TV HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY
Junior Eurovision, TG4, 7pm It was 14-year-old Taylor Hynes from Blanchardstown, Dublin, who belted his way to victory in the Irish heats of the singing competition aimed at youngsters. Now, with the nation firmly behind him, he has the chance to win it all at the big show in Belarus. He performs his Irishlanguage song, IOU, in the hope that he can win the audience’s hearts and claim the victory. Louis Theroux’s Altered States, BBC2, 9pm It has been an eye-opening series for the documentary filmmaker, as he has travelled across America, discovering the country’s evolving outlook on the issues of love and death. He concludes the three-part run this evening with a trip to California, where he discovers that certain savvy people have turned adoption into a multibillion dollar industry. He hears how companies charge to pair up birth mothers with adoptive parents, and hears from those on both sides of the equation. A Very British Country House, Channel 4, 9pm This new series grants us a flyon-the-wall view of the lavish Cliveden House, a jaw-dropping five-star hotel in Maidenhead in England. We discover that its staff have to be ready for anything, from famous guests to unusual demands, as well as nailbitingly tight deadlines and strict standards. In this opener, staff have to stay on their toes after a visit from the soon-to-be Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, leads to a welcome boom in publicity. TradFest TG4, TG4, 9.30pm The annual music extravaganza features so many traditional and contemporary trad performers that it can be hard to keep tabs on them all. Luckily this new series gives host Doireann Ni Ghlacain the opportunity to reflect on this year’s instalment, as she introduces footage of the biggest and best names that performed. This opener features Irish legends Teada, Seamus Begley, Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman, Mick O’Brien, Ciara Ni Bhriain and Mark Kelly, Eoghan O Ceannabhain and more.
MONDAY
Home Seekers, BBC1, 7.30pm Buying and selling a property can be a stressful ordeal, as we find out in this new series, which follows estate agents and home seekers across Northern Ireland who are taking on the challenge. This opener includes a flamboyant estate agent in Portadown and a couple from Brighton who are tempted by a property on the Ards peninsula. Babies: Their Wonderful World, BBC2, 9pm The first two years of a child’s development are extremely important, as paediatrician Dr Guddi Singh demonstrates in this new three-part series. She is eager to find out how a variety of issues and inventions can help or hinder this process, with this opener looking at the use of tablets, a toddler’s understanding of gender, and a kid’s self-control. Death and Nightingales, RTE1, 9.35pm Jamie Dornan, Matthew Rhys and Ann Skelly star in this adaptation of Irish writer Eugene McCabe’s 1992 novel. Set in Fermanagh in 1885, it tells the haunting tale of Beth Winters, whose life spirals out of control over a 24-hour period following her 25th birthday. She looks to leave her restrictive home life behind her, and run away with the man of her dreams, the charming Liam Ward. However, things take an unexpected turn, which has life-changing ramifications for everyone. Tina Turner: Simply the Best, BBC1, 11.10pm Host Will Gompertz sits down for an intimate conversation with the legendary singer, who opens up about her personal life and career in the limelight like never before. They discuss the A-list names she has performed with over the years, her abusive marriage to former husband Ike Turner and her son’s recent death by suicide.
TUESDAY
Ar Son Na Poblachta, RTE1, 7pm This new series looks back at some of the most eventful and shocking events from Ireland’s history, with this first edition retracing the original Bloody Sunday. The date was November 21, 1920. An IRA plot was set in motion which saw 14 British Intelligence officers killed in Dublin. However, this was not the end of the bloodshed that day, as crown forces retaliated with an attack at a Dublin and Tipperary challenge match being played at Croke Park, which ended in the deaths of 14 people. Mrs Wilson, BBC1, 9pm Ruth Wilson stars in this new drama, which is actually based on the remarkable true story of her grandmother. Alison Wilson is left with her life in pieces following her husband’s sudden death. However, her grieving is interrupted by a knock at the door that would change her life forever — it’s her deceased spouse’s secret life, finally catching up with him. Now it’s up to Alison to unravel the mystery of the man she thought she knew so well. Fiona Shaw and Iain Glen also feature in the cast.
WEDNESDAY
The Late Late Toy Show Unwrapped, RTE1, 7pm It’s hard to believe that Friday marks Ryan Tubridy’s 10th consecutive year hosting the festive instalment of the latenight chat show. To build up to the main event, three special shows are aired each night, in which the presenter reflects on his fondest memories since he took up the role a decade ago. The Secret Life of the Zoo, Channel 4, 8pm The documentary series that takes us inside the enclosures at Chester Zoo concludes with a look at Asian short-clawed otter Wallace, who is rushed to surgery after developing a mysterious stomach problem, and young chimp Carlos, who is causing trouble for dominant male Dylan. Grand Designs House of the Year, Channel 4, 9pm The search is almost over, as host Kevin McCloud and judges Damion Burrows and Michelle Ogundehin select which home is their favourite. First, they look inside the final batch of potential winners, including an eyecatching abode in Belfast, and a crafted timber box in Berkshire. Brendan O’Connor’s Cutting Edge, RTE1, 9.35pm The host is joined by three more well-known guests, singer Mary Coughlan, writer Stefanie Preissner and journalist Daniel McConnell, who offer their own unique views on the issues, both big and small, that have the nation talking.
ThUrSDAY
A Hotel for the Super Rich & Famous, BBC1, 8pm Thomas Kochs is no stranger to the pressures of working in fancy hotels, with this new series following him and his team as they keep one of London’s newest and most lavish five-star hotels — the Corinthia — running smoothly. It’s non-stop for the staff from the moment they step inside, including 16-year-old Max, the youngest employee working there, who is often sent to collect expensive suits from Harrods, and supervisor Yvet, who refers to her rooms as her ‘daughters’. Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas, Channel 4, 8pm Kirstie Allsopp gets a head start on her festive preparations, as she hosts this one-off special which offers up tips on everything from gifts to crafts and beyond. She also hears from a number of experts who offer advice on topics, including the natural beauty experts who are making luxurious presents out of items found in most kitchens. An Post Irish Book Awards, RTE1, 10.15pm This round-up presents the highlights of this year’s awards ceremony, which was hosted by journalist Keelin Shanley. As always, it celebrated the best Irish writing talent, handing out a number of awards including Novel of the Year, Children’s, Popular Fiction and many more.
FrIDAY
Alone at Home, Channel 4, 8pm The series concludes in Nottinghamshire, where single mum Alison hopes that leaving her four daughters in the house by themselves for four days with a limited budget will help them on the road to independence — but can she trust them to look out for each other? IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards, Virgin Media 2, 8pm A look back at the prestigious awards, which this year celebrated their 12th instalment. Join the guests who gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of women in business over the last 12 months, both at home in Ireland and internationally. The Late Late Toy Show, RTE1, 9.35pm Ryan Tubridy’s Friday night show gets its annual festive makeover, as he and a number of very special guests partake in fun, games, chat, music and much more. It’s traditional for the theme of the evening to be kept a secret until closer to the event, but Ryan will no doubt pull out all the stops for this, his 10th consecutive year as its host.
SATUrDAY
Darcey Bussell: Dancing to Happiness, BBC2, 9pm This one-off special sees the prima ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge look into the notion that dance doesn’t only keep you physically fit, but can also help improve mental help. The Sinner, BBC4, 9pm This thrilling drama, starring Bill Pullman and Jessica Biel, makes its broadcast debut, as season one starts with a double bill. On the outside, Cora has an ordinary life. That is until an innocent day at the beach with her husband and son takes a shocking and brutal twist. However, nothing is as black and white as it appears.