TV PICKS OF THE WEEK
SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF Tonight, ITV, 6.30pm
This annual football tournament is back, and as well as aiming to raise cash for good causes, a star-studded England side will be looking to overturn three consecutive defeats at the hands of an equally celebpacked World XI.
The pressure is on former One Direction singer Liam Payne, who makes his debut as captain, no less, leading a side that also includes Dragon’s Den star Steven Bartlett, and comedian Alex Brooker.
They’ll be lining up against a World XI that features Line of Duty’s Martin Compston and Usain Bolt.
TENNIS: QUEEN’S Tomorrow, BBC2, 1pm
Sue Barker is in West Kensington in London to present live coverage of the eagerly-anticipated cinch Championships, the men’s warm-up tournament to Wimbledon on the courts of Queen’s Club.
Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie reached the final in 2021 before losing in three sets in the singles to Italian top seed Matteo Berrettini, while French duo and fourth seeds Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut were triumphant in the doubles. Joining Norrie in the singles draw this year are his fellow Brits Andy Murray and Dan Evans.
DIY SOS: THE BIG BUILD Tuesday, BBC1, 8pm
The team and an army of volunteers step up to help Peter, who is primary carer for his family 24/7.
His wife Sarah and daughter Suzanne both have long-term genetic disorder myotonic dystrophy, and he also looks after his elder brother Steve. Peter started building an extension to adapt the house to suit everyone’s growing needs, but time and his own health are against him. Let the magic begin...
THE SAVOY Wednesday, ITV, 9pm
Love him or loathe him, it’s hard to deny that Gordon Ramsay makes some compulsive telly, and this series is one of the best. It’s back to offer a glimpse behind the scenes at the London hotel. Keep your eyes peeled for head chef Matt Worswick, who Gordon signed up after reaching the semi-finals of MasterChef: The Professionals and who left following an “explosive incident in the kitchen”. Your guess is as good as ours.
THE REAL DERRY: JAMIE-LEE O’DONNELL Thursday, Channel 4, 10pm
The sitcom Derry Girls, which came to an end last month, was an international hit, proving it struck a chord with viewers who had never set foot in Northern Ireland. However, for actress and real-life Derry girl Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, who
played foul-mouthed Michelle, the series had a deeper resonance.
Now, in this documentary, she’s charting the city’s complex history as well as talking about her own experiences of growing up there as part of a Catholic community.
BRIAN COX: SEVEN DAYS ON MARS Friday, BBC2, 9pm
Just over a year since touching down on Mars, NASA’s Perseverance rover has reached a crucial moment. This programme follows Professor Brian Cox over the course of a week as he witnesses the workings of the Mars 2020 mission. We will see the rover navigating its way across the floor of Jezero Crater towards the remains of an ancient river delta – that may contain the evidence of life.
Brian will join the drivers whose job it is to plot the rover’s route through the terrain of the Martian surface. He will also reveal how the mission could radically change our understanding of life – not just on Mars but Earth as well.
PAUL McCARTNEY AT THE BBC Saturday, BBC2, 7.10pm
A compilation of TV appearances from the musician’s post-Beatles career, featuring performances of songs including Band on the Run, Jet, Coming Up, and Live and Let Die on programmes from Top of the Pops to the Electric Proms.
There is also backstage footage and interviews, as well as appearances by familiar faces, including a recent encounter with die-hard Beatles fan Bob Mortimer.