Days That Shook The BBC With David Dimbleby

BBC2, 9pm

As the BBC prepares to celebrate its centenary in November, who better than David Dimbleby (right) to delve into the most controversial moments of its history?

The veteran broadcaster begins his three-part series by looking at the moments the independence of the corporation has come under most pressure from the Government and the Establishment.

Extraordinary footage shows former PM Harold Wilson exploding into fury during an interview with the young Dimbleby, while BBC staffers recall the heated arguments with Mrs Thatcher and her Cabinet in the 1980s over coverage of the IRA.

But it’s the royal stories that provide the most incendiary moments, including the Panorama interview with Princess Diana. Dimbleby, though, is resolutely punchy in defence of his employer. ★★★★★