PICK OF THE WEEK

SATURDAY The Great British Spitfire Restoration (C4, 8pm)

Al Murray provides the narration for this documentary, which follows a team of restorers who are taking on a very ambitious project – rebuilding an unusual 1943 Mark IX Spitfire so it can get back in the air. Filmed over the course of a year and based on the More4 series Inside the Spitfire Factory, the programme doesn’t just explore the hard work involved in the giving the iconic plane a new lease of life. It also introduces viewers to a cast of colourful characters, including one of the original 1940s pilots, and pays tribute to the people who sacrificed so much during the Second World War.

I Can See Your Voice (BBC1, 7.25pm)

Some of the reviews for the first episode of this singing game show were more than a little sniffy, but let’s be honest, a lot of people also took a while to cotton on to the appeal of The Masked Singer (which, like this show, began life in South Korea). So, if you haven’t checked it out yet, then tonight is your chance as Paddy McGuinness invites a father and son from Crawley to try to identify the talented singers in a line-up of performers without actually hearing them. If that sounds tricky, help is on hand in the form of regular celebrity investigators Jimmy Carr, Alison Hammond and Amanda Holden.

Keeping Faith (BBC1, 9pm)

After finally spending a night together, Steve and Faith are both feeling positive, unaware that Rose has been watching her daughter’s house and has seen him leaving at dawn. Rose realises this means she’s lost Steve’s loyalty, but she spots another way for him to become part of her revenge plan. Meanwhile, Mike informs Osian that the Court of Appeal has decided his surgery can go ahead, only for Professor Rhys to deliver some disappointing news, and Faith’s latest mediation sessions is anything but amicable.

Edward VII: The Merry Monarch (C5, 9pm)

The years during which Edward VII reigned, from 1901 to 1910 were remarkable, with the arts, culture, technology and architecture all flourishing throughout the UK. It was the stuff of period dramas, and indeed ‘Bertie’, the eldest son of Queen Victoria, lived a life that would be worthy of any big-budget Downton-style dramatisation. This documentary examines the king’s life and reign, looking at the relationships with the women in his life and considering them in the context of the era.

Britain’s Favourite 90s TV Comedy (C5, 10.25pm)

It was the era of Britpop and Tony Blair, but it wasn’t just music and politics that got a makeover in the 1990s – the humble sketch show was given a new lease of life too. The Fast Show lived up to its name by cutting to the jokes in record time, while Goodness Gracious Me and The Real McCoy brought more diversity to our screens. Here, Jo Brand goes rooting around in the archives for some of her favourite sketches from the decade, and chats to some of the directors, writers and performers behind them. Charlie Higson reveals which

Fast Show moment became a hit even though his co-star Paul Whitehouse hated it, Jennifer Saunders discusses the clip which made her fall about laughing, and the cast of Goodness Gracious Me reflect on their famous ‘Going for an English’ sketch.

SUNDAY Lights Up: The Winter’s Tale (BBC4, 7pm)

For the first time in the history of the Royal Shakespeare Company, one of its productions will premiere on television rather than on stage. The Winter’s Tale, directed by Erica Whyman, was originally scheduled by the RSC for a summer 2020 run, but was postponed due to the pandemic. Set across a 16-year span from the 1953 coronation to the Moon landings, this production imagines a world where the ghosts of fascist Europe collide with horrors reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale, before washing up on a joyful seashore. King Leontes rips his family apart with his jealousy but grief opens his heart. Will he find the child he abandoned before it is too late?

Call the Midwife (BBC1, 8pm)

It’s April 1966 and the trial of the Moors

Murders sends a chill through Poplar, and in a greater sense it might be said that some of the idyllic locale’s innocence has been lost. Trixie, in particular, is troubled – she has formed a close bond with one of the patients during her delivery, but is upset when she learns that her new friend has been admitted suddenly to the Lady Emily after collapsing at home. Meanwhile, Sister Frances struggles to understand her patients, particularly a mother who had an affair and is planning to give her baby up.

Line of Duty (BBC1, 9pm)

The sixth series of the Beeb’s police corruption saga has not only been long-awaited it has also

been tremendously well received, with spin-off podcasts, documentaries and all manner of column inches dedicated to it. It’s always been popular but it seems now more people than ever are on board and, as Ted Hastings would say, ‘sucking diesel’. Hastings, the by turns incorruptible and inscrutable Superintendent in charge of AC-12, is on borrowed time and must make one final bid to uncover proof that institutionalised corruption is rife within the police force. And this as the team are already coping with a tragedy.

Guy Martin’s Battle of Britain (C4, 9pm)

It’s the moment of truth for Guy Martin, as he finds out if he has what it takes to have been a fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain. The presenter’s training is ramped up at the UK’s only aerial combat school, where he aims to master the art of dogfighting at 200mph, handling extreme g-force, and flying upside down. He enlists the help of the Parachute Regiment for a unique experiment demonstrating the firepower of Second World War aircraft machine guns, before being allowed behind the joystick of his very own fighter plane – the world’s only two-seater Hawker Hurricane. Then, under the expert guidance of instructor Anna Walker, Guy attempts to outrun a Messerschmitt 109 in the skies over Kent, before trying to shoot the enemy aircraft down.

After the Storm: America’s Enemy Within? (STV, 10.25pm)

As an ITV News journalist and former Washington Correspondent, Robert Moore knows his way around the Capitol and has seen just what a devious and high-stakes game the politicians can play. Even he was shocked at the scale of events in January, when a mob stormed the seat of power – he was filming the perpetrators at the time and his footage was seen the world over. Here he speaks to some of those involved, asking what their grievances were or are, and whether they now regret taking it so far.

MONDAY Great British Railway Journeys (BBC2, 6.30pm)

Michael Portillo is hitting the rails once again, although due to coronavirus, he won’t be crisscrossing exotic countries any time soon. Instead, he’s sticking closer to home. Once again he has his trusty Bradshaw’s guide tucked under his arm as he explores Britain between the world wars, kicking off his journey back in time in Oxford. The changing fortunes of women at the university is Portillo’s main focus; he hears about the first degrees to be awarded to female students and profiles pioneering crystallographer Dorothy Hodgkin.

How to Save a Grand in 24 Hours (C4, 8pm)

We can see Anna Richardson alongside the unclothed in Naked Attraction on Tuesday evenings, but thankfully, the people she meets during this new series will be fully covered at all times. Each week she and a team of experts aim to help a family cut their living costs while also sorting out their homes and even what they eat. Credit card and utility bills come under scrutiny, with chef Gary Usher on hand to offer tips on eating tastily yet frugally. Also featured are DIY and design expert Eve Humphreys and Peachy Clean, who has ideas on how we can all be better organised.

Viewpoint (STV, 9pm)

A couple of weeks ago, Noel Clarke received the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the Bafta ceremony. It was in recognition for his achievements on the big screen, but now he’s back on TV in a gripping five-part drama, delivering another in a long line of skilled performances. This time Clarke is playing DC Martin Young, who has set up an observation post in the home of single mum Zoe. Her windows have a stunning view of the local area, including the home of Gemma Hillman, a missing primary school teacher whose boyfriend is the chief suspect in her disappearance. The story focuses on Young’s surveillance unit and offers insights into whether it’s really possible to keep such a close eye on people while remaining objective about their lives. Alexandra Roach, Catherine Tyldesley, Phil Davis and Branagh Waugh are among the supporting cast.

Baby Surgeons: Delivering Miracles (C4, 9pm)

If nothing else, the title of this new documentary series should get people talking. Although doctors seem to be getting younger, it’s not a fact-based take on Doogie Howser MD, in which infants are entrusted with procedures. Instead, it’s far more serious than that – cameras have been allowed inside one of the UK’s leading fetal medicine units to highlight the incredible work they carry out every single day. The opening episode introduces viewers to Professor Basky Thilaganathan, who overseas a complex case involving an unborn baby with a rare lung tumour and a couple whose twins are at risk.

Hollywood in Vienna: A Night at the Oscars (Sky Arts, 10pm)

The Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, under Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart, takes us through a glamorous journey of eight decades of music from Academy Awardwinning films. The red carpet will be rolled out for some of Tinseltown’s great films and compositions, and the programme begins with Hooray for Hollywood, first featured in the 1937 movie Hollywood Hotel, before songs from The Wizard of Oz and Casablanca. There is also music from blockbusters Jaws, Out of Africa, Schindler’s List, The Shape of Water and Black Panther.

TUESDAY Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms with Mark Millar (C5, 7pm)

Although a lot of people may have spent more time than ever before in their living room or bedroom over the past year, kitchens and bathrooms are arguably still the most important rooms in the house – and they add the most value to a property. However, they can also be the hardest to get right, which is where Mark Millar comes in. He’s helping homeowners achieve their dreams, no matter what their budgets as in the opening episode he helps create luxury kitchen for £50,000 in Glasgow, and a rainforest-themed bathroom for £5,000 in Sutton Coldfield. The design concepts may be different, but both sets of homeowners are working to a very tight timescale. Will Mark be able to make the visions a reality?

Snackmasters: Snickers (C4, 9pm)

A marathon task (excuse the pun, older readers) awaits fine dining chefs Tom Brown and Sabrina Gidda, as they set about recreating the iconic Snickers bar for presenter Fred Sirieix as well as a panel of factory bigwigs. And no, they’re not allowed to just push peanuts into a Mars Bar. Brown, who has his own restaurant in London’s trendy Hackney Wick, and Gidda, who runs the kitchen at the all-female members’ club AllBright in Mayfair, get to work with caramel, nougat, chocolate and nuts but, after two very different approaches, who will come out on top?

Makeup: A Glamorous History (BBC2, 9pm)

The Victorians prized ‘natural beauty’ above all else, and make-up was frowned upon. But most people still felt compelled to try to improve their looks, and as professional makeup artist Lisa Eldridge discovers, they came up with all sorts of sneaky ways to enhance their appearances without being found out. So much of the make-up that we know today had its origins in the Victorian era,

have survived into the 21st century. It was also the era of advertising and magazines promoting beauty ideals – many of which feel eerily familiar today.

The Syndicate (BBC1, 9pm)

Sneaking an enormous Irish wolfhound through a hotel reception isn’t easy. And that’s not the only problem facing the syndicate – their hotel bill is much bigger than they expected and they don’t have enough cash to cover it. After the staff at Toutous Kennels tell Frank that Duke is missing, he receives a surprise phone call from Keeley who promises that they will return the dog, as long as Frank gives them their lottery winnings. Desperate Frank claims he will do anything for his pet, but Cheryl instructs him to hold his nerve, as she comes up with a scheme to get Duke back as well as keeping the money.

Our Yorkshire Farm (C5, 9pm)

It’s September, and after months of working together on the farm, the Owen children are getting ready to go back to school. Before Clemmie returns to the classroom, she is determined to show younger sister Nancy how to take care of her beloved Shetland pony Tony in her absence – and she’s a very strict teacher. Nineteen-year-old Raven is also getting ready to head back to university after an extended lockdown break, meaning Clive, Amanda and little Nancy are the only ones left on the farm. However, there’s no time for the family to dwell on things. With a cowshed to muck out before winter, Clive teaches Nancy the importance of preparing for the long months ahead with shovels in hand.

WEDNESDAY The Repair Shop (BBC1, 8pm)

The Repair Shop was something of a sleeper hit, becoming truly popular along with the past year’s lockdowns when an attitude of ‘make do and mend’ was by necessity embraced by us all. The human stories behind the objects which are in need of a little TLC are what really hooked us, though, and tonight’s edition features plenty of those. We meet Stella whose seized-up retro roundabout reminds her of her three daughters’ childhoods. There’s also a First World War dominoes set, thought to have been played in the Christmas truce of 1914.

Building the Dream (More4, 9pm)

Charlie Luxton is back with a new series of his affordable home building series, here heading to Hertfordshire to help retired firefighter Bob and his wife Wendy. The couple spent years looking for the perfect plot, and ultimately found one – literally in their own back garden. Here they hope to construct somewhere to play music, paint and write, so need somewhere relaxing and inspiring.

The Great British Sewing Bee (BBC1, 9pm)

Hats off to Joe Lycett, who breathed a whole new lease of life into this Bake Off-by-othermeans skills contest when he took over presenting duties from Claudia Winkleman back in 2019. Hats off, too, to this year’s crop of contestants, who this week face a challenge never seen before on the show – yes, to tackle headwear, specifically in the shape of a Peaky Blinders-style baker boy cap. Next up there’s a transformation challenge in which second-hand men’s jackets and blazers must become a stylish garment for a woman. Finally the showstopper – sorry, the made-to-measure challenge, sees them create a utility jacket, with a relaxed fit and at least three pockets. Pockets! You can tell this is Menswear Week...

Bent Coppers: Crossing the Line of Duty (BBC2, 9pm)

The current series of Jed Mercurio’s hit crime

drama series Line of Duty has certainly captured the public interest, with spin-off podcasts, plenty of column inches and this three-part documentary, which concluded tonight with a look back to the 1970s. During this decade the City of London’s CID was coping with corruption on a grand scale, and even Ted Hastings’ AC-12 unit would have had their work cut out. In response an operation – codenamed Countryman – was launched, and this would be something Mercurio drew on heavily during writing.

Is Uni Racist? (BBC1, 10.45pm)

Are Britain’s universities safe places for students of colour? And if young people

experience racism at theses institutions, can they trust that staff will take their complaints seriously and handle them appropriately? That’s what BBC reporter Linda Adey is on a mission to find out as she heads to

Manchester to meet a 19-year-old student, who was pinned against a wall by university security staff demanding to see his ID because, according to the student, they thought he was a drug dealer. She also speaks to students who experienced alleged racism at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Oxford.

THURSDAY Gardening with Carol Klein (C5, 7pm)

For gardeners, this time of year is all about

hope, when everything accelerates, and doubts are swept aside with the last of the winter detritus. Beneath the still-bare trees in her woodland garden at Glebe Cottage in Devon, Carol introduces us to ‘Cinderella plants’ – wood anemones, celandines and other delightful spring flowers that must push through the ground, flower and set seed before the tree canopy closes over, when they must sleep once more until next spring. She also shows us the joy of dividing snowdrops and primroses, as well as what work should be under way in the veggie garden.

Dragons’ Den (BBC1, 8pm)

Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Tej Lalvani and Sara Davies are ready to grill more entrepreneurs, who in tonight’s episode include a Mancunian pair with a dream of sharing music through an app. Unfortunately for them, the Dragons seem to think their forecasts are a bit on the optimistic side, but can the duo convince the industry giants that their business is still worth investing in? There’s also fierce questioning in store for a husband-and-wife team who want backing for their ethical clothing verification platform. However, there’s also proof that beneath the Dragons’ fearsome exteriors there are some soft hearts as a pitch for an active shape-wear range takes an emotional turn.

Saved By a Stranger (BBC2, 9pm)

Anita Rani presents a new series exploring the stories of people who were caught up in worldchanging events, including the Holocaust, the 7/7 terrorist attacks and the Troubles in Northern Ireland. But there is something else that links them – they were all on the receiving end of an act of exceptional humanity, and are now going in search of the people who helped them. The first episode hears from Karl, a trainee clinical psychologist who was a passenger on the first carriage of the Piccadilly Line London Underground train – one of the four targets of the 7/7 bombings. In the wake of the explosion, he was comforted by a mystery woman and now he wants to finally track her down. We also meet Emina, who hopes to find the doctor who helped her family get on the list for immediate medical evacuation after her home city of Sarajevo came under siege during the civil war.

The Goldbergs (E4, 9pm & 9.30pm)

The American sitcom returns for an eighth season. A week before school starts again, Beverly makes a huge announcement to the family – she is flying them all to Miami for a family vacation. However, she is hiding another secret, the only reason they are going to Florida is for a Bar Mitzvah, but she doesn’t want to tell the kids because they know they will get mad at her. As the plane is forced to take an emergency detour in Atlanta after Murray gets stuck in the lavatory, Adam’s nonstop jokes about the movie Airplane! annoy Brea, who wants to talk about something important.

This Is My House (BBC1, 9pm)

For the last episode in the series, panellists Bill Bailey, Emily Atack, Judi Love and Jamali Maddix are joined by guest Katie Piper as they attempt to identify the real owner of a house. This week, the property in question is a stylish home in South East London, which belongs to an artist named Erica, who lives there with partner Sam. There are four Ericas, who share their opinions on everything from the story of their wedding day to the name of their plumber, but only one is the genuine article. If the panellists get it right, the real Erica will be walking away with a cash prize.

FRIDAY Trip Hazard: My Great British Adventure (C4, 8.30pm)

There’s never a dull moment whenever Jenny Eclair is around. The comedian, writer and presenter is a colourful ball of energy, so should make a decent travelling companion for Rosie Jones – unless her effervescent nature tires her pal out before they’ve had the opportunity to sample the sights and sounds of Anglesey. The island off the coast of northern Wales is a picturesque place, but perhaps not ideal for either of its latest visitors – farming is a major occupation here, and they quickly realise that neither of them are cut out for such an activity. They do, however, enjoy a horse ride along the waterfront, visit Neolithic sites and have a go on the world’s fastest zip wire before getting a rude awakening during a survival skills course.

Churchill: Curtain Call (C5, 9pm)

The concluding episode of this informative documentary series deals with, as you’ve probably already guessed, the final years of Winston Churchill’s life. After retiring from politics, the former prime minister lived a life of luxury and excess, drinking, gambling and indulging himself to the very end. However, as Britain began to change in the 1960s, it became clear that for once, Churchill wasn’t keeping step. Nevertheless, his state funeral was one of the biggest the UK had ever seen, during which thousands lined the streets in his honour.

Have I Got News for You (BBC1, 9pm)

Well, well, who’d have thought it? Here’s Alexander Armstrong guest hosting the satirical quiz. What a surprise – not. He’s probably fronted the show almost as many times as its once permanent presenter, Angus Deayton, did back in the day. Perhaps next time Armstrong is booked by the programme, it could be as a guest instead, just to spice things up a little bit. Still, at least we know we’re in safe hands as comedian Joe Lycett and Newsnight host Kirsty Wark join regulars Ian Hislop and Paul Merton for some topical fun.

Classic Albums (Sky Arts, 8pm)

A look at Soul II Soul’s groundbreaking Club Classics Vol 1, which was released in 1989. Twisting soul vocals from Caron Wheeler, Rose Windross and Do’Reen Waddell with rare groove-styled dance beats, Soul II Soul created a niche that would see them win a broad array of fans worldwide. Back To Life (However Do You Want Me), their best-recognised hit, is a classic example of this musical melting pot. However, it was another key anthem, Keep On Movin’, which was the group’s first real mainstream success and it came at a time when American artists saturated the UK’s R&B scene.

This Time with Alan Partridge (BBC1, 9.30pm)

Ah ha! Norfolk’s most beloved son (apart from Stephen Fry, Ed Balls and, possibly, Jake Humphrey) is back on the box for a second run of his series – not even a global pandemic can stop this Partridge from taking flight. Steve Coogan and his co-stars completed filming just before Christmas, and the new run focuses on how Alan continues to claw his way back up the showbiz ladder, despite a crisis of confidence that makes him question his relevance. No doubt along the way we’ll see him bumble his way through his presenter duties alongside co-host Jennie Gresham.