spoke

about his experiences. For the first time, Kristin discovers how he saved thousands at Dunkirk and endured the horrors of the Russian Arctic convoys. She also meets the families of people her grandfather saved as well as veterans who served alongside him.

The Baby Has Landed (BBC2, 9pm)

The documentary about families during their first weeks of parenthood continues, and in episode three the families find fresh ways to cope as the dads return to work. While new father Mo feels pressure to earn more money, Nigel is thrilled of a chance to recharge his batteries during a break from his family of seven. Cameras also follow Hermisha, who

does not want Shabazz’s paternity leave to end. Meanwhile, Paul and Craig say a heartfelt goodbye to Mel as they depart the hospital to begin their new life with the twins.

The Apprentice (BBC1, 9pm)

When the BBC used to show Donald Trump’s series many years ago, The Apprentice was a cult pleasure. The brainchild of British TV producer Mark Burnett, it was inevitable the strand would be given a UK spin at some point. What wasn’t expected was how big a hit it would become. Since 2005, this series has become a favourite for millions, and 14 years on its appeal shows little sign of waning (even if it’s technically wrong to say “You’re fired!” to

someone you don’t employ). We’re now at that all-important interview stage when the remaining candidates head to 70 St Mary Axe, a new 21-storey building in the heart of the City of London. There they are interviewed by some of Alan Sugar’s most trusted advisers, who are primed to pick apart their business plans.

THURSDAY

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out (STV, 9pm)

That’s almost it for another year. The famous faces (and folks we have never heard of) have survived their time in the jungle, and the winner has been announced. But before we call it a day, there’s this obligatory episode where we see assorted celebs arriving back at a swanky hotel, jumping on beds (who can blame them?); reflecting on their time in camp, and the reaction of the Press and public. After-show parties can be a little awkward, especially if some celebs wound others up, so it’s anyone’s guess how this year’s edition goes. However, there’s a good bet we’ll see plenty of clips of the biggest star in this series, Caitlyn Jenner, who’s managed to be one of its most engaging stars.

Christmas at Chatsworth House (C4, 9pm)

This show goes behind the scenes of the eponymous pile, one of England’s most impressive stately homes. This festive season will see 800 staff brace themselves for an influx of 200,000 visitors. Little wonder Christmas is Chatsworth’s most important event of the year, and as keeping the residence going is not cheap, its success is vital to the survival of the 500-year-old estate. Known to film fans as the backdrop to Pride and Prejudice, Barry Lyndon and The Duchess, it’s transformed with more than 30 Christmas trees, 60,000 baubles, and a million fairy lights. However, as Derbyshire has been crippled by unprecedented flooding this year, family and staff have to work extra hard to make this a season to be remembered, for all the right reasons.

Make a Wish for Christmas (C5, 9pm)

We’re still 12 days away from Christmas, but this might be the most moving programme of the festive season. It’s the first in a two-part documentary about Make-A-Wish UK, a charity that grants wishes to children with lifethreatening conditions. The dedicated team work in a small office block in Reading, helping children enjoy all manner of experiences, from visiting Milan fashion week and sleeping with tigers to sharing their lunch with their favourite football team and meeting Santa in Lapland.

Election 2019: (BBC1, 9.55pm)

Laura Miller will be mapping out the story with state-of-the-art graphics, Rebecca Curran will bring the latest news as the result roll in and Martin Geissler will be getting the reaction to the big stories from key figures. BBC Scotland will be at every count, ensuring all the key moments are captured as they happen. The following day, 13 December, Sally Magnusson will take up the story for BBC One Scotland from Westminster as the country digests the results.

C4 Alternative Election Night (C4, 9.55pm)

If you like your election coverage to be less serious than the usual number-crunching, then this is the show for you. Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Katherine Ryan and Rylan Clark-Neal will be giving us the lowdown on the story as it unfolds, and they have a lot of help. Clare Balding delivers results as they happen; Matt Forde runs the Alternative News Desk, and Rob Rinder will be assessing the mood on the ground.

FRIDAY

Inside the World’s Most Amazing Hotels (C5, 8pm)

Caesar’s Palace is a hotel themed on ancient

Rome which contains numerous restaurants and casinos. It has been the heart and soul of Las Vegas for more than half a century. In the first of a six-part series, cameras follow staff who keep make this 4,000-room hotel running 24 hours a day, go behind scenes of a high roller’s secret luxury villa and reveal how the needs of 3,000 people are catered for per day. Plus, the secrets of the casino floor are revealed as a young couple tie the knot Vegasstyle.

Question Time Election Special - The Result (BBC1, 8.30pm)

As the dust settles after the first winter General Election in decades, Fiona Bruce is joined in London by guests from across the political spectrum to ascertain what changes the outcome is likely to bring. The main focus is Brexit, and what changes are most likely for the United Kingdom in terms of its future relationship with the European Union. However, the campaign also turned up a lot of other issues regarding the NHS, public spending and defence, and all these matters are likely to be debated in this special edition.

Cruising with Jane McDonald (C5, 9pm)

Starting in Budapest, Jane boards a steam train built at the peak of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for the exclusive use of the emperor and empress. It is not long before she is back on water though, boarding a luxury river ship to sail to the blossoming post-communist cities of Bratislava and Belgrade. From there, Jane heads towards one of the natural highlights of the Danube, the Iron Gates. After coming face to face with folkloric monsters and sampling the local moonshine, she finishes her journey in Romania’s most popular destination, Bran Castle, the assumed home of Dracula.

The Graham Norton Show (BBC1, 10.40pm)

A film version of theatre favourite Cats has been in the pipeline for decades, so when it was announced that Les Miserables/His Dark Materials helmer Tom Hooper would be involved, many fans were excited. However, when the trailer dropped, the response was rather curious; one broadsheet columnist called it, “The most disturbing thing I’ve ever seen”. So will it live long in the ‘Memory’, or be in the running for a Golden Raspeberry Award? That remains to be seen, but expect plenty of praise from Judi Dench. She returns to the sofa with Jennifer Hudson to give the movie a good plug. Plus, Hugh Grant and Matthew McConaughey will be promoting their action thriller The Gentleman; Michael Buble, fresh from completing his UK tour, will also be chatting, and Coldplay provide the music.

Adam Hills: Take His Legs (C4, 11.30pm)

There’s a lot more to Adam Hills than just being a stand-up, hosting The Last Leg and having one of the most bizarre beards of the year. He’s also a rugby league fan and the driving force behind establishing the first Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) team - the Warrington Wolves. In this documentary, Adam attempts to live out his boyhood dream of playing competitive rugby league. Cameras follow him and his team-mates to the other side of the world.