THIS WEEK’S TOP TV PICKS
DRAMA Endeavour Tonight, ITV, 9pm
The original Inspector Morse with John Thaw lasted for only seven seasons – but now, after an extended wait due to the Covid pandemic, the prequel depicting the early career of the Oxford ’tec is back to go one better, as it begins its eighth run. The year is now 1971, and the unrest of the era is making itself felt on all fronts in Endeavour’s police work in the opening episode. He has to solve a college murder that connects to the world of politics while also trying to save the life of a footballer who has been the target of a threat from the IRA. It’s a welcome return for the dependable police procedural starring Shaun Evans (above) as the cerebral detective and the wonderfully understated Roger Allam as DCI Fred Thursday.
COMEDY Bill Bailey: Larks In Transit Friday, BBC1, 10.35pm
He leaped across from the world of comedy to conquer prime-time family entertainment by winning Strictly Come Dancing. Now Bill Bailey (above) achieves another landmark breakthrough by becoming the first-ever comedian to give a performance in the unlikely confines of the Royal Opera House. It’s an unmissable stand-up show that gives full range to the musical and performing abilities that have won him a devoted fan following. In a fun-packed hour, Bailey treats us to his notion of how
Love Island could get a Victorianstyle makeover, interprets Old MacDonald Had A Farm in the style of Tom Waits – and gives us his twist on opera singing.
MUSIC Spice Girls: How Girl Power Changed Britain Tuesday, Channel 4, 9pm
It’s a quarter of a century since the Spice Girls first grabbed the pop limelight with the extraordinary success of their debut album and the breakout global chart-topper Wannabe. Now, to mark the occasion, a new series tells the story of the group who were an iconic part of their era and whose notion of ‘girl power’ put a very different sheen on existing ideas of feminism and what it is to be a woman. Featuring extensive interviews and archive footage, the series begins by looking back to the formation of the Spice Girls in 1994, and the planning and hard work that went into them making themselves the overnight stars the world believed them to be.
DOCUMENTARY Fred And Rose West: Reopened Wednesday, ITV, 9pm
It is shocking enough that the horrific toll claimed by the evil campaign of Fred (right) and Rose West already comprises at least the 12 victims that are known about with certainty. But detectives have long feared that the couple’s reign of terror may have claimed many more lives. In this two-part documentary series, presented by Trevor McDonald, police examine evidence that points to previously undocumented killings – and look into the chilling possibility that there may have been 20 bodies buried at one location. Painstaking work reveals there are startling new facts still to be added to perhaps the most terrifying story in British criminal history.
ENTERTAINMENT Strictly Come Dancing Saturday, BBC1,7.45pm
It’s time for another ballroom blitz as this year’s hoofers take to the stage. This season’s Strictly could be the hottest show yet, with lots of firsts for the glittery extravaganza. EastEnders actor Rose Ayling-Ellis is the show’s first deaf candidate, while former Bake Off contestant
John Whaite will be competing in the show’s first all-male same-sex couple. Other celebrity challengers include Robert Webb, Tom Fletcher and A.J. Odudu.
Not only are there four new professionals in town but former top dancer Anton Du Beke will be taking over from Bruno Tonioli as a judge alongside Shirley Ballas (above).