TV PICKS OF THE WEEK
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Tonight, BBC1, 8pm
The 44th series begins with a trip to Ham House, an impressive 17th century property by the river in Richmond-upon-Thames.
It provides a suitably spectacular backdrop for some incredible items. Among them is a photo album documenting the testing of British atomic bombs in 1956, which is fascinating, but one imagines has a limited appeal.
Also featured are a blanket made by a German PoW, a portrait by Indian-born artist FN Souza, a collection of silver from Oman and goblets engraved with images of the
Crystal Palace. But perhaps the most intriguing moment involves an 18th-century robe that could be an important piece of Chinese history.
JAMIE OLIVER: TOGETHER Tomorrow, Channel 4, 8pm
To tie in with his 25th book, Jamie is inviting us into his kitchen as he prepares fun food for some serious socialising.
He kicks off the new series by making a special meal for his friends and family, showcasing a slowroasted, rolled shoulder of lamb with a fennel, sage and spicy sausage stuffing, drizzled with a herby green sauce made with pistachio, mint and parsley.
SPICE GIRLS: HOW GIRL POWER CHANGED BRITAIN Tuesday, Channel 4, 9pm
It’s now 25 years since the Spice Girls released their debut album.
Now, this series is using rarely seen archive footage, new interviews, and, of course, a poppy soundtrack to explore how five British women became a worldwide phenomenon and influenced a generation.
The series begins with a look at how the girl group was formed in 1994 against a backdrop of a so-called ladette culture. As well as asking just what it was about them that caught the world’s imagination, the episode also asks what their emphasis on girl power meant for contemporary feminism.
ANIMALS WITH CAMERAS Wednesday, BBC2, 8pm
Creating discreet cameras is in itself a challenge, but there’s an added problem, the cameras also need to be able to withstand the Aussie heat.
Luckily, Chris Watts is on the case, and with the help of biologists and researchers, he manages to come up with devices that can take viewers into the secret world of marsupials.
Also, Gordon Buchanan learns more about a kangaroo population that is being pushed to the brink.
In New South Wales, Gordon Buchanan learns more about a kangaroo population that is being pushed to the brink by a
development boom and finds out how human encroachment is affecting their diet.
PATRICK KIELTY: ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF UNION
Thursday, BBC1, regions vary
In 1921, Ireland was portioned by the Westminster government and Northern Ireland was created.
To mark the centenary, Patrick Kielty, who three years ago brought us the award-winning documentary My Dad, the Peace Deal and Me, is exploring how Northern Ireland’s beginnings continue to influence many aspects of everyday life there.
GOGGLEBOX
Friday, Channel 4, 9pm
It’s been a difficult few months for Gogglebox fans and the programme’s stars. Pete McGarry Mary Cook and Andy Michael have all passed away.
The series won’t be the same without them.
The likes of Jenny and Lee and Giles and Mary are set to appear, offering their unique views on the week’s TV, and there could be some new faces to get to know too.
STRICTLY COME DANCING Saturday, BBC1, 7.45pm
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman return to the ballroom for the launch of Strictly 2021.
On the night, 15 celebrities will be paired with their professional partners before taking to the floor for the first time in a huge group number.