Top Gear (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 4th October 2020)

Freddie Flintoff, Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness return with the motoring magazine, beginning by heading to Paddy’s home town of Bolton to test three new company cars by spending 24 hours in them – with no getting out. Plus, Chris heads to Italy to put the Ferrari SF90 supercar through its paces.

Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 4th October 2020)

Michael Palin revisits his travel series, beginning with Around the World in 80 Days. He draws on his personal archive of audio recordings and diary notebooks, and reflects on how he became a seasoned global traveller. The first episode revisits his visits to Venice, Cairo, Saudi Arabia, India, Hong Kong and China – a nation that was closed to most westerners at the time. Featuring contributions from fans and friends including David Attenborough, Joanna Lumley and Simon Reeve.

Saving Lives at Sea (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 6th October 2020)

In the Irish resort of Skerries, the crew run to the station when strong winds sweep a teenager on a paddleboard towards the busy shipping lanes of the Irish Sea, while in the Bristol Channel, among the many yachts taking advantage of a fresh summer breeze, one loses a crew member overboard. While the crowds are heading home at the end of a busy summer’s day in Cleethorpes, two 13-year-old girls find themselves alone, cut off and at risk of drowning on a sandbank rapidly disappearing under a fast-rising tide.

All Creatures Great and Small (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 6th October 2020)

James’ workload doubles when Siegfried takes ill during a harsh winter. Among his many patients is Dick Rudd’s prized cow, which has an abscess in its throat and is on the brink of choking to death. Dick is devastated, having risked everything on the animal, leaving James determined to save the animal by any means. Mrs Hall discovers it is James’ birthday, and Tristan tries his best to cheer him up by arranging a double date.

The Grand Party Hotel (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 8th October 2020)

A busy Friday sees almost 700 party-mad people checking in. But with just minutes to go, there are problems with the plumbing. It’s even worse for Charley, who has arrived for a hen party organised by her brother, as there are problems with their room – and general manager Damian struggles to placate them. Meanwhile, owners Laurence and Katie throw an extravagant circus-themed party for the twins’ fourth birthday – and all the staff are invited.

The Adventure Show (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 7:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 9th October 2020)

Reports on adventure sports, proving that the pandemic hasn’t stopped Scotland’s most determined outdoor enthusiasts from creating their own entertainment. Ultra-runner Donnie Campbell creates a new record time for running all 282 Munros, 13-year-old, Isla Easto comes out of her comfort zone to cycle 400kms coast to coast, while top adventure racer Marie Meldrum shares her lockdown diary.

Secret Scotland (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 9th October 2020)

The comedian explores the Borders region, heading to a secret woodland in Galloway Forest, where she meets some cute and ardently protected red squirrels. She then enjoys a tour of Traquair House which, at 1,000 years old, has played host to historic figures such as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Susan is in her element as the 21st Lady of Traquair reveals secret stairwells and Mary Queen of Scots’ bed. To the south, in Eastriggs, Susan visits the site of the world’s largest munitions factory, where thousands of female workers produced explosives during the First World War.

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