PICK OF THE WEEK

SATURDAY

The Greatest Dancer (BBC1, 7pm)

The dance talent show continues with the auditions, and the audience still hold the power, as only they will decide if the mirror opens for the acts or not. The dancers need to impress at least 75% of the audience for the mirror to open and progress in the competition, while one Dance Captain will get to pick an act and take them straight through to the live shows. Todrick Hall joins Cheryl, Matthew Morrison and Oti Mabuse as Dance Captains, while Alesha Dixon and Jordan Banjo oversee proceedings.

Digging Up Britain’s Past (C5, 7pm)

Raksha Dave and Alex Langlands examine the history of HMS Invincible, which was captured from the French in 1747 and helped transform the Royal Navy with the lessons it taught about organisation and ship design. For more than 260 years, HMS Invincible lay at the bottom of the Solent, but archaeologists are now diving beneath the waves in a £2m excavation to discover more about this game-changing ship. Cameras also follow the underwater excavation while exploring the incredible impact of Invincible on both Britain and her navy.

Tony Robinson’s History of Britain (Channel 5, 8pm)

The eponymous presenter travels back to the 1800s, where in London’s East End he encounters 13-year-old Sarah Chapman; she worked 14-hour shifts in a match factory. The worst part was constant exposure to chemicals, so Sarah took part in one of the first workers’ marches to improve conditions. Tony also examines the life of Angus Innes, a Scottish navvy who blasted tons of rock from the highlands to help construct an ambitious water channel. The presenter discovers his secret: a breakfast of six slices of bacon, a loaf of bread, a can of condensed milk and two pints of beer.

Bone Detectives: Britain’s Buried Secrets (C4, 8pm)

Archaeologists working across the UK regularly uncover bodies, with most discoveries the result of excavations in advance of a building development. In this series, the Natural History Museum palaeontologist Tori Herridge and a team of scientists attempt to piece together the lives behind discovered bones, and find out what happened to these people and how they died. Once a skeleton has been recorded in the ground and lifted, the bones immediately begin to reveal their mysteries, opening up a secret history of Britain. In tonight’s opening episode, five bodies dating from the Bronze Age are found in a deep pit on the Isle of Thanet in Kent. One of them is an old woman who has been manipulated into a position where she is pointing at something. But at what - and why?

The Voice UK (STV, 8.30pm)

The second show of the new series opens with both Sir Tom Jones and new coach Meghan Trainor already having selected two singers each. Olly Murs and will.i.am only have one so

far - but it’s still very early days so there’s everything to sing for as host Emma Willis welcomes a fresh batch of performers to take to the stage. The coaching quartet will be hearing double this evening as a duo who also happen to be twin sisters belt out an uplifting pop tune. But will the synchronised siblings earn that all-important chair turn?

SUNDAY

Doctor Who (BBC1, 7.10pm)

Having decided that everyone could do with a holiday, the Doctor takes Graham, Yasmin and Ryan to a luxury resort for a spot of rest and relaxation. However, they discover the place where they are having a break is hiding a number of deadly secrets. What are the ferocious monsters that are attacking Tranquillity Spa? Guest starring Laura Fraser and James Buckley, alongside Jodie Whittaker as the 13th incarnation of the Time Lord, and Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole as her trusty travelling companions.

Vera (STV, 8pm)

Over the past couple of years, it seems to have become an ITV tradition to start a new year with a new series of Vera _ and 2020 is no exception. Brenda Blethyn is back for her 10th run as the Northumberland detective, who in this opening episode is looking into death of self-styled entrepreneur Freddie Gill (Jonathan

Spencer), whose body was discovered by the bailiffs sent to repossess his house. It wasn’t just Freddie’s finances that were in a mess, as the cops discover Freddie was also estranged from his wife and son _ although it turns out he had secretly maintained contact with his fatherin-law _ while his failing used-car business becomes the target of an arson attack. It’s up to Vera to work out whether Freddie’s death was down to his dodgy dealings or his troubled family life.

The Speedshop (BBC2, 8pm)

New series. Following custom bike builder Titch Cormack and his team as they take on mechanical challenges to convert broken and

battered vehicles into beautiful, bespoke machines. In the first edition, Titch receives a visit from a customer who needs his help. Parachute regiment soldier Chris, who just a few weeks earlier had his right leg amputated, wants Titch to build him a specially adapted motorcycle, but there is a twist - he wants to take it on a challenging off-road ride, in an attempt to prove to himself that ‘he can still be the man he used to be’ and that his new amputation won’t hold him back.

Inside Iceland: Britain’s Budget Supermarket (Channel 5, 8pm)

It’s one of the nation’s best loved supermarkets, but what goes on behind the scenes at Iceland? Well, as you’ve probably gathered by that title, this show takes a look at the secret world of its food development, from sourcing, manufacturing and distribution, through access to the outlets and suppliers. In Thornton Cleveleys, just north of Blackpool, bargain-hunting customers are queuing overnight to be first in line to get cheap food and hopefully win vouchers to spend at the opening of a new store.

Louis Theroux: Selling Sex (BBC2, 9pm)

In theory, it has never been easier, or safer, to exchange sex for money in Britain. For a start, it’s legal, so long as it doesn’t involve coercion, exploitation or any kind of public nuisance. And then there’s the internet and social media, which have meant that women who want to provide sexual services don’t have to go on to the streets on into brothels, but can instead make bookings, vet potential clients and then meet them in either hotels or their own homes. But while some people believe this can be an empowering decision that allows those selling sex to make hundreds of pounds per hour, some people believe that no matter how hi-tech it may be, the sex industry will also be damaging - and driven by men. Louis Theroux meets some of the men and women involved in this new economy to learn more about the risks and benefits.

MONDAY

The Martin Lewis Money Show (STV, 8pm)

January can be one of the toughest times of the year when it comes to making ends meet. As those credit card bills come in and we wonder if we may have overdone it while counting the days until pay day, it’s good to know one of the nation’s best loved advisers is on hand to provide a light in the financial darkness. Once more, Martin Lewis is joined by Angellica Bell, and in this offering they help navigate new regulations relating to overdrafts. There is also look at consumer rights when asking for a refund.

Cold Feet (STV, 9pm)

At the end of the previous series, Jenny was dealing with her cancer treatment with husband Pete by her side, David was getting his life back on track, and Karen and Adam were figuring out whether their blossoming romantic relationship would work - and what impact it might have on the rest of their friends and family. Now the gang is back for a ninth run of the smash-hit comedy drama and life carries on as before, although David has romance in his sights - he’s beginning to see Mary in a whole new light. Adam, meanwhile, could be in a spot of bother at work and Jenny faces another struggle. James Nesbitt, Fay Ripley, Hermione Norris and Robert Bathurst, as you would expect, head the cast.

TV Extra: Fay Ripley interview: Page 87

Catching a Killer: A Diary from the Grave (C4, 9pm)

When elderly teacher Peter Farquhar was found dead at home in the village of Maids Moreton in 2015, it was sad and unexpected, but no one thought it suspicious. But 18 months later, when his neighbour Ann MooreMartin also fell ill and died, the police decided to look again. They found that Ben Field, a would-be vicar and academic, had recently become part of both of their lives and benefited from their wills. This programme shows that by delving back in time through friends’ and loved ones’ memories of Peter and Ben’s relationship, as well as Peter’s diary, the police discovered a story of love and betrayal.

Silent Witness (BBC1, 9pm)

Part one of two. When a body is found in a field near the village of Hartford, Nikki and the Lyell team confirm it is that of missing teenager Jason Forbes. Working to the theory that most killers strike close to home, ambitious DCI Claire Ashby is committed to proving the guilt of her main suspect and sets her sights firmly on local locksmith Malcolm Wilde. Forensic crime drama, starring Emilia Fox, Richard Lintern, David Caves and Liz Carr, with Sophia Di Martino, Robert Pugh and Phil Davis.

Group (BBC1, 10.35pm)

A group of addicts come together for a weekly session. This is not AA, but an expensive post rehab therapy treatment, founded in America by the charismatic Adam Derekson. The AD Group method promises sobriety and personal growth but our addicts may not be the best candidates for personal transformation. Amidst their posturing, lies, and secret affairs, each member gets their turn to be insufferable. Take away the alcohol, the coke, the pills and the gambling, and what they really need is each other. It is written by Annie Griffin and Denise Mina.

TUESDAY

Food Unwrapped Does Breakfast (C4, 8pm)

It’s supposedly the most important meal of the day, but how much do you really know about what you’re eating for breakfast? You could be a lot better informed after this special episode of Food Unwrapped, which rounds up some of the show’s full English-themed investigations. It turns out that one very British favourite, baked beans, has its roots in the US, and Helen Lawal uncovers the truth about the health risks associated with a bacon butty. Kate Quilton finds out why we prefer tea in a mug to a disposable cup (and no, it’s not just because of the environmental impact), while Matt Tebbtt learns why the science behind nuts rising to the top of his muesli can also apply to saving skiers from avalanches. And Jimmy Doherty conducts an investigation into kippers and what they actually are.

Midsomer Murders (STV, 8pm)

Ferrabee’s Circus is back in town, but owner Joe (Jason Watkins) and his troupe receive a far from warm welcome when scary clown appearances around the village sours the reputation of the company. Hoping to make a permanent base, Joe faces more problems when estranged brother Curtis (Neil Stuke) tries to turf the circus off the land. During a clown act, performer Terry (Kevin Eldon) is shot and killed on stage in front of the audience. His stage partner Les (Mike Grady) is blamed, but did he do it? As usual, DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) tries to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Exposed: The Church’s Darkest Secret (BBC2, 9pm)

The concluding part of this documentary looks at the survivors of Peter Ball’s abuse, and officers who joined forces to pursue the former

bishop until his eventual conviction and imprisonment. The programme reveals how Church money was used to hire a private investigator to discredit Ball’s victims, though this report was buried when it honestly reported that Ball was in fact a prolific abuser. On discovering the report, a safeguarding officer handed it to the police, who decided Peter Ball was worthy of investigation.

Being Gail Porter (BBC Scotland, 10pm)

In 1999, Gail Porter was one of the UK’s most sought-after female TV presenters. Most famously, she helped sell over a million copies of FHM magazine after they projected her naked image onto the Houses of Parliament. Then over the next 20 years, things took a turn for the worse - she suffered post-natal depression, alopecia and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. In Being Gail Porter, Gail travels to her hometown of Edinburgh where she meets friends, relatives and medical professionals to try and uncover the reasons she has such emotional extremes. The result is an honest exploration of mental health and a reminder of how much the world has changed since Gail’s TV presenting heyday in the 1990s.

WEDNESDAY

Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad (STV, 8pm)

For the next leg of their journey, the actor and his son head to the Great Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, where they go canoeing on the iconic rapids that featured in the film Deliverance. With Bradley left in need of a whisky, they head to a Hillbilly Jam for a nightcap and to experience the mountain tradition of clog dancing, before the pair try their hand at chopping wood with some competitive lumberjacks and taking to the woods to search for a mythical mountain beast.

Trust Me, I’m a Doctor (BBC2, 8pm)

Can’t remember where you’ve put your keys or the name of your next door neighbour? Then maybe you had too much to eat at lunchtime. That seems to be the suggestion Michael Mosley is making in the latest edition of the health series. There is, apparently, a theory that eating less can boost the memory, and he’s going to put it to the test, using a team of people as guinea pigs. Whether those poor, half-starved participants can remember their own names by the end of it remains to be seen, but you can bet they’ll know where to find a can opener... Those suffering from stress may be interested in hearing what Alain Gregoire has to say about the body’s built-in reliever, while Zoe Williams has tips on spotting a mystery illness that can cause stillbirth.

Lose Weight and Get Fit with Tom Kerridge (BBC2, 8.30pm)

It’s the first full week of the challenge and Tom is back in Gloucester, the city where he grew up, to exercise and cook alongside his diet and fitness gang. As team chef, he wants to get them off to a good start on calorie counting and

familiar, comforting dishes is the way to go. Window cleaning brothers-in-law Dan and Alex volunteered for the challenge because of health concerns and a normal day sees them tucking into a big, calorific breakfast and grabbing fast food between jobs, but Tom joins the boys on a bike ride in the local countryside before giving them a tasty breakfast muffin to try.

Good Omens (BBC2, 9pm)

It’s taken a while for this adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s much-loved novel to reach the BBC, but if the reviews are anything to go by, it’s well worth the wait. The fantasy comedy adventure became available to stream via Amazon Prime last year, but now

those of us without a subscription are also getting a chance to see it. David Tennant and Michael Sheen head the all-star cast as a demon and an angel respectively. They’ve been living on Earth for centuries and are firm friends, so join forces to prevent the Antichrist arriving and wreaking havoc. Among the familiar faces also set to appear are Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, Jon Hamm, Nick Offerman, Anna Maxwell Martin and Daniel Mays.

White House Farm (STV, 9pm)

Stan and his number two Mick Clark speak to Jeremy and relatives of the murdered family, but their picture of what really happened at

White House Farm remains inconclusive. The twins’ father Colin Caffell is devastated by his loss, and is initially comforted by Jeremy, while post-mortem examinations reveal nothing to contradict the murder-suicide theory. Meanwhile, relative Ann Eaton cannot believe Sheila was responsible, and discusses her growing suspicions with her brother David Boutflour.

THURSDAY

Best Home Cook (BBC1, 8pm)

This week, Mary challenges the cooks to produce their Ultimate Sunday brunch, with one stipulation- the dish must include eggs. With only an hour to present their finished

meals it may be the shortest Ultimate yet, but that doesn’t mean the cooks keep things simple as they look to impress the judges. Ayo and Georgia find themselves in the battle of the Shakshukas, Oli is inspired by a trip to New York, Robin stays close to home, Suzie and Sarah both cook up their family’s favourites and Elisabetta and Katie take big risks with their eggs. It then time for Chris’s tricky Rustle Up challenge, but his Chris’s sweet ingredient choice sending many of the cooks into a tailspin. The judges must then decide, taking both the Ultimate and the Rustle Up into account, who is safe and who needs to prove themselves in the Eliminator.

Baby Chimp Rescue (BBC2, 8pm)

There are more new arrivals at the home, meaning Jimmy and Jenny Desmond now have 28 rescued chimpanzees to look after, including an eight-week-old baby called Gaia. Plans are coming together for the new sanctuary in the forest, and the orphans learn to master tools so they can forage for food. But a deadly cold breaks out among the babies, with disastrous consequences. The team also rescues an adult male chimp called Jonny who brings a fresh set of challenges. The pressure is on to move the chimps to their new home before things get out of hand.

The Supervet: Noel Fitzpatrick (Channel 4, 8pm)

French bulldog Hagar is brought in to Noel Fitzpatrick’s surgery after collapsing and struggling to move. Following a medical assessment, Noel realises an exploded disc in the dog’s neck is pressuring its spine and is slowly causing paralysis. The vet also treats Loki, an excitable Staffordshire bull terrier suffering from a problem where the bones in its elbows do not fit properly. Plus, there’s the disturbing case of a cat that has been deliberately shot with an airgun. Nutty’s radius bone is shattered in multiple places, so Noel has his work cut out trying to save her.

Death in Paradise (BBC1, 9pm)

DI Jack Mooney and the team are called to a workshop where acclaimed artist Donna Harman has been found dead. Suspicion immediately falls on the three people closest to the crime scene, but with no one entering the workshop between the time the victim returned to start on her next painting and being found dead, the scene paints a tricky picture. Only a solitary drink can seems to hold the answer, but matters are complicated when Donna’s art dealer and an art collector enter the fray. Meanwhile, Jack is confused by his blossoming feelings for Anna. Whodunit, starring Ardal O’Hanlon, with Nina Wadia, Barbara Flynn and Louise Brealey.

Addicted to Painkillers? Britain’s Opioid Crisis (BBC2, 9pm)

In America, it’s an epidemic. Now new evidence from Public Health England raises concern about the UK’s use of prescription opioids. Dr Michael Mosley investigates this growing problem, meeting patients struggling with addiction and GPs fighting a constant battle to help those suffering from chronic pain. He also uncovers worrying evidence of people abusing over-the-counter opioids and discovers how easy it is to buy strong opioids online. Michael also considers why people are consuming twice the amount of opioids as 20 years ago, and asks the crucial question - do they actually work?

FRIDAY

Monty Don’s American Gardens (BBC2, 8.30pm)

The horticulturalist explores gardens of early independent America, learning how the history of the South is still very much evident in the places and people he meets. He visits the famous garden where President Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s founding fathers, enjoyed spending his time seeking out seeds and plants for his 1,000-ft vegetable garden. From there he heads to Charleston, which boasts some of the most beautiful trees in the world and learns about the life of the plantations there. Later, in Miami, Monty visits one of the most spectacular Renaissance recreations built on marshland.

Grantchester (STV, 9pm)

It may look sleepy, but the streets of Grantchester are literally dangerous, as Will and Leonard discover when they witness a deadly and deliberate hit-and-run. Geordie traces the car to pair of dysfunctional brothers, but it seems that the victim’s wife and employee may also be caught up in the web of lies surrounding this crime. When they’re not sleuthing, Will and Geordie both have unwelcome guests to deal with _ in the case of the vicar, it’s his mum Amelia’s new suitor St John, who seems to be a copy of Will’s dad. At least the cleric can escape to the boxing gym to help wayward youths. Meanwhile, Leonard is excited about the vicarage’s new television, which arrives just in time for Eurovision.

Deadwater Fell (C4, 9pm)

The residents of Kirkdarroch come out in force for the funerals of the girls and Kate Kendrick. Jess meets an old friend of Kate’s - and is deeply shocked by what she discovers. As the village grieves, Jess wrestles with her part in the tragedy. The investigation takes a new turn when a witness comes forward, and the police home in on their prime suspect. Intimate secrets come to light - with devastating results. Crime drama, starring David Tennant, Cush Jumbo, Maureen Beattie, Stuart Bowman and Laurie Brett.

Stewart Copeland’s Adventures In Music (BBC4, 9.30pm)

Stewart Copeland has spent a life in music listening, composing and playing. Sixty years and 25 bands, including The Police, later, the spell is still strong, but why? In this three part series, Stewart explores how music brings people together, moves them, binds them, and communicates stories like no other art form. This first episode sees him travel from the German cave where a 40,000-year-old bone flute was discovered, to New York where he witnesses a mass singalong of Choir! Choir! Choir! Along the way he gets to play with a Memphis marching band, joins a song circle led by Bobby McFerrin and deconstructs Relax with its producer Trevor Horn.

Last Leg (C4, 10pm)

Some viewers may be surprised to learn that the topical comedy show is back for a new series _ not because they thought its popularity was on the wane but because it doesn’t seem to have taken a break. Adam Hills and co were with us on December 13 for a post-election special, hosted a normal edition the following week and were back again on December 31 for The Last Leg of the Year. Hopefully somewhere between then and now, Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker had a chance to celebrate Christmas and get ready for another year of taking on the headlines and chatting to celebrity guests. And with Brexit looming, they should have plenty to get their collective teeth into.