What not to miss in the week ahead
FACT-BASED DRAMA
Sitting In Limbo
Inspired by a shocking story from the Windrush scandal, this dramatisation follows the case of Anthony Bryan, who after 50 years in the UK, is wrongfully detained by the Home Office and threatened with deportation. The problems started when he applied for a passport and discovered that there were no records of him being a British citizen, despite having lived in the country since 1965. With the onus on him to prove his British citizenship to the Immigration Office, Anthony finds himself stuck in limbo, forced to leave his job and unable to claim benefits. Then, in the early hours of a Sunday morning, Anthony is forcibly removed from his home and detained as an illegal immigrant.
Written by Stephen S Thompson, the powerful drama is based on the experiences of his brother. Patrick Robinson and Nadine Marshall star as Anthony and Janet Bryan. Monday, BBC1, 8:30pm
DRAMA
I May Destroy You
Created, produced and starring Michaela Coel, this 12-part BBC/ HBO co-production follows writer Arabella Essiuedu (Coel), an easily distracted, non-committal and carefree woman who finds herself fêted as the ‘voice of her generation,’ with an agent, a book commission and a lot of pressure.
But when she is sexually assaulted in a nightclub, her life changes irreversibly and Arabella is forced to reassess everything: her career, her friends, even her family. As she struggles to come to terms with what has happened, Arabella begins a journey of self-discovery. Also starring Harriet Webb, Ellie James and Franc Ashman.
Monday, BBC1, 10:45pm
ENTERTAINMENT Peter Crouch: Save Our Summer
Following the success of That Peter Crouch Podcast for the BBC, the affable former professional footballer has landed a prime time entertainment show for the summer. Crouch is joined by Maya Jama and Alex Horne as they call up the biggest names from the world of sport, comedy and music.
With special performances from the gardens of some music megastars, celebrity guests, and a tournament featuring various professional sports people, it aims to be a socially distanced celebration of summer.
Today, BBC1, 9:15pm
REALITY
The Bidding Room
Nigel Havers hosts this new daytime series from the makers of The Repair Shop. It’s a variation on antique valuation/auction shows as each episode sees four people bring in their special item for five dealers to assess and bid for. There’s a resident expert to advise on valuation and then it’s up to the individuals to strike a good deal by playing off the dealers against each other. The first episode features a piece of hair-dressing history, a beloved toy, some classic furniture and something saved from the tip. Monday to Friday, BBC1, 3:45pm
DOCUMENTARY Inside Monaco: Playground Of The Rich
In this new three-part series, narrated by Fred Sirieix, BBC2 is given privileged access to this famous principality. Monaco is a tiny country, not much bigger than Hyde Park, but is home to the highest concentration of millionaires in the world. The series goes behind the scenes at the royal palace and follows the life of Prince Albert II, who rules this unique sovereign state.
With residents paying no income tax, the booming economy is based on the vast revenues generated from people spending money. Cameras are on hand at calendar highlights from the Grand Prix to the Yacht Show and they also follow some of those who work keeping the super rich happy and spending. ■
Monday, BBC2, 9pm