BRIEF ENCOUNTERS

A DRAMA ABOUT KNICKERS

MON 4 JULY, 9PM, ITV

It’s 1982 – a time where the average female doesn’t like to talk about saucy underwear (or “those” as one young girl splutters, rather than having to say the word “knickers”). Housewives don’t much enjoy bedroom shenanigans – and the men are the ones who go out and earn a crust. With a fabulous soundtrack, this is another gem from ITV about four women who end up as Ann Summers party planners. “Did I really just invest in a box of ‘marital aids?’” asks the nervous one, Steph (Sophie Rundle, Peaky Blinders). Angela Griffin is the outspoken Nita, while Sharon Rooney (My Mad Fat Diary) and ledge actress Penelope Wilton make up the fab four. Read our chat with Angela on page 80.

MON 4 JULY, 9.30PM, BBC2

Tune in to tonight’s final, where tricky challenges include transforming a tuxedo into a little black dress. The reason will hopefully become obvious…

MON 4 JULY, 8.30PM, C4 Kate Quilton travels

to Japan – nice work – all in the name of investigating whether matcha tea really is worth sipping on...

WED 6 JULY, 9PM, CHANNEL 5

Alex is in Weymouth, where the manager employs several of her seven (seven!) children as staff. Cue disaster.

WITH AMY CHILDS AND PALS WED,

It’s another fun week in the

THU, FRI 6-8 JULY, 8+8.30PM, BBC1

studio. Sid Owen, Tina Malone (she’s “the boss” in the kitchen, apparently) and TOWIE’S Amy Childs (shut up) join Paralympic swimmer Liz Johnson and blank,” says Amy, staring at a pile of food plonked in front of her. “Amy just needs to calm down a bit,” reckons John (easier than it looks and all that!). Tina, on the other hand, means business – she cooks Crimbo lunch for 18 every year, while Sid Owen has written his own cookbook... is that even fair?