TV HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY Call the Midwife, BBC1, 8pm
It’s the last in the series of this absorbing medical drama set in the 1960s. Sister Julienne oversees the opening of a family planning clinic at the local community centre. Wilma visits the clinic and starts taking the contraceptive pill, but soon becomes gravely unwell, leading to questions about the pill’s safety. Plus, Canon Gilbert accepts a missionary posting in New Guinea and Shelagh prepares to give birth.
Down the Mighty River with Steve Backshall, BBC2, 9pm
The adventurer explores one of the wildest rivers in the world — the mighty Baliem River in the island of New Guinea. He’s eager to investigate the tribes that dwell along the river and discover the dangerous animals that call the territory home. In this edition, he embarks on a perilous expedition starting at Lake Habbema, encountering extreme white water rapids, unique animals, and stays in a Dani village for the night.
Cleas Act, TG4, 8pm
In this new series, presenters Eibhlin Ni Chonghaile and Stiofan O Fearail meet precocious children from Gaelscoil Ultain in Monaghan. They chatter about their passions and dislikes and offer their unique take on life. The school will also be producing their own version of Rihanna’s
This is What You Came For as Gaeilge, along with the Cleas Act house band Seo Linn. Ryan Sheridan is a special guest.
MONDAY Sun, Sea and Selling Houses, Channel 4, 4pm
New series following two British families who have set up property businesses in Spain and are hoping to inject some sunshine into the lives of people who want to move to the sun permanently. Here, cameras follow Roger Horton and Maureen Guillen, who dream of moving to a mountain retreat in southern Spain, and Grant and Tamsyn Joel, who want a holiday home big enough to accommodate Tamsyn’s friends.
An Misean sa Tsin, TG4, 7.30pm
New series about the stories of Irish missionaries in China between 1920 and 1954 and the stories of the hundreds of Irish men and women who served in pastoral relief capacity at a turbulent but fascinating period of Chinese history.
Marilyn Monroe the Autopsy, be3, 9pm
The series which delves into the lives and times of iconic stars focuses on Marilyn Monroe — the quintessential pin-up girl of the 1950s. On August 5, 1962, she was pronounced dead in the bedroom of her Los Angeles home. How could this woman, with such a bright future, end up dead? It’s well documented that she suffered severe anxiety and embarked on numerous affairs with very-high profile men... could this have contributed to her demise? Forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd pieces together the events leading to her death and discovers a damning piece of new evidence.
TUESDAY
The Replacement, BBC1, 9pm In the final episode of the gripping drama, Ellen believes she has proof that Paula is disturbed but nobody believes her. As the office turns against her, Ellen is left with no choice but to walk away. Even though she tries to put the whole nightmare behind her, Paula, however, isn’t willing to do the same, and begins a campaign to drive a wedge between struggling Ellen and her husband.
Daniel and Majella’s B&B Road Trip, RTE1, 8.30pm
Daniel and Majella continue on their roadtrip, visiting Co Cork and Co Waterford. Daniel puts a smile on the locals’ faces when he shows off his Mad Hatter’s Tea Party look, and the pair get up close with a dairy herd, which gives Daniel the opportunity to discover a hidden talent.
The Nightly Show with Davina McCall, 3e, 11.10pm
The fitness fanatic and TV’s golden girl is in the hot seat for the third week of the nightly show. This edition promises a mix of topical monologue, studio games, celebrity guests and stand up. What’s not to love?
WEDNESDAY Mystery Man on the Moor, Channel 4, 10pm
This special looks into the death of a man who disappeared in December, 2015. On that cold, dark day, he bought a return ticket from London to Manchester and never returned. His body was found on Saddleworth Moor, near Oldham, but he left no clues to his identity. With exclusive access to the year-long investigation by detectives from Greater Manchester Police, this documentary paints a picture of the effort put in to get to the bottom of the mysterious case.
Doctor in the House, TV3, 8pm
The experts help the Ghazanfar family, whose fall on hard times left them suffering in the health stakes. Atif was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis seven years ago, and he’s also suffered side effects from medication and meningitis in his brain and spine. Understandably, his condition leaves him practically housebound. It is costing him his health and tests find he is in the bottom 1% for men his age. The situation has caused Amina to pile on weight, leaving her in the second stage of obesity.
Challenging God with Vincent Browne, TV3, 12am
The final episode of this intriguing existential series sees Vincent pose the profound question... if God is all-powerful, why does he permit terrible atrocities to happen in the world? The searching episode also deals with the notion that God’s religion has been used as a reason for war and for concealment of institutional abuse. Among the speakers offering their opinion are Carol Hunt and Michael Mernagh.
THURSDAY The Last Kingdom, BBC2, 9pm
The opener for the new series of the epic drama sees Uhtred begin his voyage north to reclaim his fate and avenge Earl Ragnar’s death. Elsewhere, Alfred’s resolution to bind the kingdoms of England is stronger than ever and he also sets his sights on the wild lands of the north. Plus, Uhtred becomes embroiled in a rescue mission which brings him face to face with an old enemy.
Home of the Year, RTE1, 8.30pm
It’s the third episode of the show that makes us wish we could win the Lotto. In this edition, the eagle-eyed judges see two Dublinbased homes and a historic farmstead in Wicklow. The first house is a restored Victoria end of terrace, the second, a colourful two up two down and the third, a 17-century farmstead. Which abode will win the hearts of the hard-to-please adjudicators?
No Words Needed: Croke Park 2007, RTE1, 10.15pm
February 24, 2007 marks a significant date in the Irish sporting calendar as it was the day that Ireland hosted England in the Six Nations rugby championship. This special looks at the struggle to restrict and modify the playing of non-Gaelic games in GAA stadiums so that both rugby and soccer could be played at Croke Park, as well as the reaction to England playing at the stadium which was the scene of Bloody Sunday in 1920.
FRIDAY Ceiliuradh na Feile Padraig, BBC2, 8pm
John Toal and Pauline Scanlon introduce an evening of foottapping music in a celebration of St Patrick’s Day at The Glassworks in Co. Derry. Among the talented performers taking to the stage are ALDOC, Four Men and a Dog, The John McSherry Band and Na Mooneys. If you haven’t already drowned your shamrock, now would be a good time to do it...
Wild Ireland: The Edge of the World, BBC2, 9pm
Wildlife photographer Colin Stafford-Johnson begins his wild Atlantic journey exploring the stunning Skellig Rocks, where Christian monks built a monastery on the summit almost 1,500 years ago. His next stop is the Blasket Islands — home to vast numbers of seals. Back on dry land, he goes on the trail of humpback whales, which are making their mark in Irish waters. Finally, he visits Clew Bay, the place that he chose to make his home.
Tracey Ullman’s Show, BBC1, 9.30pm
In this series finale, troubled artist Sharon Utley has opened a gallery in her honour in her home town, but who is Stick of Rock Man? Elsewhere, Dame Maggie’s vlog tackles a first-person shooter video game and Nicola Sturgeon captures Andy Murray. Plus, Kay is looking into her family tree and Angela Merkel has had enough of Brexit negotiations and wants to see more of London.
SATURDAY Let’s Sing & Dance for Comic Relief, BBC1, 6.45pm
Comedy double act Mel and Sue host some fun for all the family all in aid of charity. Each week, two stars go through to the grand finale where viewers vote to crown one act the 2017 champion. Gracing the stage tonight are Googlebox’s Steph and Dom, This Morning’s Alison Hammond, magician Pete Firman and his glamorous assistant Ellie Taylor plus actress Sally Lindsay and presenters of The One Show. There are also be appearances from Craig Revel Horwood, Sara Cox and Anne-Marie.
The RTE Choice Music Prize, RTE2, 11.10pm
This music special includes highlights of all the action from the glittering ceremony, filmed live in Dublin’s Vicar Street with live performances and exclusive interviews from this year’s nominees. Plus, who will nab the prestigious Song of the Year?