PICKS OF THE DAY
Food and drink: Nigel Slater’s Middle East, 9pm, BBC2
Nigel Slater (left) has left Lebanon behind and moves into Turkey for the middle episode of this mini-series, a country which is one of only a handful of nations that has the ability to be self-sufficient. Its hugely diverse landscape produces a spectacular range and quantity of produce that defines its local cuisine. In the spectacular city of Istanbul, Slater gets a taste of the exotic dishes of the Sultans, before travelling to Central Anatolia where he meets families who are working hard to preserve their traditional food culture in the face of mounting modernity. He also explores the Eastern Black Sea region and all the delights it has to offer. NB: 9.30PM IN ULSTER
Drama: Requiem, 9pm, BBC1
Matilda tries to make PC Graves see that little Carys Howell must have been kept in the basement of Dean House. Graves is dismissive initially but later wonders whether there is something to the suggestion. Dean House grows increasingly unsettling, with mysterious occurrences and symbols appearing and a sinister presence that draws Matilda towards a room with a blue door. Lydia Wilson (left) stars in what is turning into a must-see series from the BBC.
Sport: Winter Olympics 2018 Opening Ceremony, 10.30am, BBC1 & 7pm, BBC2
The 23rd Winter Olympics are declared open this morning in Pyeong-Chang, South Korea. Following a live performance produced by the organisers, the athletes will file into the Olympic Stadium. Hazel Irvine, Clare Balding, Radzi Chinyanganya and Eilidh Barbour (above) host and those who missed it can catch up later. NB: 11.05PM IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND EIRE
Travel: Cruising With Jane McDonald, 9pm, Channel 5
Another new series that kicks off tonight is this easy-to-watch travel show. The singer (above right) sails up the California coast on the luxury 3,000-berth Ruby Princess, spotting the famous Hollywood sign and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. On dry land, Jane shops in Beverley Hills and goes “beautiful” people-watching in the resorts of Santa Monica and Muscle Beach.
Soap: Coronation Street, 7.30pm & 8.30pm, ITV
Scheming Eva (Catherine Tyldesley, right) is caught out when both Adam and Leanne want to spoil her for her birthday. Leanne presents her with a new dress while Adam wants to take her to the new sushi restaurant in town. How will she get out of this one? Elsewhere, Phelan storms his way into Nicola’s flat and in a desperate attempt to get him out of her home, she pretends that she is having problems with the baby.