PICK OF THE DAY

The Great Pottery Throw Down

Channel 4, 7.45pm Let the combat of the clay commence once more as the pottery competition returns, with a dozen contestants starting out in this opening week, all vying to be champion.

There’s plenty here for aficionados of ceramics to revel in, but it’s also a fascinating watch for newcomers to the form, who can familiarise themselves with the mesmerising technical processes and evocative specialist vocabulary.

Our newcomer presenter is Siobhán McSweeney (right) – whom Derry Girls fans will know for her role as the intimidating headmistress Sister Michael – while the returning Keith Brymer Jones (right, centre) is joined as judge by Rich Miller (far right).

In the first episode the potters must first make a cheese set and try their hand at a port chalice, after which the week’s winner will be chosen – while someone else will be going home. ★★★★★