TV & Radio
Highlights and listings
DRAMA
Bodyguard
Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes star in Bodyguard, BBC1’S eagerly anticipated political thriller set in and around Westminster and the corridors of power. Written by Jed Mercurio, responsible for the brilliant Line Of Duty series, the drama tells the story of David Budd (Madden), a heroic but volatile war veteran now working as a protection officer for the Metropolitan Police Service.
When he is assigned to protect the ambitious and powerful Home Secretary Julia Montague (Hawes), Budd finds himself torn between his duty and his beliefs. Responsible for her safety, could he become her biggest threat?
The six-part series also stars Gina Mckee (who along with Hawes, has had a major storyline in Line of Duty), Sophie Rundle and Stuart Bowman.
Tomorrow and Monday, BBC1, 9pm
SCIENCE Drinkers Like Me: Adrian Chiles
In this documentary, Adrian Chiles takes a long, hard look at his relationship with alcohol. He says he’s a steady, seemingly moderate, regular drinker who while drinking most days, rarely gets drunk, never lets alcohol get him into trouble and doesn’t get hangovers.
But it turns out he drinks much more than he thought, and his physical and mental health is suffering. But if he’s got a problem then so has half the country.
Chiles starts a drinking diary and is shocked by what he finds, while a nasty surprise awaits when he has a consultation with a liver specialist. The broadcaster reflects that most of his friendships are built around drinking, and how he relies on alcohol in his social life. Should he cut down, or stop drinking completely?
Monday, BBC2, 9pm
REALITY The Great British Bake Off
After the fuss of GBBO’S move from the BBC to Channel 4 last year, the ninth season of the cooking show sees Prue Leith, Paul Hollywood, Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding return to judge and present as a dozen hopefuls battle it out for the glory (and the book deals). The companion show An Extra Slice, presented by Jo Brand, has been expanded to an hour and moved to Fridays at 8pm.
Tuesday, Channel 4, 8pm
COMEDY
Upstart Crow
The third series of Ben Elton’s sitcom returns with David Mitchell once more bringing his hangdog countenance to play William Shakespeare as he juggles being a literary genius with the struggles of everyday Elizabethan life. Literary gags abound as the first episode sees Will try to add some comic scenes to his new play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Also starring Nigel Planer, Mark Heap and Liza Tarbuck.
Wednesday, BBC2, 8:30pm
EVENT The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2018
Bill Paterson narrates the highlights show from this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The international cast includes a mounted display by The Royal Cavalry of The Sultanate of Oman, music from the Central Band of the Czech Armed Forces and silent precision drill and weapon skills from the United States Air Force Honor Guard team.
Monday, BBC1, 7:30pm
DOCUMENTARY The Deer Stalker: Our Lives
For 40 years, Alex Macdonald has stalked the hills and glens above Fort William, as did his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather before him. Now he wants to hand his expertise onto his 15 year old son.
This documentary follows Alex as he manages the 3,000 red deer that populate the Achnacarry estate. ■
Tomorrow, BBC1, 6:05pm