FIVE THINGS FOR YOUR WEEK...

STREAMING

Wasp Network Netflix, from June 12

Penelope Cruz and Gael Garcia Bernal are among the stars of acclaimed film-maker Olivier Assayas’ latest production. It’s a searing drama based on Fernando’s Morais book The Last Soldiers of the Cold War, a true account of The Cuban Five, a group of spies who operated in mainland America during the 1990s. At the centre of the story is Rene Gonzalez, a Cuban pilot who steals a plane and sets out to forge a new life for himself in Miami, leaving his beloved wife and daughter behind.

Other defectors follow, and once on US soil, form an espionage network whose aim is to root out violent anti-Castro organisations responsible for terror attacks on their homeland. Gripping and stylish, Wasp Network is a must for anybody who loves a bit of political intrigue.

DRAMA

The Salisbury Poisonings BBC One, 9pm, Sunday

The events depicted in this new three-part drama, which is showing across consecutive evenings, only took place two years ago, yet some viewers may find that The Salisbury Poisonings are even more timely than they imagined. That’s because the writers are exploring the public health implications of the incident which, as they point out, included a lockdown, personal protective equipment and an elaborate system of contact tracing and testing. In the first episode, Sergei and Yulia Skripal are discovered unconscious on a park bench in Salibsury. As doctors try to diagnose the source of their illness, DS Nick Bailey (Rafe Spall) investigates the Skripals’ home, only to become ill himself. Meanwhile, Tracy Daszkiewicz (Anne-Marie Duff, below), Director of Public Health for Wiltshire Council, is called into a crisis meeting.

TV

The Queen’s Official Birthday

BBC One, 5.55pm, Saturday

It’s the Queen’s official birthday, which would normally mean it was time for Trooping the Colour. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ceremony is unable to be held as normal, but that doesn’t mean the date is going unmarked. Instead, a smaller event is being staged at Windsor Castle. The live coverage begins at 10.30am, but for anyone who would like to wish the monarch a happy official birthday, but also likes a long lie-in on a weekend or is out and about on Saturday morning, Huw Edwards is bringing us another chance to see it at 5.55pm.

SPORT

Athletics: The Impossible Games

BBC Two, 2.15pm, Saturday

Live sport is starting to make a comeback, but it’s required some creative thinking on the part of the organisers and competitors. That’s how we’ve got this unique event, which is being hosted by Oslo – although that’s not where all the athletes are. Behind-closed-doors at the iconic Bislett Stadium (there are still no crowds allowed), pole vaulter Arnaud Duplantis and sprint hurdler Karsten Warholm will attempt to break new world records, while Norway’s famous Ingebrigsten brothers will compete in the 1,000m and 2,000m.

PODCAST

Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe’s Lockdown Parenting Hell

Comedians and friends Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe chat to famous parents to discuss tales of lockdown parenting.