FOUR OF THE BEST

Inside Culture with Mary Beard BBC2, 7.30pm

Mary Beard is joined by British acting royalty, Dame Emma Thompson. Among the topics they discuss are on-screen tears and the role that crying plays in art and real life. Meanwhile, in Cardiff, artist Casper White reveals how two apparently different portrayals of crying have come together to inspire a set of portraits, while classical musician and composer Alexis Ffrench performs a track from his new album which explores feelings of grief.

Plus, Mary looks at the cultural significance of crying with historian Thomas Dixon and comedian Cariad Lloyd.

Live Six Nations Rugby Union BBC1, 7.30pm

The opening game of the penultimate Six Nations weekend takes place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff where title holders Wales host pre-tournament favourites France. Last year’s clash between these two sides produced a brilliant, breathless contest in Paris, as 13-man Wales were denied a fifth Grand Slam in 16 years when France full-back Brice Dulin scored a winning try in the closing seconds to seal a 32-30 victory. With Fabien Galthie’s Les Bleus hunting down their first Six Nations title since 2010, Wales head coach Wayne Pivac will know his side are in for another stern test tonight. Host Gabby Logan is joined by Martin Johnson and Sam Warburton, while commentary comes from Eddie Butler.

Your Garden Made Perfect BBC2, 9pm

Lisa and Justin have lived in a new-build house in Wokingham, Berkshire, since leaving Lisa’s native South Africa several years ago. They love their home, but would like their garden to offer their two children a ‘wild’ experience similar to the nearby woods they go for walks in. With Lisa recovering from a recent illness, the family desperately need their own private sanctuary, so Angela Scanlon challenges garden designers Oliver Bond and Steve Williams to pitch their radically different approaches.

The Last Leg Channel 4, 10pm

With the Winter Paralympics drawing to close this Sunday in Beijing, Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker are back to pick over the latest action on the snow and ice in the Chinese capital, and discuss how the British athletes have done. The awardwinning trio will also be joined by guests from the worlds of comedy, entertainment and politics to help them dissect the biggest news stories of the week.