BEST OF THE REST
THE WORLD’S MOST SCENIC RAILWAY JOURNEYS Channel 5, 8pm
ALL you really need to know about this show is that it is narrated by Bill Nighy, whose voice has to be one of TV’s most soothing. He talks us through epic train journeys as we meet the people who travel, work and live along the spectacular rail routes.
So it’s all aboard the 200-mile Ligne de Cevennes route through a beautiful area of unspoilt France. From Nimes, it travels north through the Massif Central to France’s volcanic heart.
Passengers weren’t originally the priority for the line, intended as a cheap way of bringing wine and coal to Paris in the North and Nimes in the south.
The stunning route travels across three historic viaducts, plunges deep underground to explore the area’s hidden wildlife, delves into the long departed coal industry and follows in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson before reaching the great Puy de Dome and a collection of 80 dormant volcanoes.
THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW BBC1, 10.45pm
IT may be a virtual sofa, rather than the usual long red couch, but it’s as packed with A-list stars as ever.
And it may just be the lowest-maintenance series Graham has ever done – fewer celebrity scheduling nightmares, no hair and make-up required, no drink requests. The only problem is the signal might fade, but it’s nothing he can’t handle.
Joining Graham tonight via video chat from their homes is a starry line-up that includes global pop superstar Lady Gaga, talking about her new album Chromatica.
Captain America Chris Evans and Downton’s Michelle Dockery will dial in together to talk about their new Apple TV+ crime drama series Defending Jacob, while Hollywood actor Josh Gad – star of movies like Frozen – is on hand to chat about his new animated musical sitcom Central Park.
Also, Chewing Gum actress Michaela Coel tells Graham about new BBC drama I May Destroy You and singersongwriter, ex-One Directioner Niall Horan gives a home performance of his single Black and White.