TV & Radio
Highlights and listings
DRAMA
His Dark Materials
Philip Pullman’s cult fantasy book series gets a lavish TV outing in this BBC/HBO co-production starring James Mcavoy, Ruth Wilson and Dafne Keen. The young Spanish/ British actor, who first came to our attention in Logan, plays Lyra, who has been staying in Jordan College, Oxford at the request of her uncle, Lord Asriel (Mcavoy), where she lives a sheltered life amongst the scholars and college staff under the watchful protection of The Master (Clarke Peters) and Librarian Charles (Ian Gelder).
When the glamorous Mrs Coulter (Wilson) enters her life, Lyra sees her opportunity for adventure and leaves for a journey of discovery to London, where the fantasy plot spins off as she learns about the sinister General Oblation Board and the nomadic world of the boat-dwelling Gyptians, who take her North in her quest.
The eight-part series also stars Anne-marie Duff, James Cosmo and Lin-manuel Miranda.
Tomorrow, BBC1, 8pm
NATURE
Meet The Bears
After his turn in the Paddington films, Hugh Bonneville narrates this documentary exploring the world of bears as they try to overcome the challenges of life – from finding food and raising cubs to confronting rivals and habitat loss.
Monday, BBC2, 9pm
GARDENS Fifty Shades Of Green With Alan Titchmarsh
To celebrate 50 years spent in gardens around the world, Alan Titchmarsh chooses his favourites and meets their, often, famous owners. On his travels he visits the vegetable plot of Mary Berry, takes a tour of Griff
Rhys Jones’ epic garden, inspects the hallowed turf on Wimbledon Centre Court and, for the first time, lets cameras in on his own garden, which he has been working on for 17 years.
Monday, STV, 9pm
COMEDY The Amelia Gething Complex
With more than a million followers on social media, Amelia Gething has been commissioned by the BBC to bring her appeal to its Saturday morning output for younger teens.
The female-led comedy sketch show, which harnesses her aspirational style and surreal humour, follows the adventures of Amelia and her two best friends and flatmates Vinny and Poppy. It’s a home like any other, except that anything can happen...
Today, BBC2, 8:10am
COMEDY
Live At The Apollo
The comedy showcase is back for another run with a rotating cast of hosts, beginning with Tom Allen, fresh from his stint as resident comic on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. Up-and-coming talent getting their break in the first episode include Rosie Allen and Kae Kurd. Tuesday, BBC2, 10pm
DATING
Flirty Dancing
The delightful dancing and dating show returns for a second series with Ashley Banjo and friends helping two disillusioned daters each week. The lovelorn learn half of a bespoke dance, which they then perform with their blind date, before deciding if they want to meet up for a chat.
Friday, Channel 4, 8pm
MUSIC Even Later... With Jools Holland And Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum joins Jools for a jazz special of the long-running music show. Guests include Kano, Nérija, Joy Crookes and Metronomy in a studio featuring over 70 musicians and a tribute to Miles Davis. ■ Friday, BBC2, 11:05pm