The Scotsman

What not to miss in the week ahead

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DOCUMENTAR­Y

The Witch Hunts: Lucy Worsley Investigat­es

Lucy Worsley reinvestig­ates four dramatic chapters in British history: the 16th century witch trials, the Black Death, the madness of King George III and the princes in the tower. The historian follows the evidence and brings a contempora­ry perspectiv­e to each mystery, exploring how changing attitudes can challenge our perception­s of the past.

The first episode begins in North Berwick, where the first witch hunts began, following stories that in 1590 a coven of witches gathered to cast a spell to try to kill the King of Scotland, James VI, which resulted in a woman called Agnes Sampson, a faith healer and midwife, being investigat­ed at Holyrood Castle, tortured and executed.

Tuesday, BBC2, 9pm

DRAMA

Silent Witness

To mark the 25th season of Silent Witness, Amanda Burton, who starred in the popular crime drama from 1995 to 2004, returns as Sam Ryan for the six episode run. It's a suitably explosive plot involving the assassinat­ion of the Home Secretary and a storyline that begins in Liverpool and leads to Belfast, with corruption and trust at its heart. Returning regulars include Emilia Fox as Nikki Alexander and David Caves as Jack Hodgson.

Monday and Tuesday, BBC1, 9pm

COMEDY

PRU

Following a successful pilot episode, the BBC has returned to this comedy about a group of teens struggling to navigate adolescenc­e in a Pupil Referral Unit, a school for excluded kids.

In the first episode, it's the first day for Sienna (Nkechi Simms) at the PRU and a chance for a fresh start. She makes a new friend in troubled Belle (Pia Somersby), reunites with a frosty old school mate Jaeden (Michael Boahen) and crosses swords with hyperactiv­e Halil (Jaye Eservas), who is refusing to take his ADHD medication.

When Halil's behaviour threatens the class paintballi­ng trip, Sienna takes matters into her own hands – with disastrous consequenc­es.

Thursday, BBC3, 10pm

DRAMA

Big Boys

Dylan Llewellyn, The Wee English Fella from Derry Girls, is back in a new Channel 4 comedy, playing sweet, shy, closeted Jack, who is coping with the recent death of his father and trying to negotiate Freshers' Week at university when he meets boisterous, laddish mature student Danny (Jon Pointing). The two become best mates and help each other through uni with the assistance of a gang of friends who are all discoverin­g something about themselves now they are away from home for the first time. Also starring Camille Coduri, Katy Wix and Olisa Odele.

Thursday, Channel 4, 10pm

EVENT

The Prince’s Trust Awards

The inspiring work of young people who have had a helping hand from the Prince's Trust will be featured in this award show, hosted by Ant and Dec. Princes Charles, who founded the Trust in 1976, will be in attendance, along with stars of film, television, music and sport, who will be supporting or presenting awards.

Thursday, STV, 8:30pm

LIFESTYLE

The Great Garden Revolution

Horticultu­rist Errol Reuben Fernandes replaces Poppy Okotcha in Channel 4's four-part makeover show, joining designer Joel Bird and craftsman Bruce Kenneth as they transform a garden and outdoor space each week, beginning with a family in Chichester.

Today, Channel 4, 8:15pm

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 ?? ?? Lucy Worsley Investigat­es, main; Amanda Burton in Silent Witness, inset
Lucy Worsley Investigat­es, main; Amanda Burton in Silent Witness, inset

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