THIS WEEK’S TOP TV PICKS

DRAMA

His Dark Materials Sunday, BBC1, 8.10pm

An epic tale for children and adults alike to enjoy, the acclaimed adaptation of the trilogy of fantasy novels by Philip Pullman an returns for a second series, after the tumultuous cliffhanger at the end of the first. Lord Asriel (James McAvoy) has opened a bridge to a new world in his wildly ambitious plan to create a new kingdom of heaven, and it’s there the young heroine Lyra journeys. But Mrs Coulter (Ruth Wilson, above) is as ever not to be underestimated and has her own very different plans for the girl’s future. Teasing secrets and twists abound in a brilliantly imagined production that continues to be a visual feast with its intelligent use of special effects.

DOCUMENTARY

My Family, The Holocaust & Me With Robert Rinder Monday, BBC 1,9pm

The daytime legal star of Judge Rinder and former Strictly contestant (above) once e more looks at the terrible crimes of the Holocaust inflicted on his family, after his episode of Who Do You Think You Are? two years ago. But in this two-part series, as well as discovering more about what happened to his relatives, the barrister will also be helping other British Jews to uncover the horrors visited on their families. It’s a journey that in this week’s episode conjures the unimaginable hell of the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Sobibor in Poland, while there are other chilling but compelling chapters of history from Holland and Belarus.

TRAVEL

Paul O’Grady’s Great British Escape

Wednesday, ITV ,8pm

He’s the boy from Birkenhead who sprang to fame as the w whiplash to tongued Lily Savage, e, but in recent nt years Paul O’Grady (above) has shown his love of animals, often at his bucolic home in Kent.

Now, in a new six-part series, the presenter is touring his adopted county and introducing viewers to the natural and historic glories to be found in the ‘Garden of England’, from the white cliffs of Dover to the castle said to be haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn. It’s an entertaining and often lightly humorous reminder of the rewards awaiting tourists forced to consider holidays in Britain, while travel restrictions make going abroad a risky affair.

DRINK

Saving Britain’s Pubs With Tom Kerridge Thursday, BBC 2,8pm

With pubs having to shut their d doors in the year’s second national lockdown, and some owners left wondering whether they’ll ever be able to be open up again, chef and landlord Tom Kerridge (above) presents a timely threepart series looking at the future of the industry. With filming having started late last year, it’s a passion project that begins with Kerridge trying to pass on his wisdom to four very different locals across Britain, each providing a vital hub for the community around them. But it becomes an altogether more urgent mission after the start of the pandemic, making this vital viewing for even the most infrequent of pub-goers.

CHARITY

Children In Need 2020 Friday , BBC 1,7pm

The stars are out in force in a c constellation of c celebrities pleading with us to put our hands in our pockets and help out youngsters in Britain and around the world. Yes, it’s the return of Children In Need, but this year the annual fundraiser is a particularly special one, celebrating the 40th anniversary of that historic first telethon in 1980. An extravaganza of unadulterated entertainment includes participants and cast members from Strictly Come Dancing, EastEnders, Doctor Who and The Goes Wrong Show, while even The Repair Shop finds a way to get in on the action.

Plus, the secrets of Pudsey Bear (above) and his private life are to be revealed. Nothing afterwards may ever be quite the same…