TV PICKS OF THE WEEK
TOP GEAR Tonight, BBC1, 8pm
What better way to mark the Beeb’s 100th birthday than by donning a flat cap and bouncing up some very steep country tracks in a very old, very expensive car?
Yes, Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris try their hands at hill trials. Paddy helps celebrate another milestone, 50 years of BMW’s M division, showcasing the legendary 3.0 CSL Batmobile and V10-engined M5, to the nostril-tastic M3.
Plus, Chris gets to grips with Ford’s wicked WRC racer, and the team investigates the future of fuel.
AIDS: THE UNHEARD TAPES Tomorrow, BBC2, regions vary
The series exploring the Aids crisis, drawing on interviews recorded during the 1980s and 1990s with those directly affected, reaches 1986, when diagnoses were rising.
However, levels of care were hugely variable and many within the gay community felt the government was failing to implement a Public Health strategy.
When predictions suggested there would be a big rise in cases outside the gay community, the government created the hard-hitting Don’t Die of Ignorance campaign, targeting every household in the country.
FREDDIE FLINTOFF’S FIELD OF DREAMS
Tuesday, BBC1, 8pm
This new series sees Freddie return to his first love – cricket.
The former England captain, a brilliant all-rounder for Lancashire and the national team, is worried that working-class players like him are dying out, with youngsters unable to hone their skills due to a lack of opportunity and pitches.
As a result, he’s heading back to his roots to set up a club for teenagers who have never played before. Across three episodes we’ll
watch their progress.
THE SAVOY Wednesday, ITV, 9pm
With lockdown well and truly over, the hotel’s patrons are starting to come back. Some have reasons to celebrate – and what better place to do so than The Savoy?
Unfortunately, such activity puts an extra strain on the staff, particularly the newer members of the team. Luckily veterans such as butler Sean are on hand to lend a hand. Meanwhile, in the Thames Foyer, Enzo sets about preparing the perfect afternoon tea.
OUR GREAT YORKSHIRE LIFE Thursday, Channel 5, 7pm
Emmerdale actor Dean Andrews is a Yorkshire native – he was born in Rotherham. Now, he’s kicking off this new series by showing Lancastrian co-star Liam Fox what the county has
to offer beyond the confines of TV’s most disaster-prone village, beginning with a trip to Malham in the Dales.
Meanwhile, Yorkshire Vet star Peter Wright and his wife Lin are also going exploring as they pay their first visit to Harrogate’s famous Turkish baths, before going behind the scenes at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
LIVE: THE LATEST SHOW WITH MO GILLIGAN
Friday, Channel 4, 10pm
There’s going out in style, and then there’s the series finale of this double BAFTA award-winning show.
Presenter Mo oversees a live special, with guests including TV hosts AJ Odudu and Jonathan Ross, as well as boy band Blue.
The ever-so naughty Reply or Deny slot has always been must-see viewing but this edition could top them all. Add into the eclectic mix lots of music, comedy and tunes from house band The Compozers, and there’s no better way to slide into the weekend.
ADELE: 30 GREATEST MOMENTS Saturday, Channel 5, 8pm
This rundown of memorable events from the singer’s career covers everything from the time the north London teen arrived on the scene in 2008 right up to the present day.
We visit key places in Adele’s life, including the studios in which she has recorded her record-breaking albums, and hear from people who have known her along the way.