Category: TV this week

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 25/06/2016

The Orlando Nightclub Massacre - 27-06-2016 - YouView appStonewall Uprising (Yesterday | 10:00pm to 12:00am | Saturday 25th June 2016)

Relive the New York homosexual community’s spontaneous stand against the police in 1969, a defining event in the gay rights moment that helped put an end to shocking persecution.

Top Gear (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 26th June 2016)

The world’s most popular motoring show continues. This week, Chris Harris is with the new BMW M2, Rory Reid retraces a historic journey against the clock, delivering the Jaguar F-type SVR to the Geneva Motor Show, and Chris Evans and Matt Le Blanc head to Dingle to see whether the new Rolls Royce Dawn can out-class its ancestor, a 1976 Corniche. The Stars going head to head in the Rallycross Car are Absolutely Fabulous star Jennifer Saunders and Great British Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood.

The Orlando Nightclub Massacre (BBC 1/HD | 8:30pm to 9:00pm | Monday 27th June 2016)

Reporter Richard Bilton discovers what it is like to be caught up in the carnage of a mass shooting as Panorama tells the story of the Orlando massacre from the people who were there.

The Last Leg in, the Last Leg Out (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 1st July 2016)

The award-winning live weekly satirical comedy show continues, hosted by Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe. The team are joined by a special guest to examine the biggest and most entertaining news stories. Viewers can tweet the kind of edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck on Twitter handle #isitok.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 18/06/2016

The Last Leg in, the Last Leg Out - 24-06-2016 - YouView appTate Modern: Switched On (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Saturday 18th June 2016)

To mark the opening of the much anticipated, revamped Tate Modern, with its new Switch building more than doubling the amount of space it has on London’s Bankside, a look behind the scenes to reveal new director Frances Morris’s drive to increase the amount of international, female and performance-related work to make it a museum for the 21st century. With exclusive access to the Tate’s ‘secret stores’, where some of the new work will come from, members of its congregation explain how they feel the £260m transformation of this cathedral to contemporary art is money well spent, while others think its expansion in a time of recession is sacrilegious. Andrew Marr and Brenda Emmanus present from the opening night celebrations with contributions from Tate supremo Sir Nicholas Serota, artists Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley, critics Waldemar Januszczak and Jennifer Higgie, and comedians and painters Harry Hill and Vic Reeves.

Countryfile (BBC 1/HD | 5:45pm to 6:45pm | Sunday 19th June 2016)

Countryfile is in the East Midlands to find out about the region’s rural past. Matt Baker takes to the Trent in a kayak and finds out about the effort to clean up the river. He also visits Calverton Fish Farm in Nottinghamshire, where the team teach stocked fish how to be ‘wild’ in special tanks that force the fish to swim against an artificial current for food. Helen Skelton is in Rutland to meet master miller Nigel Moon. Nigel takes her on as apprentice for the day in his traditional windmill, one of the last in the region. Adam Henson is at the biggest agricultural show in the South West, The Royal Bath and West. John Craven launches 2016’s photographic competition, with its theme From Dawn till Dusk. Joining John on the judging team are Dragons’ Den’s Deborah Meaden, comedian Rhona Cameron and wildlife cameraman Simon King. Matt Baker also reveals the total raised by sales of 2015’s calendar. Tom Heap discovers how a global health crisis is impacting the battle against Bovine TB.

Top Gear (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 19th June 2016)

The world’s most popular motoring show continues. Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc and Sabine Schmitz buy cheap second-hand cars and head for Venice. The aim? To prove road travel can be more luxurious than taking the train. Elsewhere, Rory Reid heads to New York to sample the all-electric Tesla Model X, while Chris Harris dons his race helmet to drive the most powerful Aston Martin of all time – the fearsome Vulcan. Bear Grylls and Brian Cox are the Stars in a Rallycross Car.

Penelope Keith at Her Majesty’s Service (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 19th June 2016)

This time Penelope is in Northern Ireland, visiting the Queen’s official Royal residence, Hillsborough Castle. Penelope meets the household staff responsible for raising the flag, buffing the brass and turning down the beds for Her Majesty’s visits. She also gets an exclusive look at a long-lost scrapbook of handwritten royal menus and invitations dating back to 1925, which sheds light on the tastes of the day. Penelope also meets the Queen’s bugler, uncovers an unexpected treasure from the Queen’s 1953 coronation tour and finds out how The Queen’s simple act of crossing a road in Enniskillen in 2012 helped unify two fractured communities.

Colin Prior – Mountain Man: Adventure Show Special (BBC 2 Scotland and BBC iPlayer only | 7:00pm to 8:00pm | Wednesday 22nd June 2016)

This month’s programme follows landscape photgrapher Colin Prior as he begins a five-year project to capture the majesty and grandeur of the Karakoram mountains in Pakistan. For over thirty years, Prior has meticulously documented the planet’s mountains and wild places, capturing vast sweeping panoramas and memorable images.

The Last Leg in, the Last Leg Out (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 24th June 2016)

This week the live weekly satirical comedy show airs in an earlier slot as Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe are joined by a special guest to examine the EU referendum result and the biggest and most entertaining news stories of the week. Viewers can tweet the kind of edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck on Twitter handle #isitok.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 11/06/2016

Britain's Busiest Airport - Heathrow - 13-06-2016 - YouView appTriathlon (BBC 2/HD | 12:45pm to 6:00pm | Sunday 12th June 2016)

Jonathan Edwards presents live coverage of the Triathlon World Series event in Leeds. All of the British team that have been selected for the Rio Olympics are taking part. Non Stanford and Vicky Holland test themselves against gold-medal favourite and defending world champion Gwen Jorgensen of the USA. The Brownlee brothers are in action in the men’s race where they look to lay down a marker ahead of the Games against five-time world champion Javier Gomez of Spain, who is making his 2016 World Series debut around the Leeds course.

Top Gear (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 12th June 2016)

Chris Evans struggles to keep his lunch down as he rides with Sabine Schmitz in the new Audi R8. Elsewhere, Rory Reid tests the new Ford Focus RS, Chris Harris attempts to tame Ferrari’s savage F12 TDF and Matt LeBlanc gets a whistle-stop tour of London in Ken Block’s fearsome ‘Hoonicorn’. Boxer Anthony Joshua and comedian Kevin Hart are this week’s Stars in a Rally Cross Car.

Penelope Keith at Her Majesty’s Service (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 12th June 2016)

In celebration of The Queen’s 90th birthday, Penelope Keith travels to the four corners of the Union to venture behind the scenes of Her Majesty’s official royal residences. Penelope continues her journey at the Queen’s official Scottish residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where she discovers a unique 1000-piece royal silverware service and steps into the ill-fated bed chamber of Mary Queen of Scots. Penelope also boards Her Majesty’s floating royal residence, the Queen’s beloved yacht Britannia and peeks into the Queen’s private quarters. On the west coast of Scotland, Penelope visits Inveraray Castle and the Master of the Royal Household of Scotland. Penelope takes aim with some archers and meets the the Royal Falconer at Borthwick Castle in Midlothian.

Britain’s Busiest Airport – Heathrow (itv/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 13th June 2016)

Documentary series filmed over seven months looking at life behind the scenes at the UK’s biggest and busiest airport. In this edition, storm Imogen causes chaos on the runways and in the terminals. Airside safety officer Simon keeps his eyes peeled for any potentially dangerous debris which could damage planes that are landing. In Terminal 4, manager Sunita looks after dozens of passengers whose flight to Delhi has been cancelled. Trainee engineer Elliot prepares to get his hands dirty as he clears a blocked sewage pit – an essential part of the airport operation that no passenger normally sees. There are emotional reunions in arrivals and staff from the Animal Reception Centre welcome an exotic shipment of feathered friends from Canada.

Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People (BBC 1/HD | 8:30pm to 9:30pm | Wednesday 15th June 2016)

Documentary telling the extraordinary story of Koko, the only ‘talking’ gorilla in the world, and her lifelong relationship with Penny Patterson. Project Koko started as a PhD project to teach sign language to a baby gorilla, but as Koko began to communicate with Penny, an intense bond formed between them. Penny has now been with Koko for over 40 years and claims Koko can reveal fresh insights into the workings of an animal’s mind. Koko’s unique life with Penny has been filmed every step of the way. Many hours of footage chart the most dramatic moments – Penny’s battle to keep Koko from being taken back to the zoo in which she was born, Penny’s clash with academic critics who doubted her claims and the image of Koko mourning the death of her kitten. Penny believes that Koko has moved beyond simple language to express complex emotions – such as a longing for a baby gorilla of her own, and that the empathy she evokes in people changes their attitudes to all animals.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 17th June 2016)

The award-winning live weekly satirical comedy show continues, hosted by Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe. The team are joined by US actors Jesse Eisenberg and Kunal Nayyar who are starring in Jesse’s new West End play The Spoils, to examine the biggest and most entertaining news stories. Viewers can tweet the kind of edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck on Twitter handle #isitok.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 04/06/2016

The Last Leg - 10-06-2016 - YouView appThe Adventure Show (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 7:00pm to 8:00pm | Sunday 5th June 2016)

In the first of a new series, the Adventure Show take to the rapids of the River Tay for the Grandtully Premier Slalom. Olympic gold-medallist Tim Baillie gives an expert’s view on the action. Plus Cameron McNeish heads north to meet a remarkable man who, 50 years ago, achieved one of the greatest feats in the history of adventure.

Top Gear (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 5th June 2016)

This week, Matt, Chris and Eddie Jordan take music stars Sharleen Spiteri, Seasick Steve and Tinie Tempah on the ultimate SUV test in wildest South Africa. Back at the track, F1 superstar Jenson Button gives Chris a ride in the McLaren 675LT, while actor Damian Lewis is this week’s Star in a Rallycross Car.

City in the Sky (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Sunday 5th June 2016)

Dallas Campbell and Dr Hannah Fry investigate what it takes to get a million people and their luggage off the ground and up in the air. From building the world’s biggest passenger plane to navigating through the busiest airport on the planet, to the perils of getting airborne in the coldest city on earth – Dallas and Hannah go to extremes to get under the skin of the remarkable story of departure. You will never look at flying in the same way again.

Britain’s Busiest Airport – Heathrow (itv/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 6th June 2016)

Documentary series filmed over seven months looking at life behind the scenes at the UK’s biggest and busiest airport. In this edition, engineers rush to give an aircraft the world’s most expensive nose-job before it is needed to fly hundreds of passengers to America for Thanksgiving. Check-in assistant Lacey faces the daunting challenge of ensuring every kilo of excess baggage is weighed and paid for by passengers on a full flight to Bangladesh. Meanwhile, security staff race against the clock to screen every passenger and bag in time. Out on the airfield, aircraft handler Anasthasia leads an army of staff to trying to get a high-profile flight away on time.

Storm Troupers: The Fight to Forecast the Weather (BBC 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 6th June 2016)

Series in which Alok Jha charts the history of weather forecasting. The final episode tells the story of how meteorology became one of the most important scientific endeavours of the modern age. Alok charts the progress of computer-based forecasting through the characters who pioneered it. He relives the moments that shook faith in forecasting to its core, investigates the discovery of chaos theory, which threatened to undo all confidence in 20th-century science, and discovers the scientific consequences of that infamous forecast – Michael Fish’s missed hurricane, the Great Storm of 1987. Alok uses science demonstrations to investigate the chaotic, unpredictable nature of weather, meets present-day giants of meteorology and observes one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world in action. Based in the Met Office HQ in Exeter, it’s capable of simulating our entire planet’s climate and will help humanity face the vagaries of our weather and climate for generations to come.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 10th June 2016)

The award-winning live weekly satirical comedy show returns for an eighth series, hosted by Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe. The first guest of the series, Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, joins the team to examine the biggest and most entertaining news stories. Viewers can tweet the kind of edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck on Twitter handle #isitok.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 28/05/2016

Top Gear - 29-05-2016 - YouView appCountryfile (BBC 1/HD | 7:00pm to 8:00pm | Sunday 29th May 2016)

Countryfile is in Snowdonia. John Craven races a hill runner to the summit of Snowdon and meets the volunteers protecting the area’s ospreys. Anita Rani dons her wetsuit to discover that you don’t need to be near the sea to go surfing. Joe Crowley meets the artist whose work is taking centre stage in this landscape. And it’s all going down on Adam Henson’s farm as spring takes hold. The EU referendum is arguably the biggest decision facing our countryside for decades; Tom Heap meets up with the leading figures from both sides of the argument and asks the prime minister and Boris Johnson why rural Britain should vote with them.

Top Gear (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 29th May 2016)

In the first show of the new series, Chris Evans takes the Dodge Viper ACR to the home of Top Gun in Nevada, to battle Sabine Schmitz in a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Matt LeBlanc tackles wildest Morocco in Somerset’s finest off-roader, the Ariel Nomad. Back on British soil, Evans and LeBlanc take a rather soggy road trip to Blackpool in a pair of roofless Reliant three-wheelers, whereupon they are tasked with defending the honour of their nations in a series of gruelling UK-versus-USA challenges. Back in the studio, this week’s celebrity guests are Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg and Gordon Ramsey.

Britain and Europe: For Richer or Poorer? (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 31st May 2016)

Ahead of the EU referendum, Laura Kuenssberg examines the economic costs and benefits of EU membership. She talks to politicians and business leaders on both sides of the debate in a bid to find out what leaving could mean for trade and jobs, for red tape and people’s livelihoods. Kuenssberg also looks at what the UK brings to the EU, and what it gets back, before hearing the views of the public on whether Britain is better off in or out.

Highlands – Scotland’s Wild Heart (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 1st June 2016)

Ewan McGregor narrates this landmark series about the wildlife of the Scottish Highlands. This edition charts how damaging an effect human impact had in the past, with the cutting down of forests, warming seas and the loss of iconic species like bears and wolves. But now things are are changing, as people work hard to protect the Highlands’ precious ospreys, eagles, red kites, seabirds and dolphins, in order to restore the wild Highlands to its full glory.

Living with Dementia: Chris’s Story (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 2nd June 2016)

In a powerful, multi-textured documentary filmed over almost two years, one family living with dementia reveals what life is really like behind closed doors. Using CCTV cameras, video diaries and a small, immersive film crew, the programme follows 55-year-old Chris Roberts from north Wales as he, his wife Jayne and his youngest daughter Kate come to terms with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. From making the decision to choose his own care home to writing a living will, getting lost in his own house and not recognising his family, Chris chronicles his changing life as his independence slips away. Once a businessman and a keen biker, he now struggles to walk and talk – his life is beset by frustration, yet his remarkable insight allows us into his world.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 21/05/2016

Secret Life of the Human Pups - 25-05-2016 - YouView appHorizon (BBC 2/HD | 9:30pm to 10:35pm | Sunday 22nd May 2016)

Michael Mosley investigates the dramatic rise in e-cigarettes. They are everywhere these days, but what does the latest scientific research on them reveal? Michael reveals what e-cigarettes are really doing to your health. Are they really better for you than cigarettes? What is actually in them? Is passive vapour harmful? And can they really stop you from smoking? Michael meets some of the scientists around the world studying them, asks a group of volunteers to try to give up smoking regular cigarettes using them, and even takes up ‘vaping’ himself, smoking an e-cigarette every day for a month to see the effects on his own health – no easy task for such a committed non-smoker.

Storm Troupers: The Fight to Forecast the Weather (BBC 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 23rd May 2016)

Series in which Alok Jha charts the history of weather forecasting from its origins in the 19th century. To begin, he investigates how forecasting was transformed from superstition into science. At the heart of story is meteorologist Robert Fitzroy. Driven to prevent disasters at sea – like the wrecking of a passenger ship off the Anglesey coast in 1859 – Fitzroy issued Britain’s first storm warnings and came up with the first forecast to be published in a newspaper. Alok explores the knowledge Fitzroy was building on. He investigates weather folklore, asking if sayings such as ‘red sky at night, shepherd’s delight’ have any merit. He tells the stories of the other heroes of meteorology – people like Evangelista Torricelli, a student of Galileo’s, who invented the barometer; Luke Howard, who classified the clouds; and Francis Beaufort, who came up with the famous wind scale. Alok also discovers that public complaints about weather forecasts date back to the very first ones.

Boris v Dave: The Battle for Europe (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 25th May 2016)

With less than a month to go before the European referendum, Michael Crick examines how the campaign has become a battle between Britain’s most high-profile politicians. Through revealing interviews with their friends, families and political allies and foes, Crick examines the history behind this very public duel and how it has come to a head over Europe. David Cameron and Boris Johnson have a shared past, first at Eton, then at Oxford as members of the elite Bullingdon Club, and now in the top echelons of the Conservative Party. The documentary explores the dynamic between the two men. Crick provides his insight into the backgrounds of the two big-hitters and explores the incidents that have shaped and formed their political views. This landmark programme provides a definitive look at the personal battle that will define both Britain’s future relationship with Europe and the leadership of the Tory Party and the country.

Secret Life of the Human Pups (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 10:50pm | Wednesday 25th May 2016)

A quarter of British households have a dog. But some people don’t just want to own a dog; they want to be one. Secret Life of the Human Pups introduces a previously unseen subculture of ordinary men who lead extraordinary double lives, dressing up in elaborate dog suits that cost thousands of pounds as they strive to become their very own pet. Human puppy play has become a global phenomenon in recent years and there are now an estimated 10,000 ‘human pups’ in the UK alone. But what makes these grown men covet doggy treats, belly rubs and squeaky toys? And why has it risen in popularity? Getting under the skin of this weird and wonderful world, this documentary explores what it takes to become a human pup, the impact it has on friends and loved ones and why, for some people, it has become a way of life.

The Truth About Alcohol (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 26th May 2016)

A&E doctor Javid Abdelmoneim is on a mission to find out the truth about alcohol. In January, the government released its new alcohol guidelines. For men, the recommended weekly limit was cut by a third to 14 units per week, equivalent to about seven pints of beer, bringing it in line with the amount recommended for women. So what is behind the change? This is just one question of many that Javid aims to answer as he explores the science of drinking and the new evidence for the health risks of alcohol. Why do some people get drunk quicker than others? What is behind red wine’s healthy reputation? Is a nightcap actually good for your sleep? Does lining your stomach work? And can alcohol actually make you eat more?

George Clarke’s Amazing Homes on Wheels (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 27th May 2016)

George looks back across five series of Amazing Spaces and the incredible works of engineering people have achieved with their vehicles – from the scrap Learjet turned into a luxury garden studio to the restoration of the only surviving British mobile cinema truck. There is also the 1950s railway carriage converted into a three bedroom home and an incredibly stylish custom-designed Jeep transformed into a cocktail bar.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 14/05/2016

Paul Merton’s Secret Stations (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 15th May 2016)

Paul Merton goes in search of the hidden history of Britain’s rail request stops. This concluding episode begins on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast. From the request stop of Penally, Paul visits the trenches built for training during World War I. At Luxulyan in Cornwall, Paul looks for the hidden remains of local china clay mines. In Greater Manchester, Paul visits Reddish South – a request stop famous for having only one train a week. And for his final stop of the series, Paul goes to Corrour on the glorious West Highland Line, with a stop that’s ten miles to the nearest public road.

Highlands (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 18th May 2016)

Summer- The Greatest Race. Ewan McGregor narrates this landmark series about the wildlife of the Scottish Highlands. This edition charts summer, the most intense of all the seasons in the Highlands. Animals are in a great race to raise their young to independence before the nights close in and the storms of autumn arrive. Some, like otters and pine martens, are single mothers working ceaselessly for their young, while others, including golden eagles, work in pairs to look after the chicks. Most spectacular of all, young guillemots on Handa face a leap for life as they tumble to the sea from 400ft cliffs.

Paxman in Brussels: Who Really Rules Us? (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 19th May 2016)

As the EU referendum debate approaches its climax, Jeremy Paxman takes viewers on a journey to the heart of Europe, meeting the movers, shakers and anonymous faces who run the EU. His central question is simple – has the UK given the power to rule it to Europe, and if so, does it matter? Meeting crucial figures like Michael Gove and Nick Clegg, he hears arguments on both sides, whilst also trying to understand just how the incredibly complex organisation operates. On his journey he struggles through the Parlamentarium (an EU museum that tries to explain the place), tries on a replica of Margaret Thatcher’s famous EU jumper and samples the EU-regulated wares of the Portobello Road.

Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 20th May 2016)

John Sergeant tours around Britain’s canals. In this episode, he meanders along the Oxford Canal where he visits Tooley’s, the oldest working boatyard in Britain, gets to play his hero Inspector Morse, and bumps into a group of floating thespians.

George Clarke’s Amazing Houseboats (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 20th May 2016)

George Clarke looks back across five series of Amazing Spaces and some of the amazing houseboats people have built for the Great British waterways. There’s a seaplane from World War Two transformed into a bachelor pad; a 1960s pleasure cruiser refurbished as a marital home; and a hand built custom designed writers retreat created in the shape of an egg. George also looks further afield to an amazing holiday apartment on a lake in Germany and a Danish waterside home kept afloat by polystyrene and water bottles.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 07/05/2016

Paul Merton's Secret Stations - 08-05-2016 - YouView appAttenborough at 90 (BBC 1/HD | 7:00pm to 8:00pm | Sunday 8th May 2016)

In celebration of his ninetieth birthday, Sir David Attenborough shares extraordinary highlights of his life and career with broadcaster Kirsty Young, including the inspiring people he has met, the extraordinary journeys he has made and the remarkable animal encounters he has had across the globe. Joined by colleagues and friends, including Michael Palin and Chris Packham, Sir David shares some of the unforgettable moments from his unparalleled career, from capturing unique animal behaviour for the first time to the fast-paced advances in wildlife filming technology, as well as stories of the wonder and fragility of the natural world – stories that Sir David has spent his life exploring and championing.

Paul Merton’s Secret Stations (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 8th May 2016)

Paul Merton continues his journey around Britain’s railway request stops on the glorious West Highland Line and Beasdale, where the Special Operations Executive taught espionage in World War Two. Paul discovers a request stop just outside the centre of Bristol. And at Pontarddulais, Paul sees how a former mining town has reinvented itself as ‘the wedding village’ – with a high street full of bridal shops. Paul helps a young bride pick out her perfect dress, and has the chance to sing with the local male voice choir – the most successful choir in Wales.

The Tube: Going Underground (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 9th May 2016)

Documentary series following the work of the staff who keep London’s underground train service running smoothly. Engineer Anita hopes she has got her sums right as a new passenger tunnel nears completion, 192 new trains hit the tracks and legend of the line steps down.

How Scotland Works (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 10th May 2016)

Documentary series exploring life in 21st-century Scotland. In Scotland today, finding a home can be a challenge. The kinds of homes people want, and where they want them, are changing. More people are now working from home and tenements are being turned into workspaces. With land and houses in short supply, some people are turning to more radical solutions such as making their homes in houseboats or caravans to save money. Also, with people living longer lives there is the need to create homes for the elderly, which is sparking some innovative solutions. From a brand new town being developed in Aberdeenshire, to a houseboat on the canal, and even to a 200-year-old castle, this documentary tells the story of Scotland at home through a diverse range of characters and the homes they live in.

Highlands (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 11th May 2016)

Spring – Season of Extremes. Ewan McGregor narrates a series about the wildlife of the Scottish Highlands. In this edition it is spring, the most unpredictable of all seasons in the Cairngorm mountains. Ospreys, red squirrels, dippers, capercaillies, roe deer and bottlenose dolphins struggle to find food and raise their young while coping with the extremes of wind and weather.

Gareth’s Invictus Choir (BBC 1/HD | 9:000pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 12th May 2016)

Choirmaster Gareth Malone is facing his toughest challenge to date. He has been asked to form a choir of wounded ex-service personnel to perform at the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida. In this episode the choir have survived their first public performance. With just 4 weeks before they sing at the opening ceremony in Orlando, Gareth brings his choir to Somerset House in London and announces he wants them to write their own song for the performance. The songwriting process challenges the choir to dig deep into their experiences of injury or illness and the different stages of recovery they are each in. Gareth singing them the finished song is a key moment, as the choir hear the lyrics of their own stories. Once they are happy with the song, Gareth decides to show the lyrics to an industry friend. Following some unexpected news at a recording studio, the choir finally set off to the US for their big moment.

Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 13th May 2016)

John Sergeant travels along some of the most impressive canals in Britain. In this episode, John is aboard his narrowboat enjoying a trip along one of the oldest and prettiest canals in Britain – the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. On the way, he marvels at ingenious feats of 18th century engineering. He also tackles – with mixed results – the difficult art of glass-blowing, and discovers a secret underground cold war bunker.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 30/04/2016

Gareth's Invictus Choir - 05-05-2016 - YouView appPaul Merton’s Secret Stations (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 1st May 2016)

More than 150 of Britain’s railway stations are request stops. You have to put out your arm to get the train to stop at the platform. In this series, Paul Merton travels around the country by train, only getting off at request stops. Paul hops on and off at a variety of different request stops to tell the story of why they are there, and who uses them. Meeting railways experts and enthusiasts, he explores the history of the stations and learns more about life in and around the stops. Paul’s journey begins in the Highlands, travelling on the stunning Kyle Line to the request stop of Attadale, where he meets Joanna and Alec Macpherson, who’ve recently moved from Peckham to look after a vast 30,000-acre estate at the shore of Lochcarron. Paul’s next two request stops are on the Cumbrian Coast Line.

The Tube: Going Underground (Channel 5 | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 2nd May 2016)

Documentary series following the work of the staff who keep London’s underground train service running smoothly. The Tube takes on more than a thousand new staff. But the newbies are joining a system that now faces a level of terror threat unknown in the past.
(Subtitles, Audio Described, Episode 7)

How Scotland Works (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 3rd May 2016)

Documentary series exploring life in 21st-century Scotland. Today, life in Scotland’s most remote communities is changing, with new jobs and industries evolving, and the population growing. Innovative types of tourism like wreck diving and eagle spotting are being developed. Land-ownership laws are changing to give communities more of a stake in their crofts, and traditional work such as forestry is being transformed by 21st-century technology. Better communications keep the smallest island communities connected to the outside world, allowing new kinds of businesses and even international charities to be based there. This documentary tells the story of Scotland’s wild places through a diverse cast of characters including a dive guide, flying tree doctors, a global charity based on Coll and the world-famous Mull Rally.

Gareth’s Invictus Choir (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 5th May 2016)

Choirmaster Gareth Malone is facing his toughest challenge to date. He has been asked to form a choir of wounded ex-servicemen and -women to perform at the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida. This first episode sees Gareth arrive at Kensington Palace to meet with Prince Harry, the founder of the games. Gareth wants to find out more about the challenges he faces in trying to form this unique choir. Next step is to set off around the UK to put his choir of 12 together, but Gareth is not looking just for singers, he is looking for people with stories to tell of the battles and struggles they have faced since their medical discharge. Next, he takes them off for three days to teach them how to sing but discovers it’s he who has something to learn – how to work with such a fragile group. The choir is surprised with his choice of song, and it soon triggers off unexpected emotions. Finally, Gareth makes a shock announcement after just four weeks.

Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 6th May 2016)

John Sergeant enjoys some of the best canal journeys Britain has to offer. He takes in the delights of the Lancaster Canal, which runs along the coast through the ancient city of Lancaster. On the way, he gets to re-enact his favourite scene from Brief Encounter, marvel at the amazing Lune Aqueduct and learns to smoke kippers before tucking into one of the little beauties.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 23/04/2016

Caravanner of the_Year - 27-04-2016 - YouView appThe Mystery of the Crossrail Skulls (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 24th April 2016)

Engineers digging for Crossrail have made a chilling discovery: dozens of skulls under London’s Liverpool Street station. It’s clear the skulls are from Roman London, but nothing like this has been found before. This documentary unravels the mystery, using ground-breaking archaeological investigation. Who are these people and how did their skulls get there? There are many theories: they could be victims of a massacre, or gladiators; they could have naturally washed out of cemeteries in times of peace or be executed rebels; they could even be the victims of some grisly, long-lost ritual. Now the tools are available to solve the mystery. The investigation covers Boudicca’s rebellion, the bloody gladiatorial arena, and head-hunting sites in France. Does the investigation answer the mystery of the Crossrail skulls?

The Tube: Going Underground (Channel 5 | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 25th April 2016)

Documentary series following the work of the staff who keep London’s underground train service running smoothly. Management has decided to crack down on fare dodgers, but it is revenue inspectors Simon and Paul who have to deal with an aggressive passenger refuses to pay at the Angel. At Tottenham Court Road, John is supervising the tricky restoration of Eduardo Paolozzi’s famous mosaics. At Walthamstow, the installation of a new escalator is causing bottlenecks. On Poppy Day, Dame Barbara Windsor helps to fund-raise by becoming a Tube driver for the day.

How Scotland Works (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 26th April 2016)

Documentary series exploring life in 21st-century Scotland. In Scotland today, travel and transport is changing, with trains, planes and ferries all busier than ever. New services like the Borders Railway and a seaplane to Skye are connecting remote communities. In Aberdeen, hydrogen-powered buses are revolutionising public transport and cutting carbon emissions, while in Dundee electric taxis are making travel cheaper and cleaner. Meanwhile, older systems like the Glasgow subway are being updated for the modern world. This documentary tells the story of Scotland on the move through a diverse cast of characters including a train driver, a ferry captain, the subway nightshift engineers, a pioneering pilot and one of the original architects of Glasgow’s groundbreaking urban motorway system.

Caravanner of the Year (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Wednesday 27th April 2016)

It’s the final, and all three couples who have made it to this stage have been working on their winning strategy. Whether it’s planning and precision; soft toys and costumes or breaking out new recipes – they all want the title. The Caravan Club has promised even tougher challenges and a demanding navigation test with road restrictions and no sat navs quickly takes its toll. While some search for missing landmarks crucial to their route, a cake break is the stress-reliever for others. To pile on the pressure, driving skills also come under scrutiny when the judges take a back seat, literally. Grenville Chamberlain, Caravan Club Chairman, and motorhome journalist, Andy Harris, are joined by guest judge, Martin Dorey, the camper van cook, to face a stamina trial of their own when the competitors go all out to impress in the crucial hospitality challenge. From unusual recipes to amateur dramatics and a full 60s revival, these competitors all want the title of Caravanner of the Year.

Secret Britain (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 28th April 2016)

Series exploring the hidden corners of the UK and revealing landscape secrets. Ellie Harrison, Chris Hollins and Denise Lewis explore Northern Ireland. As one of the least touristy places in the UK, the province is brimming with secrets. Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis is chastised for a lack of focus when she competes in an unusual and unique local competition. Chris Hollins goes in search of a witch’s lair on the top of a mysterious mountain. And Ellie Harrison uncovers the secret history of an army training base that has been closed to the public for over a century.

Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 29th April 2016)

John Sergeant enjoys some of the best canal journeys Britain has to offer. John barges along the Rochdale Canal from the busy city centre of Manchester and over the beautiful Pennines. Along the way, he struggles to get to grips with traditional 19th century technology at a cotton mill, tries to make his own pair of clogs in one of the country’s few remaining clog factories and gets well and truly stuck when the canal springs a leak.

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