10 switch-ons
OUR PICKS OF THE WEEK’S BEST TV
Ellie Simmonds: Swimming With Dolphins
ITV, 7pm, today
She first came to fame in 2008 when she won two gold medals at the Beijing Paralympics at the tender age of 13.
In London four years later, she won two more, setting a world record in the process. Now, ahead of Simmonds’ participation in Rio, this documentary follows her as she pursues a lifelong dream to swim with dolphins in the wild.
New York: America’s Busiest City
BBC2, 9pm, Tuesday
In this new series, Ade Adepitan, Anita Rani, Ant Anstead and Dan Snow take a closer look at one of the most complex and powerful cities in the world.
They head to Grand Central Terminal, joining the daily commute on the iconic Staten Island ferry as well as the subway, suburban railroad and citibikes. Dan visits Times Square to see how the 230 LED advertising hoardings are maintained.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
BBC1, 7pm, Monday
Bill Paterson narrates highlights of the event held on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, with this year’s edition marking the Queen’s 90th birthday.
Those taking part include the Nepal Army Band, the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Locheil Marching Drill Team as well as the Massed Pipes and Drums, the Tattoo Highland Dancers and the Imps Motorcycle Display Team.
Home From Home
BBC2, 10pm, Tuesday
Johnny Vegas and Joanna Page star in this new sitcom as couple Neil and Fiona, who have finally achieved their dream of buying a lodge in the Lake District.
Their ‘traditional’ lodge at Lake View Holiday Park means everything to them, and the years of scrimping and saving all now feel worth it.
That is until they meet their neighbours, the Dillons, Robert (Adam James) and Penny (Emilia Fox), and Neil succumbs to the ultimate faux pas.
Ripper Street
BBC2, 9pm, Monday
With the help of Major Haroun Al-Qadir, Drake continues to investigate the mysterious murder of the young, Indian-born lawyer, but things get tricky when it becomes clear that their enquiries are stepping on Special Branch’s toes.
Meanwhile, Jackson has to come up with another idea to save Long Susan from the hangman’s noose, and Reid continues to dig into the conviction of his old friend Isaac Bloom.
All Star Mr & Mrs
ITV, 8pm, Wednesday
There may be tougher quizzes, but few that have quite so much potential to provoke a previously happy couple into having a row on national TV.
Taking the plunge are Emmerdale’s Adam Thomas and his fiancee Caroline Daly, Strictly dancers Kevin and Karen Clifton and Dad’s Army star Ian Lavender and his wife Michele Hardy.
As ever, Phillip Schofield will be asking the questions, but hopefully he won’t have to act as referee as well.
The Great British Bake Off
BBC1, 8pm, Wednesday
The 11 remaining home bakers are challenged to prove their biscuit-making skils are top-notch. First, they must make 24 elaborately decorated biscuits in the signature challenge, before tackling a technical that requires perfect piping.
Then, the competitors must demonstrate precision baking in the showstopper, as they try to impress judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood.
Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs
ITV, 8.30pm, Thursday
Some people might think that it’s best to stay emotionally detached if you work in an animal shelter – after all, you can’t adopt all of them.
Fortunately, that hasn’t put Paul O’Grady off as he heads back to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for a new series. The first pooch to pull on his heart-strings is Spencer, a stray beagle who has been consigned to quarantine with a contagious virus.