TV PICKS OF THE WEEK
TOP GEAR Tonight, BBC1, 8pm
DESPITE the lack of optional extras (overseas jaunts, celebrity guests etc), this show remains on track, with presenting trio Chris Harris, Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness proving that there are plenty of miles left in the tank for the BBC’s flagship motoring magazine.
Tonight, they’re on a mission to identify the best-performing off-roader, and head off on an icy expedition across the untamed Scottish Highlands.
Will the Land Rover Defender, the Mercedes G-Wagon or the Ariel Nomad be the best at tackling the extreme conditions?
FINDING JACK CHARLTON Tomorrow, BBC2, 9pm
IT ISN’T easy viewing, but this acclaimed documentary is a must-see for anyone with even only a passing interest in Big Jack’s life and career.
Using archive footage and his own words, it looks back at his achievements on the pitch, from World Cup winner with England, to transforming the Republic of Ireland team’s fortunes.
But it’s the insights into his greatest battle – against dementia – that really pull at the heartstrings. Charlton’s wife Pat and their children contribute, alongside those who knew and admired him, including Larry Mullen Jr, Roddy Doyle and Paul McGrath.
BRITAIN’S TIGER KINGS – ON THE TRAIL WITH ROSS KEMP
Tuesday, ITV, 9pm LAST year, Netflix documentary Tiger
King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness kept many of us entertained as we entered the first lockdown.
Louis Theroux’s next project will see him come face-to-face with main protagonist Joe Exotic, but before then, Ross Kemp meets Brits who, like Mr Exotic, enjoy keeping big cats as pets.
Incredibly, there are around 4,000 dangerous creatures such as lions, bears, crocodiles, giant snakes and, of course, tigers, in private hands in this country. Kemp comes face-to-face with some of them, including animals belonging to a former circus trainer who hires them out to production companies, and the lions being kept in someone’s back garden.
GREAT BRITISH MENU Wednesday, BBC2, 8pm
ANDI OLIVER presents the Scottish heats as last year’s regional winner, Roberta Hall, returns to take on Stuart Ralson, Scott Smith and Amy Elles.
This year’s theme is invention and innovation, and the chefs have definitely taken that to heart with one presenting a crispy shredded beef and Lanark blue cheese starter in a giant petri dish to celebrate Alexander Fleming’s invention of antibiotics.
The episode will end in one chef being sent home.
MY YEARS WITH THE QUEEN
Thursday, ITV, 9pm
LADY PAMELA HICKS – the younger daughter of the Duke of Edinburgh’s uncle Louis Mountbatten – discusses her life growing up within the Royal family, and her close relationship with the Queen.
Lady Pamela, who turns 92 this month, was a bridesmaid to then-Princess Elizabeth at her 1947 wedding to Prince Philip, and a lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty in Kenya when King George VI died in 1952.
She also talks to her daughter India, who was a bridesmaid at Prince Charles and Diana Spencer’s wedding in 1981.
GRAYSON’S ART CLUB
Friday, Channel 4, 8pm
GRAYSON and Philippa Perry welcome illusionist Derren Brown, who talks about his love of painting. Taskmaster’s Alex Horne creates a unique response to the theme Travel.
Plus, Art Club meets Liverpudlian artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman.
Finally, Grayson and Derren choose their favourite artworks from this week, before some guests from the series return for a heart-warming finale.
FREDDIE MERCURY: A LIFE IN TEN PICTURES
Saturday, BBC2, 9pm
A JOURNEY through the Queen frontman’s life through 10 defining photos, with their secrets revealed by those who were there, and those who knew Freddie Mercury best. Beginning with the earliest photo of the singer to his final one.