MUST-SEE SHOWS
TAKE ME OUT EMERGENCY SERVICES SPECIAL
Today, ITV, 5.30pm
MANY folks like a firefighter or a medic. Maybe it’s the uniform, but does the reality of a date with a blaze-buster, a doctor or a paramedic live up to the fantasy?
There’s a good chance we’ll find out as the popular dating game returns with a special.
As ever, Paddy McGuinness is your host, and this time 30 single women who work in the emergency services hope to find a date. Entering the love lift are firefighter John, doctor Iman and paramedic Johnny.
SNOW CATS AND ME
Tomorrow, BBC2, 8pm
THE first of two programmes in which wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan documents returning lynx liberated from the fur trade to the wild in Russia’s Ural mountains.
The programme follows two lynx who have spent years living in steel cages and being bred for their kittens’ fur. They regain the strength to survive, and even have their first kittens born in the wild – but may have lost the skills needed to raise them.
THE BEST OF 2010-2015 WIPE WITH CHARLIE BROOKER
Monday, BBC2, 10.45pm/ BBC2 Wales 11.45pm
FOR a while, it seemed like Charlie Brooker’s annual round-ups would become a New Year TV tradition, especially for people who like to look back with at least a little anger.
However, his last one was a few years ago now, although to be fair, he has been busy with his hugely acclaimed sci-fi anthology series Black Mirror.
He’s also the brains behind Philomena Cunk, Diane Morgan’s delightfully deadpan, clueless presenter who first appeared on his shows and went on to land her own spin-offs.
But the good news for anyone who has missed him is that BBC2 is now treating us to some of the best bits from
previous years.
JOOLS’ ANNUAL HOOTENANNY
New Year’s Eve, BBC2, 11.15pm
THE piano-playing maestro presents his annual musical extravaganza, with an assortment of musical guests performing alongside his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
This year’s acts include Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard, who provides a taste of her first solo album, and Stormzy.
Other acts on the bill include Stereophonics, Rick Astley, Tom Walker, YolanDa Brown, Melanie, La Roux, Eddi Reader, Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson from ska band the Selecter, Joseph, and, of course, Hootenanny mainstay Ruby Turner, as well as the customary midnight appearance by the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards to ring in 2020.
MIRANDA: MY SUCH FUN CELEBRATION New Year’s Day, BBC1, 5.45pm
MARKING a decade since the sitcom first appeared on screen, the cast of the award-winning comedy series reunite in a special show at the London Palladium.
A whole host of treats and surprises are lined up as they look back over a decade of fun,
friendship, romance and all that made millions of fans connect with this unique sitcom.
BIG FAT QUIZ OF THE DECADE Thursday, Channel 4, 9pm
IT’S the end of a decade – which is as good an excuse as any for our second Big Fat Quiz in the space of a week as Jimmy Carr finds out how much Britain’s celebrities can remember about the last 10 years.
Claudia Winkleman, Nish Kumar, Joe Lycett, Alan Carr, Stacey Solomon and Jonathan Ross are the stars trying to recall why lasagne hit the headlines in 2013.
Their knowledge of pop culture will also be put to the test as they try to name Pickachu friends and demonstrate
whether or not they can Nae Nae. Meanwhile, Big Fat regulars Jon Snow and Charles Dance are also on hand to deliver some of the posers.
JAMIE AND JIMMY’S FRIDAY NIGHT FEAST
Friday, Channel 4, 8pm
NEW series. Food writer Mary Berry joins Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty in their cafe on Southend Pier, where she enjoys a nostalgic seafood feast inspired by her happy family holidays in the West Country.
The wander down memory lane features a stuffed whole trout, potted shrimp and a retro crab cocktail, plus bread from Mary’s favourite bakery. Plus, Jimmy rustles up a gorgeously gooey mozzarella and pesto bread.