Category: TV this week

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 03/05/2025

Race Across the World (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 7th May 2025) ** PICK OF THE WEEK **

In the third leg, the five pairs are challenged to race from the island checkpoint of Sanya to the mysterious Shangri-La, a city sitting on the edge of the Tibetan plateau towards the foothills of the Himalayas. As race leaders Elizabeth and Letitia check out, ex-married couple Yin and Gaz have only just made it in, having been stuck on the mainland unable to cross. With an almighty 44-hour gap between first and last place, Yin and Gaz know they have a mountain to climb to remain in the race, but are determined to come out for leg three fighting.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 26/04/2025

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Monday 28th April 2025)

Loughton to Audley End. Series 16, episode 16. Michael Portillo embarks on a journey around Essex. He starts out in the ancient woodland of Epping Forest and visits a historic London Transport signal cabin in Epping which has been preserved by enthusiasts. He then visits the home of Harlow’s chief architect Frederic Gibberd, who talks about his plans for the town, before reaching Audley End, where he sees a miniature railway and learns of Audley End House’s role as a secret wartime military school.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Tuesday 29th April 2025)

Romford to the Blackwater Estuary. Series 16, episode 17. Michael Portillo’s exploration of Essex continues in Romford. He arrives on the London Overground’s Liberty Line to visit a state-of-the-art rail operating centre and discovers how signallers and operators control the movements of over 4,000 trains a day. On the River Blackwater, he takes a trip to the Ross Revenge ship, home to Radio Caroline since the 1980’s.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Wednesday 30th April 2025)

Chelmsford to Tollesbury. Series 16, episode 18. Michael Portillo’s exploration of Essex reaches Chelmsford, where the city’s bishop tells her story of escape from Iran after the Islamic revolution of 1979. He visits the historic riverside town of Maldon, where he learns about a medieval battle and handles a rare Viking sword. Michael finishes this leg of his Essex journey in the coastal village of Tollesbury, with its strong maritime heritage and marshy landscape.

Race Across the World (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 30th April 2025) ** PICK OF THE WEEK **

The teams set out on their journey to the second checkpoint in Sanya, one of China’s most southerly cities, located on Hainan Island. To get there, the teams must choose between city-hopping down the coast of the East China Sea or venturing inland on a more rural route that takes in some of China’s most impressive landscapes but it’s a race against time as a fast-approaching typhoon threatens to stop all ferries to the island.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Thursday 1st May 2025)

Witham to Saffron Walden. Series 16, episode 19. Michael Portillo arrives in the Essex market town of Witham, then heads off to country house Terling Place, before visiting two medieval barns that are thought to be the oldest timber framed structures in England. In Braintree, Michael learns about the town’s wool and silk industries, then views a depository of thousands of silk patterns in the Warner and Sons’ archive.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Friday 2nd May 2025)

Colchester to Chappel and Wakes Colne. Series 16, episode 20. Michael Portillo’s exploration of Essex draws to a close as he visits Colchester, first mentioned in AD 77 and proudly claims to be Britain’s oldest recorded town. He learns about the rebellion in AD 60 by warrior queen Boudica against the Romans and visits the Norman castle, which was built on top of the foundations of the Temple of Claudius. He finishes his tour of the county by driving an old Intercity 125 high-speed train through the picturesque countryside.

Beyond Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 2nd May 2025)

When nurse Lucy vanishes on her way to work, suspicion falls on Josh Woods – Kelby’s rival. However, after Josh receives a chilling voicemail, the team starts to suspect that something far more sinister is at play. In the recording, Lucy can be heard shouting ‘devil” followed by a beastly growl. Could the legend of the Devil’s Hump hold a vital clue to solving her disappearance? As the case intensifies, Humphrey finds himself torn between the personal and professional. With Rosie’s birthday fast approaching, he and Martha are determined to throw her the perfect party. Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton star.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 19/04/2025

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Monday 21st April 2025)

Shrewsbury to Telford. Series 16, episode 11. Michael Portillo begins a tour of the Midlands with a journey from Shrewsbury to Telford. Armed with a longbow, Michael re-enacts the Battle of Shrewsbury, where the rebel Harry Hotspur challenged King Henry IV for the throne of England in 1403. He then marvels at the gothic beauty of Shrewsbury Cathedral before riding the Telford Steam Railway’s flagship locomotive along the revived Wellington to Craven Arms line.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Tuesday 22nd April 2025)

Ironbridge to Coseley. Series 16, episode 12. In Ironbridge Gorge on the River Severn, Michael Portillo explores this hotbed of industrial innovation and takes a ride on a replica of the world’s first steam locomotive. He also investigates the rich heritage of the Black Country in Wolverhampton with a lesson in ‘yam yam’. In Coseley, Michael discovers that one of the area’s most successful industries, brickmaking, continues at Ketley Brick.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Wednesday 23rd April 2025)

Dudley to West Bromwich. Series 16, episode 13. Michael Portillo boards a barge on the Dudley Canal and travels through the second longest navigable tunnel in the UK, while marvelling at a vast cave known as the Singing Cavern. At nearby Wren’s Nest, a former limestone quarry that’s now part of Unesco’s Black Country Geopark, he discovers an ancient seabed. In the town of Smethwick, Michael speaks to the son of 1960’s anti-racist activist.

Race Across the World (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 23rd April 2025) ** PICK OF THE WEEK + NEW SERIES **

Reality game show narrated by John Hannah in which pairs of competitors race across the globe without getting on a plane or being able to use mobile phones and credit cards. The five pairs – Fin and Sioned, Brian and Melvyn, Yin and Gaz, Elizabeth and Letitia and Caroline and Tom – start their race across Asia to the southernmost tip of India, at the Great Wall of China and head to their first check point in the village of Huangling.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Thursday 24th April 2025)

Birmingham New Street to Wednesbury. Series 16, episode 14. Michael Portillo heads to Birmingham’s Curzon Street for a tour of the HS2 terminus, which is still under construction. He also visits Firmin and Sons, the oldest private manufacturing firm in the UK, which dates back to 1655 and is still making buttons for the royal family and the military.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Friday 25th April 2025)

Solihull to Birmingham International. Series 16, episode 15. On the final leg of his tour of the Midlands, Michael Portillo travels to the Land Rover factory in Solihull, which produced the first model in the 1940s. In Hall Green, he visits the childhood neighbourhood of author JRR Tolkien and learns how the peaceful rural setting of Sarehole Mill provided inspiration for the fantasy world of Middle Earth in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Beyond Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 25th April 2025)

As the harvest ends, Stella and George Ellis follow their long-held tradition of hanging a corn doll to mark its close. However, this simple ritual takes a darker turn when the doll mysteriously falls and a figure dressed as the mythical Cornman strikes. With their milk ruined and their hay set ablaze, the Ellises are pushed to the brink. Meanwhile, Martha and Humphrey embark on a new chapter as foster parents when Rosie begins her first day at Shipton Abbott Primary, while Anne takes a bold step to embrace life fully. Drama, starring Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton, with guest star Caroline Quentin.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 12/04/2025

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Monday 14th April 2025)

Windermere to Sellafield. Series 16, episode 6. Michael Portillo tours the border counties of Cumbria and Dumfriesshire, starting in the Lake District National Park, where he discovers the violent geological history of volcanoes and colliding continents that shaped this landscape. He then meets trainee foresters in Ambleside, visits the heritage Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and finishes off in Sellafield, a key site in the UK’s nuclear history.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Tuesday 15th April 2025)

St Bees to Grange-over-Sands. Series 16, episode 7. Michael Portillo continues his railway tour, travelling along the Cumbrian Coast Line. Outside of Egremont, he visits Florence Mine, an old iron ore mine transformed into an arts centre and producing vibrant pigments from the haematite. In Ulverston, Michael discovers the cradle of Quakerism at Swarthmoor Hall, where secret meetings were once held by Quaker founder George Fox.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Wednesday 16th April 2025)

Maryport to Penrith. Series 16, episode 8. Michael Portillo’s railway journey through Cumbria and Dumfriesshire heads to the hills as he follows in the footsteps of the Lakeland poets. In Keswick, he retraces the walks of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, discovering how one of his legendary routes has been used as a form of therapy. Michael also visits the ruins of Lowther Castle, once a grand gothic estate, now reborn as a garden.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Thursday 17th April 2025)

Aspatria to Carlisle. Series 16, episode 9. Michael Portillo travels through Cumbria from Aspatria to Carlisle, meeting a couple who swapped their old life for organic dairy farming.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Friday 18th April 2025)

Dumfries to Auchinleck. Series 16, episode 10. Michael concludes his journey from Cumbria to Dumfries and Galloway by crossing the Solway Firth, where he visits the last home of Scotland’s Bard Robert Burns. Further north into the Lowther Hills, Michael strikes gold in the rich geological landscape around Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest village, and rides a charming heritage industrial railway across the stunning terrain. His journey ends at the spectacular Palladian mansion of Dumfries House, home to a world-class Chippendale furniture collection and the headquarters of the King’s Foundation.

Beyond Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 18th April 2025) ** PICK OF THE WEEK **

On the final day of the regatta, rival sailors Francine and Polly are neck and neck for the top spot. However, disaster strikes when Polly collapses and plunges into the sea, throwing the entire race into chaos. When it’s discovered that Polly’s smoothie had been tampered with, all eyes turn to Martha, the smoothie-maker, who finds herself in the spotlight as an unlikely prime suspect. She and Humphrey, already juggling the demands of work and childcare, struggle to stay composed under this new pressure.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 05/04/2025

Beyond Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 11th April 2025) ** PICK OF THE WEEK **

A chocolatier falls under suspicion when three customers are poisoned after sampling her wares and Humphrey must explore every avenue to determine whether she orchestrated the attack or was framed. The mystery deepens as the team finds no trace of poison in the remaining chocolates and wonder how the perpetrator ensured the victims ate the right one. With public panic spreading across Shipton Abbott, the officers must work swiftly to uncover the culprit.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 29/03/2025

Waterloo Road (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 1st April 2025)

Jared goes to new extreme lengths to control Libby as she tries to move on and Stella’s world is rocked when she’s forced to confront her past. When money goes missing from the school, Joe is quick to point the finger at Schuey and Donte worries that Ashton’s bad influence is affecting his children.

Beyond Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 4th April 2025) ** PICK OF THE WEEK **

When Kelby’s old friend Emily becomes the target of threatening texts, the team tries to uncover the identity of the keyboard warrior. With Humphrey busy at home, Kelby steps up to help Esther with the investigation, facing endless potential suspects as they delve into the world of social media and online spats. Meanwhile, Humphrey and Martha have a rocky start as they welcome Rosie – their new foster child – into their home, new relations are formed as Esther finds herself in a surprising romantic entanglement, and Anne is rocked by a potential health scare. Drama, with Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 22/03/2025

Love and Loss: The Pandemic 5 Years On (BBC 1/HD | 8:30pm to 10:00pm | Monday 24th March 2025)

Documentary charting the pandemic through the eyes of those who lost loved ones to Covid-19, including director Catey Sexton, whose mother died in a care home. She and 12 other families across the UK share their stories of loss. Some need answers from the public inquiry, others are trying to accept what happened, and for some, it is too painful to remember that time.

Waterloo Road (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 25th March 2025)

Coral gets an unexpected delivery, Stace tries to get some time alone with Noel, and Libby’s friends worry about the way Jared is treating her. Stella attends a counselling session.

Beyond Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 28th March 2025) ** NEW SERIES **

When a body is found in a river on the county border between Devon and Cornwall, Humphrey and Esther are forced to work alongside their Cornish counterparts. While their rivals are quick to brush off the death as a tragic accident, Humphrey’s instincts tell him there may be more lurking under the surface. Meanwhile, following the success of Ten Mile Kitchen, Martha decides to expand the business. However, just as everything seems settled, she and Humphrey are thrown an unexpected curveball. Death in Paradise spin-off, guest starring Hugh Dennis, with Kris Marshall, Sally Bretton and Barbara Flynn.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 28th March 2025) ** PICK OF THE WEEK **

Just as he is about to fly home, Mervin finds himself at the centre of a murder investigation when a body is discovered in his shack. While he professes his innocence, the team is perplexed with the circumstances – namely how the victim ended up inside a locked building with no sign of forced entry. The woman’s identity remains elusive until they discover she was volunteering at a local turtle conservation charity. Meanwhile, Selwyn delivers some personal news to Mervin that turns everything on its head. Detective drama, starring Don Gilet and Don Warrington.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 15/03/2025

Thames Water: Inside the Crisis (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 17th March 2025)

The first in a two-part documentary telling the story of Thames Water, Britain’s most beleaguered water company, as it battles for survival. Filmed over six make-or-break months, this episode follows the new CEO Chris Weston and his executive team as they try desperately to plug the £15billion hole in the company’s finances. They are months away from running out of cash. Thames says there is only one solution – a huge increase in customer bills. But can it persuade the regulator Ofwat – and the public – to agree?

Waterloo Road (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 18th March 2025)

While Tonya’s health hangs in the balance after an accident, Nicky’s parenting comes under fire. Neil’s fears are relieved as he questions Jared following Amy’s accusations but he might have unknowingly made things worse for Libby. Lois struggles with a tragedy in her home life and Donte attempts to make amends with Ashton.

Thames Water: Inside the Crisis (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 18th March 2025)

Part two of two. As cameras continue to film, the company reaches a crisis point. There are storms closing in and flood waters spell trouble for the already stretched company. Tessa, the new director of waste, expresses major concerns about creaking infrastructure, the ability to stop serious pollutions and multimillion pound fines. Meanwhile, CEO Chris seeks emergency measures to keep the company afloat.

Billy Monger: The Race is On for Comic Relief (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 19th March 2025) ** PICK OF THE WEEK **

After 12 months of intensive training and relentless preparation, the former racing driver takes on an endurance Ironman competition in Kona, Hawaii to raise money for life-changing Comic Relief-funded projects. The challenge pushes him to new depths as he takes on a two-and-a-half mile swim in the deep ocean followed by a 112 mile bike ride and culminating in a full marathon in extreme heat, wind and rain.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 08/03/2025

Waterloo Road (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 11th March 2025)

Amy witnesses Jared’s controlling behaviour towards Libby and bends the rules to seek justice. However, when things spiral out of control, she worries if her personal life clouded her professional judgment. Schuey confronts his past when Agnes goes behind his back to visit a surprising person, putting their relationship under threat, and Ashton battles with his conscience as he supports a struggling Tonya.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 14th March 2025) ** PICK OF THE WEEK **

Old wounds are reopened as Mervin revisits his mother’s death, though he manages to uncover the prime suspect in her murder. Even though everything points back to this suspicious figure, the team cannot work out how foul play was involved. By all accounts, Dorna took a boat out in a storm of her own volition and drowned at sea. Just as some headway appears to be being made in the case, Sterling pulls rank and throws a spanner in the works. Detective drama, starring Don Gilet and Don Warrington.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 01/03/2025

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show (BBC 1/HD | 6:45pm to 7:45pm | Saturday 1st March 2025)

Funniest Bits. The host looks back on some of the best moments from 10 years of his Big Show, featuring Send to All, Unexpected Star and Midnight Gameshow. Plus, a look back at karaoke surprises on unsuspecting members of the public, with help from singing superstars Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow and ABBA’s Bjorn.

Call the Midwife (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 2nd March 2025)

A mother and baby home is evacuated, Nancy’s wedding plans take a surprising turn, and Sister Catherine takes her first vows.

Waterloo Road (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 4th March 2025)

Donte’s attempts to support Ashton leave him roped into chaperoning Nisha’s mathlympics trip and Jared’s manipulation pushes Libby into crisis. Schuey is left unsettled by a letter from an old enemy and finds an ally in pacifist Agnes.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 7th March 2025) ** PICK OF THE WEEK **

Mervin and the team investigate the dark side of online dating when a man is shot dead at his villa. He was waiting for a woman he had met on an app when their video call was interrupted by an intruder. However, Mervin is perplexed by the presence of a bullet in the victim’s hand. Meanwhile, a new colleague makes an impression for all the wrong reasons, and Mervin’s like a dog with a bone as he reopens his mother’s case, catching the attention of a suspicious figure. Detective drama, starring Don Gilet and Don Warrington.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.