WEEKEND TV CHOICE

SATURDAY

The Radio 2 Piano Room (BBC2, 6.45pm)

Even during the lockdown when live music was scarce, Radio 2 did its best to keep us going, with its House Music Sessions, which saw artists collaborating remotely with the BBC Concert Orchestra. Now musicians are allowed to be in the same room together, the station decided to celebrate by turning February into Piano Room Month.

Broadcast as part of Ken Bruce’s morning show, it saw artists performing three tracks – a new song, a classic and cover – alongside members of the aforementioned

BBC Concert Orchestra. Veteran DJ Ken thought it was just the thing to cheer up a traditionally dreary month.

Even if you didn’t take him up on that invitation, it’s not too late. The sessions were also recorded for the BBC’s iPlayer, and now this programme is bringing us some of the highlights. Perhaps the biggest star to take part (he was notably saved for the final session) was Ed Sheeran. Since releasing his debut album in 2011, the all-conquering singer-songwriter has gone on to sell more than 150 million records worldwide, and according to Spotify, he was the second most-streamed artist of the 2010s. So, nabbing him for a Piano Room session was something of a coup for Radio 2, and it’s no surprise that he’s included in these highlights.

However, it was far from a oneman show. As befits the sometimes mind-bogglingly eclectic Radio 2 output, there was an impressive array of acts taking part, ranging from Simple Minds and Clean Bandit to Will Young, who was celebrating the 20th anniversary of his Pop Idol win, and recent Masked Singer champion Natalie Imbruglia.

SUNDAY

British Academy Film Awards 2022 (BBC1, 7pm)

Last year’s British Academy Film Awards were by necessity a somewhat lowkey affair (although there were still highlights, including Minari star Yuh-Jung Youn’s accepting her Supporting Actress award by saying she was especially happy to be recognised by the British as they are ‘known as very snobbish people’).

This year though the razzle dazzle should be back, which means all eyes will be on the presenter, Rebel Wilson. The Australian actress’s own movie credits include Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect, Jojo

No Time to Die was the biggest-grossing film at the UK box office in 2021, and it’s in the running for five awards, including Outstanding British Film at the British Academy Film Awards 2022 on Sunday on BBC1 at 7pm