PICK OF THE WEEK

SATURDAY

Six Nations Live (STV, 1.30pm)

The new season’s championship begins at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where hosts Italy welcome neighbours France. The visitors will have a point to prove after missing out on last season’s title so narrowly to England, while the Azzurri desperately need to state their case having lost 27 consecutive matches in this competition since they won away to Scotland in 2015. Then there’s a derby as England face Scotland at Twickenham, England hoping for an easier victory than their tense encounter last time around. We, of course, hope for the opposite.

Stormborn (BBC2, 7pm)

No, not a Game Of Thrones spin-off but another impressively well-shot wildlife documentary from the BBC. In this second part (of three), cameras follow a family of Arctic foxes as they struggle to raise their young on the rugged volcanic shores of Iceland. It’s summertime, and the Arctic circle is experiencing almost constant sunshine, the land at the north Atlantic blooming into life under the midnight sun. An otter cub strikes out alone in Shetland, while a lone puffin begins the search for a mate. Delightful.

Sally Lindsay’s Posh Sleepover (C5, 7pm)

Actor and ‘Loose Woman’ Sally Lindsay fronts a new series that’s like an amped-up Grand Designs, albeit with luxury abodes that are already completed. And if you’re in the habit of rolling your eyes at the budgets involved in your average property shows, then this one is apt to give you an optical sprain. The first episode (of three) sees Sally sleep over as a houseguest in a luxurious Mayfair townhouse with a price tag of more than £30m. Six storeys high and with 20-foot ceilings, property tycoon Kam and partner Anya’s posh pad has a good view of the surrounding area - which just so happens to include Buckingham Palace. One wonders if the neighbours have ever popped over to borrow a cup of sugar...

Pointless Celebrities (BBC1, 7.30pm)

Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman bring another themed edition of the hugely popular long-running quiz show, this weekend inviting former child stars to take part and try to think up least-obvious answers in a bid to win money for a charity of their choosing. Adrian Hall, Julie Dawn Cole, Lyndyann Barrass, David Peachey, Nick Bond-Owen, Jessica Forte, Sally Thomsett and Tyger Drew-Honey form the four teams, one pair being eliminated at the end of each round.

Casualty (BBC1, 8.20pm)

The long-running emergency-room drama series has done a good job recently of shedding some of its soapier and melodramatic reputation and delivering storylines that are both engaging and very relevant - from its depictions of Covid wreaking havoc on the ED onwards. This week focuses

on an epidemic of a different kind, as Fenisha and Jan are called to a suspected domestic abuse incident. Meanwhile Leon and David bond over a broken-down car, and Lev faces the ugly truth that is at the heart of his family’s issues.

SUNDAY

The Wonderful World of Chocolate (C5, 7pm)

Well January’s out of the way, so Channel 5 must be working on the assumption that most people’s new year’ resolutions are a dim and distant memory as they air a new series of the show that goes behind the scenes of famous confectionary manufacturers. First up is

Poppets, that cinema-friendly treat that removes the need for wrapper-rustling. Not that that’s a concern at the moment. There’s also a giant hand-painted Easter egg, and a look at Milton Hershey’s model town of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Musicals: The Greatest Show (BBC1, 7.40pm)

It’s been a difficult 12 months for people who work in the theatre, but it’s also been tough for audiences who have missed their musicals fix. However, the BBC have been doing their best to plug the gap, devoting a whole weekend to showtunes on Radio 2. And now there’s a chance for fans to see as well as hear the main

event, Musicals: The Greatest Show, presented by Sheridan Smith from the London Palladium, which celebrates the genre, from beloved old favourites to new shows. Sheridan joins Amanda Holden to perform I Know Him So Well from Chess. Other highlights include Nicole Scherzinger belting out Never Enough from The Greatest Showman, Gavin Spokes, from the West End production of Hamilton, delivering You’ll Be Back, and Michael Ball revisiting one of his past hits with You Can’t Stop The Beat from Hairspray.

The Ranganation (BBC2, 9pm)

There’s no doubting Romesh Ranganathan’s commitment to this show, in which he tries to

find out what the nation is thinking with the help of his trusty focus group – when the pandemic struck last year, he hosted it from his garage. For this latest series, he’s back in a studio, but he’s still been joined remotely by 20 outspoken characters who represent a cross-section of modern Britain, as well as a couple of bonus celebrities. In previous editions they’ve tackled the important issues like paranormal activity, home-schooling during lockdown, dating apps and whether you should wash your legs in the shower, and they’ll once again be tackling topics from the lighter side of the news.

The Serpent (BBC1, 9pm)

The uber-stylish fact-based serial killer thriller reaches its penultimate episode, and after a slow start things definitely feel like they’re hurtling along towards a conclusion. Charles is trying to establish a new life for himself and Marie-Andree in Paris, but things don’t quite go according to plan when his past begins to catch up with him. There are secrets he has kept even from her, and even this master of manipulation might struggle to keep them buried. Meanwhile, Herman continues his investigation, and the net begins to close...

MONDAY

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

Barney Walsh continues his mission to frighten the life out of his dad - and Bradley his quest to perpetually embarrass the lad with his dad jokes - throughout Europe, this week touring Italy and taking a trip to picturesque Lake Garda. Bradley gets the perfect vantage point to enjoy the views, when Barney takes him paragliding - providing, of course, Brad can keep his eyes open after the take-off which involves running off the top of Monte Baldo, a nearby mountain. The next day involves a boat trip, but any ideas involving a leisurely cruise about the lake taking in the scenery are quickly banished from Bradley’s mind when he sees the vessel in question - a Formula One speedboat.

Would I Lie to You? (BBC1, 8.30pm)

TV’s most consistently entertaining panel show welcomes another tempting line-up of guests, with comedian Sara Pascoe, journalist and presenter Dan Walker, Derry Girls and Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, and Derrick Evans, better known as fitness guru Mr Motivator, joining in the fun. But whose tall tales, bizarre facts and extraordinary anecdotes have that ring of truth about them? As ever Rob Brydon is the host, with team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack also spinning yarns.

Darcey Bussell’s Wild Coasts of Scotland (More4, 9pm)

The former ballerina and erstwhile Strictly Come Dancing judge is the latest celeb to be handed their own travelogue, using the experience to scour her own Scottish ancestry. She begins her journey of four parts on Skye, which during normal circumstances is a popular tourist destination. There, she tries scallops plucked fresh from a local sea loch, has a go at traditional dancing, and goes wild swimming in honour of her grandfather.

Undercover Police: Hunting Paedophiles (C4, 9pm)

Channel 4 add to their already impressive stable of blue-light reality documentaries with this hard-hitting three-part series, following officers as they adopt undercover online identities in an attempt to lure out people with a sexual or predatory interest in children. It is harrowing work, and as you can expect the documentary doesn’t make for easy viewing, however it is a fascinating insight into the lengths the police go to in order to keep children safe. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of offenders out there who need stopping. In this first shocking edition, an undercover officer pretends to be a 47-year-old paedophile abusing his 10-year-old daughter, looking for other men to join him.

Celebrity Best Home Cook (BBC1, 9pm)

Proving the TV exec’s adage that if it’s good it can be made better with celebrities is this cookery contest, which as it reaches its halfway point turns its attention to a great British staple the Sunday roast. Intentionally vague to give the stars free rein to get creative, judge Mary Berry’s only stipulations are that the meal must involve roasted meat and some form of potatoes. This leads to a battle between two of the celebs over who can make the best pork crackling, while another cook opts for a Moroccan theme.

Long Lost Family (STV, 9pm)

The emotional series aiming to reunite people with long-lost relatives continues as Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell meet Claire King, who was abandoned as a baby in Hong Kong more than 50 years ago. She heads back to the region in a bid to uncover some answers about her origins, appealing for information from the authorities. However it’s a DNA test that eventually fields results - and offers her up some biological family far closer to home. Meanwhile Nicki Goscomb and her sisters try to find their brother, who was adopted in 1966.

TUESDAY

Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home Travels in My Own Land (STV, 8pm)

Last week, Joanna Lumley went back to her Weatherfield roots with a trip to Coronation Street and in this edition, she’s revisiting the New Avengers as she calls in at Eilean Donan Castle, the location for her very first episode. Her journey starts though with her learning more about the Harris Tweed industry in the Outer Hebrides, where she also drives a herd of Highland Cattle. Plus, Joanna crosses to Northern Ireland to visit the Dark Hedges, made famous in Game of Thrones, and to meet one of the Derry Girls.

Interior Design Master with Alan Carr (BBC2, 8pm)

Judge Michelle Ogundehin splits the remaining contestants into three teams, each of which is given an open-plan office space to transform. The clients are a technology company, a sustainable beauty brand and a media team, and all have similar requirements, needing a work space, a break-out space and a meeting space within the office. However they also have their own styles and preferences, and Michelle will be keeping a look out for the team that best displays their own signature style while also paying attention to the client.

Forensics: The Real CSI (BBC2, 9pm)

The fascinating documentary series returns, following crime investigators as they use forensics to get to the truth in complicated cases. In this episode, a man from an affluent Birmingham suburb rings 999 to say he has killed his wife. When he is arrested outside his home, he is covered in blood, but during his initial interview, he claims not to remember anything. So, it’s up to crime scene coordinator Jo Ward to lead the search for clues that could establish what happened. Forensic scientist Phil Field goes to the scene to carry out bloodpattern analysis to help create a sequence of events, while the digital experts manage to crack the suspect’s mobile, which offers a new insight into a possible motive.

Marcella (STV, 9pm)

Leading a double life is never going to be easy, so it’s not surprising that Marcella is struggling as she discovers more clues are being left for her. Can she recall her training and concentrate on being Keira Devlin? Let’s hope so, as the Maguire family are holding a war council, and the main topic of conversation is Bobby. They decide to send him away, and Marcella is in charge of driving him to the

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

airport, but en route, she goes into a fugue... Meanwhile, Katherine takes control back from Alexander Monroe once and for all.

Imagine: We’ll Be Back? (BBC1, 10.45pm)

The UK’s performing arts industry can usually be relied on to push boundaries and break new ground – even in a pandemic. In the latest documentary from the Imagine strand, Alan Yentob finds out how the sector has risen to the challenge, from drive-in opera to innovative, livestreamed theatre performances on our most iconic stages and urgent new work inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, drawing on footage filmed throughout 2020. But while some shows found a way to go on, Yentob also looks at the grave risks Covid-19 poses to the industry. The companies and venues featured include The Old Vic, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Opera and Alexandra Palace, while Carlos Acosta, Tamara Rojo and Vanessa Redgrave are among the people sharing their views.

WEDNESDAY

This Farming Life (BBC2, 8pm)

Like everyone, farmers have been affected by the pandemic and the latest episode of the series looks at some of the challenges they have faced. The lambing season is just getting into full swing when coronavirus grips the nation, and the farmers must work hard to keep their businesses afloat. Some of the more unexpected consequences are felt in Aberdeenshire, where new entrant farmers Isla and George lose their childcare, meaning Isla is left to look after the livestock and farm shop with three young children in tow.

Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig (C4, 9pm)

Sandi Toksvig clearly hasn’t upset anybody at Channel 4 by bowing out of presenting The Great British Bake Off. Since announcing her decision to quit, she’s hosted the moving twopart literacy-based programme The Write Offs, and now she’s back with a new series in which she explores some of the UK’s wildest and most remote holiday destinations alongside a variety of extraordinary women. First up is actor Alison Steadman, who joins Toksvig on the Suffolk coast. Among the sights they enjoy are an imposing 19th century Martello tower, which has been turned into a stunning home. They also visit a 5,000 acre wildlife conservation area and tour an 11th century priory, while Steadman discusses her loves, life and career to date.

The Disappearance of Shannon Matthews (C5, 9pm)

The incredible story of Shannon Matthews hit the headlines in 2008; The Moorside, a gripping two-part drama focusing on the case and starring Sheridan Smith and Gemma Whelan, followed in 2017. The tale is being retold, again in two parts, in this fascinating documentary. Shannon was nine years old girl living when she was reported missing from the Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, home she shared with her mother Karen, several of her siblings and her mother’s boyfriend Craig Meehan; she was found less than a month later, hidden in a divan in the home of Meehan’s uncle, Michael Donovan. It was later revealed that Karen and Donovan had concocted the plot in a bid to claim any reward money available for Shannon’s safe return. Here, experts in the case discuss the timeline of events.

Trump Takes on the World (BBC2, 9pm)

There was very little about Donald Trump’s tenure in the White House that was run-of-themill. No matter what you think of him, there’s no doubt that he shook up the establishment, both in the US and abroad. This three-part documentary offers insights into his approach to foreign policy, with insights from his advisers and opponents. The opening programme focuses on Trump’s first 18 months as President, during which he fell out with some of his nation’s oldest allies and left others reeling.

The Bay (STV, 9pm)

Sometimes keeping things simple is best, which is perhaps why The Bay works so well. There’s no flashbacks or flash forwards, everything is revealed in a good old-fashioned linear fashion, you can hear what everybody says and there’s no jerky handheld camera work to leave viewers feeling nauseous. So expect to be kept on the edge of your seat

once again as Lisa and the team struggle to come to terms with an unexpected twist in the case. They’re now forced to accept help from another unit - has all their hard work so far been in vain?

Hypothetical (Dave, 10pm)

The channel that gave us the highly popular Taskmaster format (since sold to Channel 4) may also have a hit on its hands with this admirably low-concept panel game. Simplicity itself, it sees Josh Widdecombe and James Acaster posing ridiculous and often convoluted hypothetical questions in a way which will be familiar to anyone who ever had an idle conversation in school. A welcome third series begins tonight, with guests Suzi Ruffell, Tom Allen, Sophie Duker and Desiree Burch joining the fun.

THURSDAY

Adrian Dunbar’s Coastal Ireland (C5, 8pm)

After Paul Merton in China (7pm) there’s a slightly closer-to-home travelogue as the Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar takes us around the rugged Irish coast. In this concluding episode of the two-part series he meets motorcycle champion Michael Dunlop, who has won the Isle of Man TT race a whopping 19 times. He finds out about the surprising history of Malin Head, mainland Ireland’s most northerly point, and hears how Marconi used the location to send the first ever commercial message to a ship by wireless in 1902.

Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby (BBC2, 9pm)

With foreign holidays off the cards for most of us and more people than ever planning a ‘staycation’ this year, it feels almost cruel of the BBC to air this edition of the extraordinary travel show, which follows Monica Galetti and Giles Coren as they visit Jade Mountain, a hand-built resort hotel on St. Lucia’s southwestern Caribbean coastline. Each room’s outer wall is entirely absent, and so is completely open to the ocean view - with its own private infinity pool from which to enjoy the vista. The unique layout has its own challenges, however, and Giles finds that room service in this hotel is tougher than it first appears. Meanwhile Monica helps out the kitchens by diving for local lionfish.

Piers Morgan’s Life Stories (STV, 9pm)

Speaking to Piers on Good Morning Britain after recording this edition of the in-depth interview show, its subject, Gemma Collins, said how nervous she was about it airing because, she says, she has really “spilled the beans on a lot of things that people haven’t heard before”. Among them will be a fresh insight into her much-publicised on-again offagain relationship with James ‘Arg’ Argent, including the times she had to call emergency services due to his drug use. The former TOWIE star also reveals her painful journey to having children, after suffering her third miscarriage last year, in a cathartic interview that Piers himself has described as “very emotional ... very inspiring as well”.

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (C4, 9pm)

A format mash-up that began as a joke spot on a comedy charity night proved so popular that it’s now in its 21st series. This edition sees Jon Richardson joined by his wife and fellow stand-up Lucy Beaumont to take on Roisin Conaty and Joe Wilkinson. Going by the latter pair’s previous form on the show, and by Richardson’s notorious over-competitive nature, we know who our money is on to take home the ridiculous Countdown-branded item that replaces the teapot trophy from the regular show.

Back (C4, 10pm)

Ah, the pub quiz... remember those? Tonight’s episode of the cuckoo-in-the-nest comedy has become inadvertently nostalgic as the John Barleycorn hosts a quiz night and Stephen (David Mitchell) hopes for redemption after losing to the same team years previously - an incident for which his father never forgave him. He could really use sharp-witted half-brother (or is he?) Andrew’s help, but Andrew (Robert Webb) seems preoccupied in his quest to get involved in the lives of Alison’s parents.

FRIDAY

It’s a Sin (C4, 9pm)

Russell T Davies’ latest series has been universally praised, and rightly so. It turns a spotlight on a world many of us know about, but only a few have had first-hand experience. This week, the clock moves forwards to March 1988, a time when Kylie Minogue was at the top of the charts telling everyone she should be so lucky. The remaining members of the gang still live at the Pink Palace, which Ritchie and Jill are hoping to buy, although both have other issues to face too. Ritchie realises he has to come out to his parents, and suffers a dark night of the soul on a journey back to the Isle of Wight. Jill, meanwhile, lands herself in danger with the police after taking part in protests against the government’s handling of the Aids crisis.

Big Weekends with Gregg Wallace (C5, 9pm)

He’s recently taken a tour of South Africa for ITV, and now Gregg Wallace is off on his travels again. Actually, he probably filmed his latest jaunt months, maybe even over a year ago, before coronavirus-related restrictions were enforced. As we’re still unaware of a time when we might be able to jet off on holiday again, at least the light-hearted four-part programme gives us a glimpse of the wider world. Wallace begins his jaunt in Barcelona, and he doesn’t have to search too hard to find some of the city’s artistic highlights - he’s surrounded by them in the form of architect Antoni Gaudi’s incredible buildings. He also learns about Picasso before attending a street festival and, of course, tasting the local cuisine.

Death in Paradise (BBC1, 9pm)

The penultimate episode of the current run focuses on the aftermath of a stag party. What should be a celebratory affair ends in tragedy when the host is found on the beach the next morning with a harpoon sticking out of somewhere it shouldn’t. The do had taken place on a boat, which hadn’t moved since the previous evening, so DI Neville Parker and his colleagues assume nobody aboard could be responsible for the murder. So if the guests didn’t do it, who did? Ralf Little and Josephine Jobert head the cast.

Stonehenge: The Lost Circle Revealed (BBC2, 9pm)

Alice Roberts is the go-to presenter for archaeological shows these days, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find her popping up on this one, during which she’s joined by fellow professor Mike Parker Pearson. They want to know more about a fascinating project designed to unlock some of the mysteries surrounding Stonehenge, which have baffled experts for centuries. The duo meet archaeologists who have been using cutting-edge technology, including innovative 3D scanning techniques, combined with more traditional research methods, to discover where the iconic stones were quarried.

The Graham Norton Show (BBC1, 10.45pm)

Miranda Hart’s self-titled sitcom may not be returning for a new run any time soon, but we’re about to get the next best thing. US comedy Call Me Kat has been inspired by the hit show and stars Blossom and The Big Bang Theory’s Mayim Bialik in the lead role; she joins Norton to discuss the project tonight. Daniel Kaluuya promotes his new film, biopic Judas and the Black Messiah. Plus, Sienna Miller talks about surreal drama Wander Darkly.