TV PICKS OF THE WEEK
robbie williams: reel Stories Saturday, BBC2, 8.45pm
Last month, Robbie Williams released his new album, XXV, to mark 25 years as a solo artist. However, he’s been in the public eye for much longer than that – his first solo hit came in 1996 and he’d already enjoyed four years of chart success with Take That.
So, there should be plenty of archive footage for him to comment on as he joins Dermot O’leary to look through his career highlights.
There’s a clip of young Robbie on stage in Oliver!, before he talks about his decision to quit Take That, his solo triumphs and his reunion with his ex-boyband mates for a 2011 tour.
Stanley tucci: Searching for italy Sunday, BBC2, 8.20pm
The affable American actor is back for a second run of this mouthwatering travelogue that turned out to be a surprise hit for its creator: news organisation CNN.
The first episode kicks off in Venice, where Stanley gets his chops around the city’s fascinating food culture, as well as its connections to
its aquatic environment. He also explores the countless influences from around the world that have impacted on Venice throughout its vast and storied history.
inside Man Monday, BBC1, 9pm
In the penultimate episode, Harry wrestles on the horns of a dilemma, but remains determined to do the right thing – which may not bode well for his family.
Meanwhile, Beth receives a chilling warning from one of
Jefferson Grieff’s helpers, and Janice remains trapped in the cellar.
As she grows increasingly desperate, it becomes clear she will stop at nothing to stay alive.
Hopefully everything will be resolved in Tuesday evening’s final instalment. David Tennant, Lydia
West and Dolly Wells star.
Paxman: Putting up with Parkinson’s Tuesday, ITV, 9pm
Journalist and TV presenter Jeremy Paxman gained a reputation for being no-nonsense and straighttalking.
Yet many people saw him in a different light after he was formally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 18 months ago.
This documentary will chronicle how he has been living with the condition and finds him reflecting on how it has impacted his life.
head on: rugby, dementia & Me Wednesday, BBC2, 9pm
Filmed over the course of a year, this documentary follows former World Cup-winning England rugby star Steve Thompson as he attempts to better understand his progressive and expansive memory loss.
In 2020, the ex-hooker was
diagnosed with a degenerative brain condition that was linked to repetitive trauma to the head.
Here, the father of four speaks to former players about their experiences, and questions whether the procedures in place today really can prevent damaging head injuries during contact in training and matches.
DNA Journey Thursday, ITV, 9pm
Daytime TV favourites Kate Garraway and Alison Hammond are joining forces to learn more about their family histories.
Both presenters have experienced difficult years – Kate has been caring for her husband Derek, and Alison lost her beloved mum – but are ready to put that behind them as they hit the road.
Their journey certainly turns up some surprises as Kate uncovers links to a famous fictional British icon, while Alison learns about the remarkable history of her 3x great grandfather.
Paris to rome with Bettany hughes Friday, Channel 5, 9pm
The presenter explores Venice before heading to Bologna to sample the region’s Parmigiano Reggiano and wine.
Then it’s on to the Gulf of La Spezia where Bettany soaks up the welcoming atmosphere that made it a favourite location for Romantic poets Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, along with the latter’s wife, novelist Mary Shelley.