MUST-SEE SHOWS
BILLY CONNOLLY: PORTRAIT OF A LIFETIME Tonight, BBC2, times vary
THERE seems to have been a number of programmes dedicated to the Big Yin lately, and here’s another. This one ties in with the comedian’s 75th birthday, as well as his 50th year in showbusiness.
Rather than a straightforward profile, Billy comes face-to-face with three of Scotland’s most famous artists – John Byrne, Jack Vettriano and Rachel MacLean – who have been commissioned to paint his portrait. As Billy sits for them, he regales the trio with stories from his past, including his rise to fame, which saw him start out as a folk musician, find greater success as a stand-up, and then launch his acting career.
DIANA: IN HER OWN WORDS Tomorrow, Channel 4, 8pm
AS THE 20th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales approaches, this revealing documentary utilises video tapes recorded by her speech coach, Peter Settelen, who helped her prepare to publicly present her account of her life’s most extraordinary events and to reinvent her public persona.
None of the footage has been broadcast on British TV before and alongside rehearsing her speaking voice, Diana is seen discussing her childhood, her relationship with Prince Charles, and her life in the public eye.
Interviews with her private secretary, confidants and personal protection officer are also included.
MAN IN AN ORANGE SHIRT Monday, BBC2, 9pm
CONCLUDING part of Patrick Gale’s drama, starring Vanessa Redgrave, Julian Morris and David Gyasi.
In the present day, Flora finds her demons return when her vet grandson Adam tentatively forms a relationship with his client Steve, but a minefield of internalised issues and temptations still line the road to the happiness of them all.
When the discovery of a lost painting by Thomas March brings things to a head, can Flora reconcile her past with her grandson’s future, and is Adam brave enough to choose love?
THE DOG RESCUERS WITH ALAN DAVIES Tuesday, Channel 5, 8pm
THOUGH the QI regular’s name may be in the title, the real stars of this show are the team of dog experts and carers who work tirelessly to help the pooches.
The latest offering proves to be another canine roller-coaster ride as Keira Benham fights to save five malnourished and flea-ridden crossbreeds. Meanwhile, an abandoned staffie
is given a second chance, and Joe White finds a young spaniel with a horrific neck wound.
MY FAMILY, PARTITION AND ME: INDIA 1947 Wednesday, BBC1, 9pm
ANITA RANI tells the emotional stories of four different families – Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and British colonial – caught up in the violence of the Partition of India, as they travel for the first time to the homes in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh that their families fled in terror.
Among those featured is Mandy Duke, who heads to Calcutta, scene of some of the worst Partition violence, to uncover the amazing story of her grandfather Arthur Wise.
Anita also investigates the events that led to her own grandfather’s first wife, children and her great-grandfather losing their lives.
BODY FIXERS Thursday, E4, 9pm
THE team is back for a new series – and with a new recruit, Danny – as they prepare to tackle a range of body and hair issues. Among the first through the doors is Celebrity Big Brother winner Stephen Bear, who comes clean about a secret issue that he wants to sort out.
TEACH MY PET TO DO THAT Friday, ITV, regions vary
IN THIS new series, animal lover and comedian Alexander Armstrong is joined by a team of specialist pet trainers as they teach a range of animals and pets to pull off incredible tricks.
The host welcomes daschund labrador cross Eric and Aslan the miniature horse, as trainers Jo-Rosie Haffenden and Nando Brown attempt to teach them how to answer a door to the cue of a doorbell. The trainers also hit the road and attempt to train River the cat to ride on the back of Moss the dog.