TV PICKS OF THE WEEK
MIDSOMER MURDERS Today, ITV, 8pm
In another ITV universe, Kevin Whately is the one solving crimes, on Morse and its spin-off Lewis. Here, however, he leaves all that to Neil Dudgeon’s DCI John Barnaby. Whately guest stars as Jeremy Whittingdale, a former headteacher and a member of amateur operatic society the Midsomer Mummers.
The thesps are busy rehearsing for a charity performance of The Pirates of Penzance, when – wouldn’t you know it? – a body turns up. Samantha Spiro and Shobna Gulati also appear.
BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT Tomorrow, ITV, 8pm
The audition rounds showcased plenty of talented performers, but who has what it takes to go a stage further and win the competition? We’re about to move a step closer to finding out as Ant and Dec host the first live semi-final. Judges Bruno Tonioli, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon will be on hand to offer their opinions. The live shows continue throughout the week.
GENDER WARS Tuesday, Channel 4, 10pm
Discussions on the meaning of sex and gender have become rather heated of late, and any kind of resolution seems to be very far away.
As a result, it’s clear that a dialogue needs to be opened featuring both sides, and Channel 4 is trying to do just that via what promises to be a fascinating programme.
It features contributions from people with very different views, including philosopher and writer Kathleen Stock, who quit her university post after protests against her controversial opinions on gender self-identification, and veteran transgender campaigner Professor Stephen Whittle.
THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE Wednesday, BBC1, 9pm
A travel wardrobe is the order of the day as Sara Pascoe welcomes the remaining sewers into the workroom. Judges Patrick Grant and Esme
Young start by getting them to make something to put their garments in – a rucksack.
But it’s turning old windbreakers into emergency rainwear and creating made-to-measure swimsuits for their models that really put their skills to the test.
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Thursday, BBC1, 9pm
The new series of the genealogy drama features some impressive big names, including Claire Foy, Lesley Manville and Bear Grylls, but it begins with Andrew Lloyd Webber, who is one of Britain’s most successful composers.