Channel Hopping

SECRETS OF CHINA’S FORBIDDEN CITY Monday, 9pm - More 4

BUILT in the early 15th century, the Forbidden City was home to China’s ruling elite for almost 500 years and consists of almost a thousand buildings and, according to Unesco, is the world’s largest collection of ancient wooden structures. Documentary makers were given ‘unique access’ for this hour-long special.

AGE BEFORE BEAUTY Tuesday, 9pm - BBC1

THIS six-part drama set in a Manchester beauty salon is ‘an exploration of youth, age, instant gratification and longterm relationships’. Based around a family ‘rife with sibling rivalries and unconventional parenting through the generations’, it stars Robson Green (Grantchester) and Sue Johnston (The Royle Family).

THE REAL MARIGOLD HOTEL Wednesday, 9pm - BBC1

ANOTHER group of ageing celebrities relocate to India. The line-up includes Selina Scott, actresses Susan George and Stephanie Beacham, Boris Johnson’s dad Stanley and former EastEnders star Peter Dean. Retired jockey Bob Champion is another participant, although he apparently faces some dietary issues in the opening episode – he’s never had a curry. And the woefully unfunny Krankies, pictured left, are also in the mix. How long before the female half of the duo says Fan-Dabi-Dozi!

MURDER IN SOHO: WHO KILLED FREDDIE MILLS? Wednesday, 9pm - BBC4

AFTER former world champion boxer Freddie Mills was found dead in 1965 with a single gunshot wound to the head, a coroner returned a verdict of suicide.

But there have always been suspicions that Mills, then 46 and running a nightclub in London’s West End, was executed by gangsters to whom he owed money. This 90minute special has first-hand accounts from underworld figures, including Eddie Richardson.