MUST-SEE SHOWS
as they deal with the rise in both violent and accidental deaths linked to the narcotics, while tragedy strikes at the heart of the Taylor family.
THROUGH THE KEYHOLE Tonight, ITV, 9.30pm
LET’S face it, many of us love to see how the other half lives – especially if they are celebrities.
For more than 30 years, Through the Keyhole has offered us an opportunity to play the nosey neighbour and over the decades the show has undergone various revamps, with the latest hosted by Keith Lemon – a far cry from original presenter David Frost. The sixth series began in December with a Christmas special; the rest of the run gets under way tonight, with Danny Dyer, Sally Phillips and Chris Kamara attempting to identify the owners of three mystery homes via their furniture, decor and personal items.
VERA
Tomorrow, ITV, 8pm IT’S January and the nights are cold and gloomy – so ITV is bringing back Vera for its latest run. The character, created by novelist Ann Cleeves, has been a mainstay in the early year schedules, and this is her ninth run on our screens.
Once again Brenda Blethyn steps into the role, and the first of four cases – Blind Spot – sees her investigate the murder of Joanne Caswell, a trainee forensic psychologist, whose body was found on a landfill site. Could Joanne’s death be linked to a crime committed by a former prisoner?
SILENT WITNESS
Monday, BBC1, 9pm PART one of two. After a teenage boy is killed in a meth lab explosion, his head teacher Noah Taylor (Colin Salmon, inset right) resolves to confront the drug dealers in his community.
Dangerous batches of new drugs are hitting the streets, and the effects are evident to Nikki, Jack, Clarissa and Thomas
CATASTROPHE
Tuesday, Channel 4, 10pm
ROB’S newly religious sister Sidney (Michaela Watkins) visits from the US, and a child’s accident at school reveals a surprising teacher-pupil rapport to Sharon. Fran invites Sharon to see her son up close in his revealing new play, while Chris introduces his own guest – his new girlfriend. Comedy, written by and starring Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan.
CLEANING UP Wednesday, ITV, 9pm
SAM’S money-making plan starts to bear fruit, but at a cost. Frustrated by her mum’s constant absence and the new lodger in her bedroom, Alice seeks refuge at her dad’s house.
Later, Sam’s listening device is found, and an investigation is launched which cuts off their source of information.
Desperate to make amends with Jess and bring in some money, Sam follows an inside lead and enlists the help of a fellow cleaner, Mina, to execute a risky scam in another office.
DEATH IN PARADISE Thursday, BBC1, 9pm
DI JACK MOONEY has a fresh mystery to solve when zoo
owner Xander Shepherd is killed by a tranquilliser dart.
With the park shut to the public at the time, suspicion falls on the victim’s colleagues – but they were all in the staff area when the shot was fired.
Meanwhile, Dwayne’s replacement arrives in the shape of new officer Ruby Patterson – who also happens to be the Commissioner’s niece – and Jack faces a mammoth task when he is signed up to the island’s charity swim race.
JAMIE AND JIMMY’S FRIDAY NIGHT FEAST
Friday, Channel 4, 8pm JAMIE OLIVER and Jimmy Doherty’s latest guest at the caff is actor, comedian, writer, former QI host and national treasure, Stephen Fry.
Building on Stephen’s recollections of his childhood nanny, who made incredible apple pies with a rose top, Jamie creates the Essex version, as he vajazzles the traditional dish.
Also on the menu is Jamie’s sustainable seafood risotto and Jimmy’s spicy veggie chilli cooked on his self-feeding fire.