On Demand
Only Murders in the Building (Disney+, from Tue)
The wait has been agonising but at long last, the third series in this brilliant black comedy from Steve Martin, Dan Fogelman and John Hoffman returns to our screens. Mabel, Charles and Oliver (Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short) are back on the true crime trail after the season two cliffhanger that saw Paul Rudd collapse on stage, leaving our beloved trio gobsmacked. “Who are we without a homicide?” quips Mabel as they prepare to solve yet another crime. Long before the teaser trailer was unveiled, the news slipped out that Meryl Streep would be joining the cast and by the look of it, she’s set to eclipse Cara Delevingne and Amy Schumer as the Big Name Cameo. But then what else would you expect?
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Disney+, from Wed)
It may have the most cumbersome title in TV history, but that hasn’t stopped this mockumentary becoming one of the streaming giant’s biggest hits. It was inspired by the original High School Musical series and began by following the fortunes of a group of students at East High School as they prepared to put on a show. Each season since then has featured a different musical while offering insights into the lives, loves and hobbies of the main protagonists. Now, in the last-ever run, the gang return to school where Principal Gutierrez announces Disney’s plan to make a film at the school, in which they’ll appear as extras. Kate Reinders and Liamani Segura star, while members of the original High School Musical cast are also expected to appear.
Painkiller (Netflix, from Thu)
Narcos showrunner Eric Newman is well-versed in the world of drugs, but he takes a different look at the problem in this six-part drama, starring Matthew Broderick, exploring the origins and aftermath of the US opioid epidemic. Based on the book of the same name by Barry Meier and the New Yorker Magazine article The Family That Built an Empire of Pain, by Patrick Radden Keefe, the series tells the stories of the perpetrators, victims, and others whose lives have been forever changed by OxyContin. Executive producer Newman said: “Unlike drug traffickers who are never dishonest about what they do, this group pretends to care about human beings. They’re doctors. It’s the greatest betrayal of public trust in history.”
Heart of Stone (Netflix, from Fri)
Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan head the cast of this action thriller directed by Tom Harper of Peaky Blinders and Wild Rose fame. Gadot plays Rachel Stone, a member of an elusive and mysterious group of elite spies known as the Charter. They are described as the ‘most highly trained agents’, with no political leanings or national allegiances, who work together to keep the peace in a turbulent world. To achieve their noble aims, they rely on a one-of-a-kind asset called the Heart. However, hacker Keya Dhawan (Alia Bhatt), embarks on a quest to find and control the Heart, putting global stability at risk. Can Stone stop her before it’s too late? The cast also includes Sophie Okonedo, Matthias Schweighofer and Jing Lusi.
Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham (Lionsgate+, from Fri)
Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish became firm friends while appearing together in the smash-hit time-travelling drama Outlander. As a result, in 2021 they launched their own spin-off travel series in which they hit the road to explore every corner of their homeland of Scotland. Now the duo are back for a second run, but they’re travelling further afield this time – to New Zealand. Across four fun-filled, action-packed and informative episodes they will be finding out what delights the nation has in store. If the promotional photos are anything to go by, we can expect some incredible scenery and stunts as well as an exploration of the pair’s friendship. The first episode sees them try zip-lining before meeting an apex predator.
Saturday, 5/8/2023
Elizabeth II: Making a Monarch (C4, 6.15pm)
We’ve been treated to numerous documentaries about Elizabeth II’s life and reign since she passed away at Balmoral last September. The latest is a two-part programme focusing on her early life, using previously unseen photographs, archive footage and expert testimony to reveal how it helped shape her personality, views and approach to her role as monarch. The opening edition examines the period between the then Princess Elizabeth’s birth in 1926 and her decision to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the Second World War.
The Queens that Changed the World (C4, 7.15pm)
Before anyone asks, this is not a new series celebrating groundbreaking drag acts although, of course, we would welcome that. Instead, it offers insights into the lives and times of female monarchs and begins with one we’re all probably familiar with already due to the number of previous documentaries, films and TV dramas (including one airing later this evening at 9.15pm) about her – Elizabeth I. It reveals how the Protestant queen managed to create stability across the nation by allowing Catholics to continue worshipping their faith, as long as they remained loyal to the throne. There are also insights into Elizabeth’s relationships with Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh, and the part they played in sowing the seeds of Empire.
Tony Bennett at the London Palladium: BBC Sessions (BBC2, 9pm)
Although he was 96 years of age and had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016, it somehow still came as a shock when it was announced last month that Tony Bennett had died. Perhaps it’s because he’s always been there, providing a soundtrack for our lives via his performances of classic songs. Now, in tribute to the man born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in New York in August 1926, BBC Two’s evening schedule is dedicated entirely to him. It begins with Tony Bennett at the London Palladium, a chance to hear him perform at his own 85th birthday concert. It’s followed by the documentary profile Tony Bennett’s New York before more performances head our way in Tony Bennett Sings… His Personal Hit Songbook, Song Stories and BBC Sessions.
Clean Sweep (BBC Four, 9pm & 9.45pm)
We learn of Shelly’s dark history, as a teenager who was part of a drug ring in London 20 years earlier with Charlie Lynch, the man she shot. When Lynch’s true identity is uncovered, a UK officer, DSI Crichett, reopens an old murder case that Shelly and Charlie were linked to. Then, the investigation continues to build steam in both countries, while Shelly continues to juggle her parenting and family responsibilities – problems with her husband and children that would stress anyone out. As Jason’s partner Fiona grows suspicious of Shelly, we learn of the measures Shelly took to change her identity.
Champion (BBC1, 9.15pm)
The drama about siblings who are also musical rivals seemed like an odd fit for a Saturday night – maybe the BBC was hoping that those who love the likes of The Voice UK and The X Factor would enjoy it. But whatever the reason for its appearance in the schedule, it’s been going down a treat so far. This time, Aria and Vita are forced to put their differences aside as they prepare to attend a funeral in Jamaica. Unfortunately, their delicate truce may not last long as long-buried secrets threaten to resurface.
Irvine Welsh’s Crime (ITV1, 10pm)
We’ve had hints throughout the series about the ghost from the past that continues to haunt Ray Lennox, but now it’s set to reveal itself during a series of flashbacks in the gripping crime drama’s concluding episode. They appear as he opens up to his therapist about an event from his childhood, a trauma he finally confronts while attending his father’s funeral. More demons arise later when, on his return to work, he searches for a way to uncover the truth about Mr Confectioner while bringing him to justice.
Sunday, 6/8/2023
Netball World Cup 2023 (BBC Two, 5pm)
After nine days of exciting action, the International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, hosts the showpiece final. Four years ago, in Liverpool, New Zealand became five-time champions after beating Australia 52-51 in the final. Despite the close scoreline, the Ferns, coached by Noeline Taurua, were simply too good for the world’s No 1 team, the Diamonds. England finished in third place back then – have Natalie Metcalf and Layla Guscoth inspired the Roses to the gold-medal match this time around? Betty Glover presents coverage, with analysis from former England captain Ama Agbeze.
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby (BBC2, 8pm)
Travelling across the world, checking into some incredible hotels – it sounds like a dream job. So, when it was announced that Giles Coren was stepping down as co-host of the series Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby, there must have been no shortage of presenters lining up to throw their hat into the ring. Admittedly, if they’d ever actually watch the show, they’d know it wasn’t all about living it up in five-star luxury. Instead, Coren and his co-presenter Monica Galetti could be found rolling their sleeves up and joining the staff at the establishments to find out exactly what goes into delivering a luxury experience. Luckily, that didn’t put off the new Amazing Hotels co-presenter, Rob Rinder. For his first episode, he’s heading to Morocco, where he and Monica are checking in to Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot.
Levison Wood: Walking With Orangutans (C4, 8pm)
Explorer and writer Levison Wood is going in search of some of the most iconic and endangered animals on the planet, beginning with orangutans. It’s a journey that starts in Sandakan, the gateway to Borneo’s rainforest. Levison learns that the area used to be covered in jungle and was home to thousands of orangutans, but a combination of poaching and deforestation has seen their population half over the past 60 years. The presenter finds out more about the primates and their environment, as well as the new challenges to their survival.
Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev at the Proms (BBC Four, 8pm)
Star pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason makes her solo debut at the Proms in Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No.3, in which rhapsodic melody meets restless rhythmic exuberance. Meanwhile Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 wrestles with its ominous ‘fate’ motif, overpowering it first with a rapturous love theme, before finally turning darkness to light in the powerful closing movement. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Principal Conductor Ryan Bancroft return for the second of their consecutive Proms.
Alone (C4, 9pm)
Eleven ordinary people get to put their survival skills to the ultimate test in this new reality series. Equipped with only a handful of basic tools, they’ll be dropped in the remote wilderness of northwest Canada to battle the elements, avoid predators and generally fend for themselves for as long as possible – and, as the title suggests, they’ll each be completely alone, even filming their own experiences unaided. Whoever can stick it out the longest will be coming back to civilisation with £100,000. In the first episode, some of the contestants are shocked to spot the first signs of bears and wolves, which makes the race to construct shelters and light fires before the sunset all the more urgent.
Crazy Rich Agents: Selling Dream Homes (BBC2, 9pm)
There may have been reports that the property market is slowing, but the five newbie real-estate brokers in this series aren’t going to let that put them off as they battle it out to rake in some big commissions, and get the chance to work at the agency’s headquarters in New York. In the opening episode, broker Aly convinces a developer to let him list a £30million townhouse in Mayfair, while former care home behavioural therapist Georgie is trying to find a dream home for an influencer couple, but their big budget comes with a long wish list.
Monday, 7/8/2023
A Cotswold Farm Shop (C4, 8pm)
A new series goes behind the scenes at the Gloucester Service Station, where motorists can pick up goods from local farmers, food producers and artisan crafters, and uncovers the stories behind the products. In the first episode, Jonathan Crump welcomes viewers to his family’s farm, which is also home to chicken, sheep and rare-breed Gloucester cows. Jonathan is the only producer in the world making cheese using these cows’ milk, and shop buyer Alex is interested in sampling it. Meanwhile, cider-maker Tom Oliver is on a mission to get his new perry on the shelves. There’s also a look at how the Gloucester Services has built links with the local community, including through Bridging the Gap, a charity that helps disadvantaged people back into employment.
Earth (BBC2, 9pm)
No one can accuse this series of being unambitious, as in the latest episode, Chris Packham sets out to tell the story of how our world went from being a barren rock with a black sky to the planet we know today. It’s a tale that begins 4.6 billion years ago, when Earth first formed from clouds of dust and gas. The young planet was devoid of an atmosphere, but as it was pummelled by asteroids a period of extraordinary upheaval began. Over the course of two billion years, Earth experienced violent eruptions and a toxic orange haze, not to mention the seas turning red. But with the emergence of life and photosynthesis, the gases began to recalibrate and the stage was set for the blue skies we know today.
Wolf (BBC1, 9pm)
To learn more about the Donkey Pitch case, Jack (Ukweli Roach) arranges a prison visit and listens to recordings of Lincoln (Sian Reese-Williams) interviewing Sophie and Hugo’s classmates. However, when Lincoln challenges him, it’s Jack’s turn to provide some background as he opens up about his own past. Meanwhile, Honey (Sacha Dhawan) starts to wonder if someone is toying with him and Molina (Iwan Rheon) after discovering CCTV cameras in the garden. The next instalment can be seen tomorrow.
Long Lost Family (ITV1, 9pm)
Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell come to the aid of two men who are searching for their relatives. Joe McGregor was adopted as a baby in Bermuda in the 1970s, and grew up in Norfolk. He had a loving family, but his supportive siblings couldn’t share his experience of being the only black child in their community. Now, he’d like to find other people who share his DNA. Meanwhile, Simon Miller wants to fulfil his mother’s dying wish that he track down her middle child, a daughter named Bronwen, who was given up for adoption.
The Child Snatcher: Manhunt (C5, 9pm)
In 1981, Andy Cardy’s nine-year old daughter Jennifer disappeared in Northern Ireland. The whole community came together to find her, but days later her body was found in a dam 10 miles away from where she went missing. It was a tragic story, but no one involved initially realised it was the work of a serial killer. This two-part drama documentary (the second part can be seen tomorrow) draws on first-hand testimonies to tell the story of one of the UK’s largest murder investigations and explore the impact on the families of the victims.
Remarkable Places to Eat (More4, 9pm)
Fred Sirieix and Dermot O’Leary explore Puglia’s uniquely delicious food culture. Dermot’s love affair with the region began a decade ago when he bought a place there. Since then, he’s been visiting a few times a year and knows the region and its finest places to eat like the back of his hand. Dermot takes Fred to dine at three of his favourite Puglian restaurants that celebrate Puglia’s fabled ‘cucina povera’ – poor man’s cooking. Their culinary adventure begins in style, boating across the bay of Taranto to the ancient walled town of Gallipoli.
Tuesday, 8/8/2023
Bake Off: The Professionals (C4, 8pm)
Ellie Taylor and Liam Charles invite the remaining four teams from the latest round of heats back for Chocolate Week, which may sound tasty, but is going to be very testing for our pastry chefs. There’s an autumnal feel to the first challenge as they are asked to produce desserts celebrating the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Then, for the final challenge, each team has to make 48 safari-themed chocolate bars within an adventurous chocolate showpiece that also features a moving part. It sounds like a feast fit for Willy Wonka, but judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden are the people the teams must impress if they want to prove they are the kings and queens of the jungle and secure a place in the final six.
Your Home Made Perfect (BBC2, 8pm)
Angela Scanlon meets Fiona and Andy, who moved into their 300-year-old Solihull barn conversion a year ago, and have found it isn’t the dream home they were hoping for. It seems their property is suffering from an identity crisis – the décor is dated, the stable conversion is dark and poky, the courtyard is cut off, and there’s a 1980s extension tacked on the end. Then there’s the little matter of the spiral staircase situated in the middle of the living room. Can architects Laura Jane Clark and Julian McIntosh and the latest virtual-reality technology show the couple a way to make their home feel more cohesive?
The Yorkshire Vet (Channel 5, 8pm)
A frog called Kermit has a very delicate problem at his rear end. But he’s so slippery and jumpy, it’s Matt who’s left feeling like a Muppet. Julian operates on a cat who has a strange lump that the vet says ‘looks like it’s come from a different planet’. Two of Peter’s farming friends head to the practice with a ewe who’s struggling to give birth to large twin lambs. And TB or not TB?’ is the question for Shona. As she tests the cows of a charismatic farmer, just one positive result could spell disaster.
Ultimate Wedding Planner (BBC2, 9pm)
Getting married is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, but it can also end up being one of the most stressful. So, it’s little wonder that many brides and grooms turn to the professionals for help, but how do you know if the so-called experts will be any better at picking the right flowers than you are? Well, Ultimate Wedding Planner should give you a few hints on what to look for – and even who to hire. The new series is going in search of Britain’s best planner, and the eight contenders will be designing some spectacular ceremonies. Overseeing their efforts will be three judges and mentors who between them know pretty much all there is to know about what makes the perfect big day – Dragons’ Den regular and craft specialist Sara Davies, First Dates’ maitre d’ Fred Sirieix and wedding industry expert Raj Somaiya.
Cooking with the Stars (ITV1, 9pm)
It’s the last in the series of the celebrity cooking contest, and just three stars remain in the kitchen. So, they can all feel proud of themselves for getting this far, but only one of them can be crowned the winner. Hopefully, presenters Emma Willis and Tom Allen will be able to put the contenders at ease as they take on their toughest challenges to date and try to prove that they deserve to take the title. The good news for anyone who likes seeing famous faces trying to rustle up dishes is that while this show may be ending, Celebrity MasterChef is just getting warmed up.
Sky Coppers (C4, 9pm)
The West Midlands Police Drone Unit spring into action after a passenger flees from the scene of a dramatic hit and run, leaving the driver to face the music alone. The drones are then in action for two high-risk football matches in the West Midlands amid concerns that rival fans could cause mayhem. However, the biggest drama occurs in the early hours when a 999 call comes in claiming that a group of people have been spotted trying to bury a body in a park. Can the Drone Unit get to the truth?
Wednesday, 9/8/2023
The Hundred (BBC Two, 2.45pm & 6pm)
Winners of the first two tournaments, Oval Invincibles Women, take on a Manchester Originals team who finished sixth last year at The Oval. That’s followed by the clash between the men’s sides. Last year’s runners-up, the Originals, take on an Invincibles side they beat by six wickets when the sides met 12 months ago. Sam Billings top scored for the south London side with 53 from 33 deliveries, but Wayne Madsen’s unbeaten knock, also worth 53 runs, enabled the Originals to reach their victory target with a ball to spare.
Kate Garraway’s Life Stories (ITV1, 9pm)
Back in September 2020, Good Morning Britain’s Kate Garraway and comedian Ruby Wax had a ‘heated debate’ over the amount of bad news in the media. It will be interesting to see if that slight disagreement crops up tonight, as Ruby becomes the latest star to join Kate and discuss her life. With Ruby’s long and varied career as a comedian, performer and best-selling author, there is plenty to discuss during a brutally honest and gripping interview, including her BBC chat shows in which she interviewed the likes of Donald Trump, Imelda Marcos, Madonna and OJ Simpson. They also discuss the strange, often savagely dysfunctional relationship she had with her parents Edward and Berthe Wachs growing up in America’s Midwest and her struggles with bipolar disorder and depression.
Killer Storm: The Fastnet Disaster (C5, 9pm)
In August 1979, one of the world’s leading offshore races, the Fastnet Race, was hit by hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet high, leading to Britain’s biggest maritime rescue operation since the Second World War evacuation of Dunkirk. Twenty one people lost their lives during the tragedy, and here we hear from journalist Michael Buerk, sports presenter Fred Dinenage and meteorologist Clare Nasir who provide expert insight. Alongside eyewitness accounts from survivors and rescuers, they reveal the terrifying conditions they people involved faced.
Celebrity MasterChef (BBC1, 9pm)
Children’s entertainer Dave Benson Phillips, Wanted musician Max George, Radio 1Xtra DJ Remi Burgz, comedian, actress, and writer Shazia Mirza and former presenter of The Word, Terry Christian, are the five celebrities competing in the second heat. For their first challenge, they are each given a mystery ingredient to showcase in a single dish. Next, they have an hour and a quarter to prepare a main course and a dessert to impress guests at a dinner party. John Torode and Gregg Wallace must decide which quartet have done enough to stay in the competition – and who is leaving.
Sally Wainwright: This Cultural Life (Base, 10pm)
The woman behind Last Tango in Halifax, Gentleman Jack and Happy Valley talks to John Wilson about her formative cultural influences. After learning the art of screenwriting while working on Coronation Street, Wainwright made her name with her suburban comedy drama At Home With The Braithwaites before going onto win multiple awards and acclaim with the aforementioned shows. Sally talks about her early obsession with television, and how the 1970s musical drama Rock Follies, following fictional female rock band the Little Ladies, inspired her to become a television writer at a young age. She also recalls her early career writing for BBC Radio 4’s The Archers and Corrie, and discusses the inspirations behind some of her biggest hits.
The Girl from Plainville (C4, 10pm)
The drama inspired by the true story of Michelle Carter’s ‘texting-suicide’ case continues. Once again, we jump back and forth over multiple timelines, exploring Carter’s relationship with Conrad ‘Coco’ Roy III before his death, and the events that led to her arrest and conviction of involuntary manslaughter. While the prosecution and defence get their strategies in place for trial, Michelle’s isolation from her peers pushes her to a breaking point. Meanwhile, in an earlier timeline, Michelle and Coco see each other in person for the first time since first meeting in Florida.
Thursday, 10/8/2023
The Dog Academy (C4, 8pm)
Dogs can be very similar to children sometimes in that they are reluctant to have their hair combed. One such example is unkempt toy poodle Daisy, who is barely able to see because of her aversion to grooming. She even bites her owners Wendy and Dahana every time they go anywhere near her with a brush. Wendy originally bought Daisy for company following the death of her husband, but now she’s now terrified of her furry companion, and is seeking a solution from the Academy. Also in tonight’s programme, we meet Yorkshire terrier Marley who adores his owner Louise but suffers severe stress whenever she leaves the room. Trainers Sean and Kamal are on hand to treat what is a severe case of separation anxiety.
Dangerous Dogs: What’s the Truth? Tonight (ITV1, regions vary)
Britain is a nation of pet lovers. You only have to take one look over to Channel 4 tonight where the latest series of The Dog Academy and The Supervet are continuing. With an estimated 13 million dogs living in UK homes, the nation’s love for our canine pals in particular runs deep, but last year saw a record 10 fatalities from dog-related injuries in England and Wales, raising urgent questions about the safety of our communities. Here, Charlotte Hawkins reports on what can be done to tackle the problem of Britain’s dangerous dogs.
Gardeners’ World (BBC2, 9pm)
Frances Tophill provides an update on the progress she’s made in her first-ever garden since moving in over the winter. She also shows viewers around the new structure designed especially for her compact plot, but there’s trouble afoot when heads over to her neglected allotment. Meanwhile, Adam Frost meets a kindred spirit who explains how gardening saved his life, and Advolly Richmond is in the Cotswolds to showcase one of the finest examples of gardening in the Arts and Crafts era. Plus, there are tips from a pelargonium expert and a look at a back garden with a perennial meadow.
Code Blue: The Killing of June Fox-Roberts (ITV1, 9pm)
The two-part documentary series going inside the major investigation into the brutal killing and dismemberment of grandmother June Fox-Roberts, who was was found dead at her house in Llantwit Fardre, near Pontypridd in November 2021 concludes. As detectives apprehend 25-year-old university art student Luke Deeley, who had previously been reported missing, the suspect remains tight-lipped. This leaves officers from South Wales Police with the daunting task of gathering the evidence needed to prove his guilt.
Golf: The Women’s Open (BBC Two, 11.15pm)
The best of the action from the opening day at Walton Heath, the Surrey course which is staging the Women’s Open for the first time. Last year’s tournament was won by South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai, who recovered from throwing away a five-shot lead to beat South Korea’s In Gee Chun in a dramatic play-off to claim her first Major win. Lilia Vu, Ruoning Yin and Allisen Corpuz have already registered Major victories in 2023 – can any of them become the first player since Ko Jin-young in 2019 to win two in a season?
The Hidden World of Hospitality with Tom Kerridge (BBC2, 12.15pm)
Despite a UK-wide recruitment crisis, Tom discovers how some businesses are finding clever ways to build and retain strong teams. In London’s Docklands, an innovative floating hotel is pioneering an on-the-job training scheme designed to help local unemployed people take their first steps into hospitality. Founder, Marten brought the barge-hotel across from Amsterdam and its now moored in the London borough of Newham. Meanwhile, in South Shields, Colman’s relies on a tightly-knit team working together in harmony to keep their loyal regulars happy. The century-old fish and chip shop has been in the same family for five generations and the secret to their success lies in making staff and customers feel part of one big family.
Friday, 11/8/2023
Fast Track to Glory: Our Lives (BBC1, 7.30pm)
Isla Mackenzie from the Outer Hebrides has long dreamed of following in the footsteps of fellow Scots Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard by becoming a Formula 1 driver. She already works for one of the top teams as an engine-tester, but now she’s taking her first steps on the road to competing among the best in the world. Cameras chart Isla’s progress as she begins her first season in F3, having had her potential spotted by a team who think she’s got what it takes to make it in a male-dominated world.
Susan Calman’s Summer by the Sea (Channel 5, 8pm)
Susan arrives in Margate in style on an electric rickshaw, right on the seafront. After she takes in the view, she heads to the main beach where she encounters a group playing ultimate Frisbee and decides to give it a go. Soon after, she tries her very first tub of cockles at Manning’s seafood stall and goes in search of the Shell Grotto underground cavern. At Margate’s pleasure park Dreamland, Susan meets actress Sally Lindsay who shares with Susan her love for Margate and and they muster up the courage for a ride on the Ghost Train.
The Reunion (ITV1, 9pm)
A missing girl, a murder and some old school friends collide in this six-part adaptation of Guillaume Musso’s bestselling novel, which was originally available via the ITVX streaming service earlier this year. Ioan Gruffudd takes the lead role of Thomas, a novelist who, after receiving a cryptic note at a book-signing, returns to the sun-kissed French Riviera to attend a reunion at the international school where he was educated and where his mother (played by Dervla Kirwan, believe it or not) was a teacher. He meets up with his old friends Max and Fanny, and talk soon turns to their friend Vinca, who disappeared 25 years earlier. As they ponder what happened to her, another dark secret threatens to rear its ugly head.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (C4, 9pm)
Mat Ewins’ stand-up routines usually involve an anarchic mix of audiovisual and multimedia experiments – here’s hoping he can shoehorn some in when he joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner in this week’s episode. The competition itself (which is, let’s face it, the least important part of the programme) sees Jon Richardson and Katherine Ryan take on Richard Ayoade and Laura Smyth. As usual, Jimmy Carr hosts while trying, and probably failing, to keep law and order as anarchy threatens to break out.
The Power of Parker (BBC1, 9.30pm)
He may fancy himself as the next Alan Sugar, but at the moment, Martin is behaving more like Frank Spencer or, at best, David Brent. While he makes a hapless attempt to fight back against the moneylenders, Diane and Kath keep him under surveillance in an effort to figure out exactly what he’s planning. It turns out that his accountant wants nothing to do with his latest harebrained scheme, so Martin takes matters into his own hands – but is confronting the Slater brothers in a nightclub really the wisest move?
Adam Hills: Grow Another Foot (C4, 11.05pm)
We’re not really sure why the broadcaster has decided to air this so late in the evening because it’s a wonderful, heart-warming documentary that deserves to be seen by far more than the post-pub Friday night crowd. As fans of the comedian may already be aware (you may even have seen his previous programme on the subject, Take His Legs), Hills is a massive rugby league fan. He was also born with only one foot, but lived his dream of playing the sport by joining the Warrington Wolves’ physical disability team. Here, we follow Hills as he prepares to emulate his sporting heroes by making his international debut for his native Australia at last year’s first-ever PDRL World Cup, an event that pushes his skills to their limit.
