PICKS OF THE DAY
Film: Bullitt, ITV4, 9pm
Steve McQueen (left) did better work in his tragically shortened career but this is one of the films that helped make him a screen icon. He’s at his deadpan best as the maverick cop who’s assigned to protect a key government witness against a crime syndicate. Director Peter Yates gives it more, in terms of urban reality, than the predictable script deserves, and Frank P Keller won an Oscar for editing the famous San Francisco car-bouncing hill chase. But it’s always McQueen’s movie. He’s snappy and cynical and his performance is complemented by the assured support of Robert Vaughn as a sleazy politician, whose interference gets under the cool cop’s skin.
Climate: Greta Thunberg: A Year To Change The World, BBC1, 9pm
The pandemic reveals the enormity of the challenge that climate change poses, as the drop in emissions during lockdown proves far from enough to get the world back on track. Greta (left) explores new measures to reduce the level of emissions further, visiting a tree plantation and learning about a machine that sucks carbon dioxide out of the air. She also explains the choices that members of the public can make to reduce their environmental impact.
Health: Baby Surgeons: Delivering Miracles, C4, 9pm
Following patients and staff at one of the UK’s leading fetal medicine units, This episode follows three expectant mothers navigating complex pregnancies. Randika’s dwarfism makes giving birth a difficult proposition (above), while Ann-Marie is carrying twins, one of which has selective growth restriction, jeopardising the survival chances of both babies, and Becky’s unborn baby has a rare lung tumour.
Documentary: Alan Titchmarsh: Spring Into Summer, ITV, 8pm
Genial host Alan Titchmarsh is joined by legendary model Twiggy (above, with the presenter), who pays tribute to the Great British seaside, while respected horticulturist David Domoney selects some of the very best garden furniture to help people entertain and enjoy this summer at home. Plus, Alan goes behind the scenes at one of the UK’s leading farm parks.
Soap: Coronation Street, ITV, 7.30pm/8.30pm
Dev meets up with Corey’s dad Stefan (Paul Opacic, right) but it’s soon clear that Stefan couldn’t care less what his son gets up to. Meanwhile, Sharon sets her plan in motion and Chesney acts as a peacemaker. In the second episode, Corey reveals that Dev had a word with his dad and Asha’s no longer welcome to stay, leaving the youngster furious. Elsewhere, Sharon steals from Gail as the pressure mounts and George disapproves of Todd’s business methods.