TV PICKS OF THE WEEK
BLANKETY BLANK Tonight, BBC1, 9pm
Who would have thought multitalented Bradley Walsh would be the secret ingredient that made the 2020 Christmas special of this vintage game show really sparkle?
Anyone who ever watched The Chase or Wheel of Fortune we suppose, but after storming the Yuletide ratings, Aunty Beeb was quick to commission a full series, and has placed actor-presenter Bradders firmly at the helm. Devotees of the show will be pleased to hear the unforgettable theme tune and that so-cheesy-it’s-awesome cheque book and pen are all present and correct, while six famous faces will settle into their seats and try to help some ordinary folk win some glittering prizes.
THE MATING GAME Tomorrow, BBC1, 8pm
Forget swiping right. Nature’s grasslands are among the most challenging habitats for animals seeking a mate, as a young male ostrich in Namibia is about to learn.
On the Serengeti plain, a mature zebra stallion must defend his mares from roaming bachelor rivals, while other animals adopt sneakier methods to woo potential other halves. The nursery web spider uses worthless gifts disguised as prized treasures, while ruff birds go for a cross-dressing strategy to deceive rivals and attract willing females.
BLAIR & BROWN: THE NEW LABOUR REVOLUTION
Monday, BBC2, 9pm
Whether you consider yourself to be on the left or
the right, these days the mention of New Labour can still stir up arguments and strong feelings. So, it’s easy to forget that there was a time when New Labour seemed like it could unite Britain and capture a sense of shared optimism.
This documentary series aims to offer a new insight into how Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and their political allies seized control of the Labour Party and ultimately the country, and how they shaped the direction of 21st-century Britain.
THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF Tuesday, Channel 4, 8pm
Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas oversee the marathon that is bread week, with three tricky challenges set by judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.
The remaining bakers must put their own twist on a classic Italian focaccia in the Signature, before heading further East for the technical, in which they have to rustle up a Greek-inspired snack.
Finally, the bakers must create an ambitious, artistic Showstopper with decorative designs in milk bread.
Who will claim star baker, and who will be leaving the tent for good?
ICELAND WITH ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG Wednesday, Channel 5, 9pm
Believe it or not, this is Alexander Armstrong’s first major series for Channel 5 although fans of the multi-talented actor, comedian and singer will know that it’s not the first time he’s been to Iceland.
He previously visited the country during his ITV series Land of the Midnight Sun. He clearly liked what he saw as now he’s going back to explore it in more depth.
He starts his journey in suitably epic style by taking to the skies in a helicopter for a bird’s eye view of an erupting and lethal volcano.
HUNTING THE FOOTBALL TROLLS – JERMAINE JENAS Thursday, Channel 4, 10pm
In a powerful documentary, former England footballer-turned-pundit Jermaine Jenas examines the phenomenon of football trolls,
spending a year monitoring online abuse. He talks to representatives from the Premier League and Professional Footballers Association to find out what they are doing to stamp out the hate that players, Jenas included, face on social media.
GRANTCHESTER Friday, ITV, 9pm
A daring CND protest on a college building ends in tragedy after student leader Rachel Bromilow falls to her death. However, as Geordie and Will investigate, they quickly find it may not have been an accident.