FOUR OF THE BEST
Taskmaster Channel 4, 9pm
At the end of 2023, Sam Campbell was crowned winner of what may have been the least competitive series in Taskmaster history – the contestants often seemed more interested in helping each other than getting points for themselves. But will the first class of 2024 have more of a killer instinct? We’re about to find out as Joanne Mcnally, John Robins, Nick Mohammed, Sophie Willan and Steve Pemberton take part in a variety of weird and wonderful tasks, all hoping to impress the Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies. In the opening episode, the challenges involve involving roller blinds, a floating primate and eggs, and Alex Horne will be on hand to remind them that all the information is on the task.
The Apprentice BBC1, 9pm
It’s good news for long–time Apprentice viewer, as this week sees the return of one of the most iconic tasks – that’s right, the candidates are going to be broadcasting to the nation on a shopping channel. It’s probably bad news for the hopefuls themselves, as previous years have shown that selling live on air is much, much harder that it looks. With some presenters getting a little over enthusiastic and a few dramatic price drops, it could make for uncomfortable viewing back in the boardroom, as Lord Sugar decides who is for the chop.
The Twelve STV, 9pm
After previously being available to stream on ITVX, the Australian legal drama now comes to terrestrial TV. Sam Neill heads the cast as the maverick defence lawyer in the complex case of Kate Lawson, who has been charged with murdering her 14–year–old niece Claire. The teenager disappeared while in her aunt’s care, but with no body or obvious motive there is plenty of room for doubt. In the opening episode, we meet the 12 jurors who will ultimately decide Kate’s fate – and it’s clear they will all be bringing their own baggage to the courtroom.
The Hotel Inspector Channel 5, 9pm
It’s now nearly 16 years since Alex Polizzi took on the mantle of Hotel Inspector, but with many sections of the hospitality industry still feeling the after–effects of the pandemic as well as the ongoing cost–of–living crisis, her expertise is arguably needed more than ever. She begins by meeting Mimmo and Michelle, who left their food–truck business in Italy to take over the Riders Rest tea rooms in Somerset. However, they now find themselves with no pension and no savings, and they can’t even afford to close the café for a holiday. Can Alex turn the business around and the help them enjoy la dolce vita?