FIVE OF THE BEST

Skint Britain: Friends Without Benefits

Channel 4, 9pm

Following the residents of north-east town of Hartlepool as they became guinea pigs for the roll-out of Universal Credit, and the shocking events that followed. Spiralling crime, homelessness, loan sharks, hunger and evictions hit the town as claimants struggle to survive, and even drug dealers find themselves on the receiving end of crime. For others however, the crime wave presents a business opportunity. Former soldier “Winky” decides to get into the private security business, offering his services to protect the property of concerned citizens. Elsewhere, a life away from Universal Credit is looking more possible for budding drummer Tamsyn as she is invited to support a local group.

The Real Marigold on Tour

BBC1, 9pm

Paul Nicholas, Sheila Ferguson, Wayne Sleep and Jan Leeming embark on an adventure in the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, first paying a visit to a late night Tango event where they spend the night dancing with the locals. The following day, the group explore what the cultural capital of Argentina has on offer. Having duetted together in the past, Sheila and Paul book a Tango singing lesson, while Wayne and Jan enrol in a life drawing class. For their final night in Buenos Aires, Sheila and Paul find a venue where they can perform the Tango song they learned earlier in the week.

The Abused

Channel 5, 9pm

Documentary telling the stories of Hazel and Kelly, who suffered physical abuse at the hands of their partners in Norfolk, following the police investigations into the crimes. At 45, Hazel thought she had found love, and tried to ignore the warning signs when her partner became increasingly controlling and violent. But then she was brutally attacked, with her abuser punching her and stamping on her head with reinforced boots. At first, Kelly denied her husband’s behaviour to the police. It took several more attacks before she finally told the truth about his controlling and coercive nature, and his emotional and physical abuse.

The 15 Billion Pound Railway

BBC2, 9pm

The concluding part of the series sees engineers, technicians and train staff pull together to work on borrowed time in the aftermath of the shock news that the Elizabeth Line beneath the streets of London has been delayed by over a year and will cost hundreds of millions of pounds more than planned. Project Manager Lih–ling Highe is back to lead the installation of thousands of kilometres of vital power cables through the largest station on the line – Tottenham Court Road. Meanwhile, at Bond Street Station, Tim Weihen and his team are tasked with installing three 65–metre–long escalators – the longest on the railway, and in the tightest of shafts. And finally, at Paddington Station, site manager Cynthia Myndhardt oversees fitting it out with a 130m– long great glass canopy. But any damage to the historic building could result in a prison sentence.