Tag: The Forest

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 10/02/2018

Village of the Year Final with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Saturday 10th February 2018)

It’s the grand final of Village of the Year. Across 19 heats and four semi-finals, 76 villages have been whittled down – and now only four remain. There’s one last chance to impress, as each of the villages put on a special event for the judges to showcase everything they think makes their village great. Then, residents from each of the final villages gather together at a Village of the Year fete. The judges consider everything they’ve seen before Penelope Keith announces which village will be crowned Village of the Year and win £10,000.

Call the Midwife (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 11th February 2018)

Drama about a group of midwives in 1960s London. Sister Julienne is drawn into the heart of a different culture when she is called upon to help a Pakistani family. Having come to terms with her own childlessness, Mumtaz Gani is heartbroken when her husband Saddiq brings home a second wife who is eight months pregnant. Sister Julienne must help Mumtaz come to terms with this new addition to her family. Elsewhere, Trixie struggles to cope after her break-up with Christopher and looks for comfort at the bottom of a bottle. But it is not long before she can no longer conceal her struggle with sobriety. Sister Julienne and Dr Turner are convinced Sister Monica Joan needs cataract surgery, but before having the first consultation she must acknowledge that her vision is impaired. At clinic, Lucille meets a woman with pica – but this is no ordinary craving, as Mrs Campbell cannot stop eating coal.

The Forest (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 7:30pm to 8:00pm | Monday 12th February 2018)

Mark Bonnar narrates a series revealing the hidden world of Galloway Forest, the country’s largest afforested area. John ‘Cool’ Coughtrie and his Recreation Team boss Archie McNeillie spend the days leading up to the Galloway Hills Rally preparing safe places for attending crowds along the route to stand. Reigning champion and local legend Jock Armstrong hopes to defend his title and is thinking of nothing but the finish line. On the day of the rally, a troop of the event’s safety marshalls are on duty helping Archie to keep a watchful eye over proceedings. At Penninghame, tree planter Alastair Livingstone restocks a recently felled site with sycamore and oak. The Forestry Commission plant 4.5 million trees a year and Alastair has single-handedly planted over a million. Wildlife ranger Grant Carson works to manage the thousands of deer that roam the Forest Park to prevent them from damaging valuable recently planted trees.

The X Files (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 12th February 2018)

Revival of the classic sci-fi drama. After a violent home invasion, Mulder and Scully go on the run from Russian gunmen while following a trail of clues left by their long-dead friend Langly.

Rocky Mountain Railroad (Quest | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 12th February 2018)

Train crews in the Rockies must haul their 15,000 ton grain train through ice-encrusted tunnels to make their delivery on time.

Shetland (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 13th February 2018)

Crime drama set on the remote Scottish islands. Thomas Malone returns to Shetland after serving 23 years in jail for the murder of teenager Lizzie Kilmuir, a crime he swears he didn’t commit. Whilst most of the islanders are convinced of Malone’s guilt, the appeal and his subsequent release have thrown up the possibility that someone else could be responsible for Lizzie’s murder, but as Malone arrives back on Shetland, local journalist Sally McColl is found murdered. Perez and the team must investigate both cases.

Flatpack Empire (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 13th February 2018)

With unprecedented access to IKEA’s design studios, factories, test labs and stores over the course of a year, this series gets to know the people who work for the famous company. In episode two, we see what it takes to get new products from initial design to stores around the world. One of IKEA’s newest designers, Hanna-Kaarina Heikkila, wants to challenge mass production by creating an ‘imperfect vase’ that has the finger-marks of the creator – she travels to China to see if her idea is possible.

Impossible Railways (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 13th February 2018)

From tunnelling through the mighty Swiss Alps to overcoming a cliff face in Southern Australia, see how railway engineers have skilfully conquered mountains.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 15th February 2018)

Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. Long-buried memories are raked up for JP when someone from his past is caught red-handed at a murder scene and Jack must unravel a complex mystery to find the truth.

Walks with My Dog (more4 | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 15th February 2018)

TV presenter Anna Richardson takes her Staffie to the Peak District, including a walk through Dovedale and a spot of trout fishing. Jimmy Doherty is by the Suffolk seaside with his Irish terrier, visiting Aldeburgh and Thorpeness. And comedian Bill Bailey takes a pleasant stroll through Richmond Park with his dingoes Boolay and Banjar and tries a session of yoga for dogs.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 03/02/2018

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Saturday 3rd February 2018)

Five villages from the Village of the Year Central Zone compete for a place in the final – and the chance to be crowned Village of the Year. With £10,000 up for grabs, Penelope Keith and her team of expert judges are searching for the very best of what British village life has to offer. From the west of Ireland to the heart of the Midlands, five villages show they have even more strings to their bow as they continue to try to woo the Judges. Which village will be selected to represent the Central Zone in the Village of the Year Grand Finale?

Call the Midwife (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 4th February 2018)

Drama about a group of midwives in 1960s London. A pregnant mother hears a devastating diagnosis. Fred and Violet organise a beauty contest. Trixie and Christopher’s relationship feels the strain.

The Biggest Little Railway in the World (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 4th February 2018)

The tiny train’s in bad shape, it’s only halfway to Inverness, and the volunteers are due to head home in two and a half days. The train battles bad weather, steep hills, rocky terrain and poor track-laying while, nearer Inverness, the track teams try to insert a rack and pinion solution to steep sections of track. As the weather closes in the security team call off track-laying for safety reasons. But the train battles on, and Dick decide.

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Monday 5th February 2018)

Penelope Keith and her team of judges weigh up four contenders in this first heat from the Northern Zone, stretching from Scotland to Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Northumberland. In Inverness-shire Penelope discovers Boat of Garten, the village that brought ospreys back to the British Isles. Alex plays king of the castle in Bamburgh, Northumberland. Juliet takes in the beauty of the Lake District in Grasmere and Patrick explores the once independent state of Embo in the Scottish Highlands. Which will be the first village from the Northern Zone to secure a spot in the semi-finals?

The Forest (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 7:30pm to 8:00pm | Monday 5th February 2018)

Mark Bonnar narrates a new series revealing the hidden world of Galloway Forest, the country’s largest afforested area. When two fishing huts are discovered on remote Forestry Commission harvesting sites, Community Liaison Forester Lyndy Renwick must investigate and decide if the huts should be demolished. Specialist chainsaw contractor Dewi Williams prepares to take part in the UK Logging Competition, but the former champion will be up against his employee Gethin. With Galloway Forest becoming the continent’s first gold tier Dark Sky Park, the observatory near Dalmellington gives the public an open-air, hands-on observing experience, and at a Wednesday evening stargazing event, all they need is clear skies for a perfect view of Saturn.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 5th February 2018)

Forensic crime drama series. Nikki, Jack, Thomas and Clarissa are just settling down for their respective festive celebrations when they are interrupted by a call-out to a tragedy at a family home.

The X Files (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 5th February 2018)

Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, Lauren Ambrose, Robbie Amell, Naiah Cummins, Annabeth Gish. Revival of the classic sci-fi drama. Scully wakes from a vision that warns her of the end of the world, and that only one who can stop it is her and Mulder’s long-lost son William.

Rocky Mountain Railroad (Quest | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 5th February 2018)

Canadian Pacific Railway crews transport a huge payload of coal across the Rockies. Plus, a hockey team is stranded in the frozen wilderness.

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Tuesday 6th February 2018)

Searching for the very best of British village life, Penelope and her team explore four more worthy contenders from the Northern Zone. In Aberdeenshire, Penelope discovers the inspiration for great art in Catterline. Alex checks out the North Yorkshire village of Goathland that’s no stranger to the cameras. Juliet Sargeant pops into the Lancashire local that’s reviving the heart of Bolton-by-Bowland. On the Isle of Skye, Patrick Grant explores Tarskavaig, a unique community who are thriving on the edge of the Atlantic.

Impossible Railways (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 6th February 2018)

From the iconic Forth Bridge to a vertigo-inducing viaduct in rural New Zealand, discover how railway engineers have conquered valleys, canyons and waterways.

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (CHannel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Wednesday 7th February 2018)

Penelope Keith, Patrick Grant, Alex Langlands and Juliet Sargeant are in the Northern Zone looking to crown one village Village of the Year. Penelope visits a Moray village that was planned to perfection: Fochabers. Alex explores the smuggling stronghold of Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire. Patrick dances to a Scottish tune in Acharacle and Juliet is in hot pot heaven in Croston, Lancashire.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 7th February 2018)

With the conclusion of a challenging Christmas, the team are reunited with their families. Nikki learns that her colleagues have bought her an open return to see Matt.

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Thursday 8th February 2018)

In the last of the Northern Zone heats, Penelope enjoys going back to the land in Kinloch Rannoch in Scotland. Alex Langlands draws his sword in Great Ayton in Yorkshire. Patrick Grant tries his hand at the local lingo in Avoch in Ross-shire. In Cumbria, Juliet Sargeant immerses herself in the hustle and bustle of Staveley. With stunning landscapes and exceptional traditions.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 8th February 2018)

Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. The leader of a spiritual retreat is strangled and Jack and his team are baffled by the fact that all their suspects were in a meditation circle at the time of the murder.

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Friday 9th February 2018)

It’s the Northern Zone semi- final. Four villages compete for a slot in the final and the chance to be crowned Village of the Year. From the north of Scotland to the heart of Lancashire, four villages have made it on to the judge’s shortlist, but only one will be in with a chance to win £10,000. We’ll see a bit more from each of the semi-finalists, including hearing what they would spend the prize money on.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 27/01/2018

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Saturday 27th January 2018)

Five villages from this week’s heats go head-to-head for a spot in the grand final and the chance to win Village of the Year and the £10,000 prize money. Penelope Keith and her three judges have been searching for the very best of British village life, and tonight they will find out even more from the five contenders in the South East Zone. Will it be the buildings, the scenery or good old British eccentricity that wins the day?

Call the Midwife (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 28th January 2018)

Drama about a group of midwives in 1960s London. Lucille faces racism and prejudice when a new mother falls ill. Sister Winifred is keen to have fathers be more involved in the care of their babies.

The Biggest Little Railway in the World (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 28th January 2018)

Dick Strawbridge and a team of model railway enthusiasts attempt to build the longest model railway in the world, 71 miles across Scotland, from Fort William to Inverness. The teams face a series of tricky challenges on one key day as they race to get to Inverness. First the tiny train must cross the 60-metre Aberchalder Viaduct. Dick decides to run an electric loco rather than a steam one, but the train team refuse. They’re purists and insist on returning to the steam engine, which they claim they can run faster with a new enhanced fuelling system. After negotiating its way through a packed Fort Augustus, the loco must cross a curving trestle bridge that spans a rocky stream. Meanwhile, the build team struggle to find a way to climb a flight of 12 steps on the approach to Inverness. They settle on a helix – a technically demanding but beautiful solution.

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (BBC 1/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Monday 29th January 2018)

Penelope Keith and the team of judges are in the Central Zone heat of the Village of the Year. In Rutland, Penelope meets Lyddington’s own Sherlock Holmes. In Edale in the Derbyshire Dales, Patrick explores a unique method of beer delivery. In Northamptonshire Alex gets a chance to sample Aynho’s apricots. And in Eglinton in County Londonderry in Northern Ireland, Juliet enjoys a good old fashioned ceilidh. Which of the villages will secure a place in the semi-finals?

The Forest (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | Monday 29th January 2018)

Mark Bonnar narrates a new series revealing the hidden world of Galloway Forest, the country’s largest afforested area. The programme follows truckers Jimmy, Norman and Eric as they track down the timber stacks, load them using cranes and ferry the cargo to mills north and south of the border. The Forestry Commission plan an explosion at a forest quarry to produce rock for a new road masterminded by Forestry engineer Elaine McClymont, but not before Environment Officer Gareth Ventress has checked for any pine marten activity in the area. Gareth also heads to a secret location deep within the forest to check a golden eagle feeding station.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 29th January 2018)

While two care home staff are chasing Kevin McDowd, a young man with learning disabilities and sociopathic tendencies, Nikki and Jack examine a fatal road accident where the deceased is Kevin McDowd’s mother. The investigation led by police sergeant Button should be straightforward, but the forensic evidence suggests foul play.

Rocky Mountain Railroad (Quest | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 29th January 2018)

When a massive snowstorm hits the mountain railroad, an avalanche warning threatens to derail one of Canadian Pacific’s most important $50 million loads

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Tuesday 30th January 2018)

Penelope Keith and her panel of expert judges investigate four more villages from the Central Zone. In Lincolnshire, Penelope looks in on Irish dancing in Nettleham. Alex Langlands goes cuckoo for a water garden in Pembridge, Herefordshire. In Ulster Juliet attends the first wife-carrying championships in Glenarm. And Patrick takes a cruise down the Union canal in Gnosall in Staffordshire. Which village will impress the judges the most?

Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100 (itv/HD | 7:30pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 30th January 2018)

Julia Bradbury and Ore Oduba present a guide to the British public’s favourite 100 walks.

Impossible Railways (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 30th January 2018)

From a canyon-spanning bridge in San Diego to a track ascending an imposing Swiss peak, hear how railway engineers have conquered jungles, deserts and mountain.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 30th January 2018)

The team are determined to uncover the truth about unexplained deaths of patients at a care home. They are desperate to rescue Serena and return her to safety. Unbeknownst to her colleagues in the Lyell Centre, Clarissa allows herself to be admitted to the care home in order to investigate. Her determination to find out what happened leads her to uncover a shocking truth, but puts her life in danger.

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Wednesday 31st January 2018)

Penelope Keith and her panel of judges consider four more villages from this Central Zone heat. Penelope bonds with alpacas in Houghton and Wyton in Cambridgeshire. Alex Langlands bangs his drum with the last village band in Bretforton in Worcestershire. Patrick Grant learns what it is to be to the manor born in Tissington in Derbyshire. And Juliet takes a hair-raising back seat ride in Armoy, County Antrim. Which village wins over the judges for a spot in the semi-finals?

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Thursday 1st February 2018)

Penelope Keith and her team uncover the very best of British village life. In this heat Penelope unleashes her inner graffiti artist in Histon and Impington in Cambridgeshire. Patrick Grant pilots a rocket in Audlem, Cheshire. Juliet Sargeant is out to sea in Strangford in Northern Ireland. And in Frampton-on-Severn in Gloucestershire, Alex Langlands explores the largest village green in England. The competition is tough as four villages go head to head for a spot in the semi-finals.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 1st February 2018)

Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. The island’s Day of the Dead celebrations are cut short by a woman’s death. DI Mooney and the team must navigate the waters of the elitist Yacht Club to catch the killer.

Walks with My Dog (more4 | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 1st February 2018)

Actor Emilia Fox takes her dachshunds through a wooded valley in Cornwall, where she uncovers a secret industrial past. Comedian Bill Bailey wanders under big skies on the Norfolk coast and in the shadow of Hunstanton’s spectacular striped cliffs. And stand-up Katherine Ryan visits Kent’s picturesque Hever Castle with her Tibetan spaniel.

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Friday 2nd February 2018)

Four more villages compete for a chance to win £10,000 and to be crowned Village of the Year. In Lincolnshire Penelope tracks down a seriously good sausage in Woodhall Spa. Alex Langlands get jiggy with the Morris men of Illmington in Warwickshire. Juliet Sargeant explores the blooming beautiful Broughshane in County Antrim. In Cheshire, Patrick Grant takes tea by the lake in Pickmere. With one more slot to fill for tomorrow’s semi, which village will be joining the line-up and in with the chance to win £10,000?

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 13/01/2018

The Coronation (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 14th January 2018)

Marking the 65th anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation, the Queen shares her memories of the ceremony, as well as that of her father, King George VI, in 1937. Viewing rarely seen film footage and looking at some of the priceless Crown Jewels themselves, Her Majesty the Queen recalls the day when the weight of both the St Edward’s Crown, and the hopes of a nation recovering from war, were placed on her shoulders, as the nation looked to their 27-year-old Queen to lead them into a new era. Exploring the role and symbolic meaning of the Crown Jewels in the centuries-old coronation ceremony, this programme shows these objects of astonishing beauty as they’ve never been seen before. Using the Crown Jewels and the Queen’s recollections as its touchstones, The Coronation tells the inside story of this glittering ceremony.

The Biggest Little Railway in the World (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 14th January 2018)

Dick Strawbridge and a team of model railway enthusiasts attempt to build the longest model railway in the world, 71 miles across Scotland, from Fort William to Inverness. As the little train starts the first part of its epic journey, it becomes clear exactly how difficult the challenge will be. The team’s attempt to use the miniature train ferry that they’ve built doesn’t go well, with the train drifting towards a wall of water… Meanwhile, the track teams are battling in rainy and midge-infested conditions to lay more track. And the build team have to work out how to span a 60-metre viaduct by Aberchalder Bridge. It could flood at any point, so they decide to build another viaduct, but the sheer length of it makes it very challenging. And the train is making slow progress, with much more rugged terrain still to come.

Village of the Year (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Monday 15th January 2018)

In the first of a brand new series, Penelope Keith along with village judges – archaeologist Alex Langlands, garden designer Juliet Sargeant and craft expert Patrick Grant – weighs up four contenders vying for the title of ‘Village of the Year’. This week we are in the western zone made up of some stunning seaside and rural idylls. Penelope is by the seaside in Charmouth, Dorset. In Redbrook, in the Wye Valley Patrick bridges the divide between Wales and England. Juliet uncovers her inner Viking in Lydford, Devon, and Alex learns to thatch on the coast in Aberdaron, Wales.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Monday 15th January 2018)

Michael Portillo embarks on a journey through Britain steered by his Edwardian railway handbook. He begins in the East Yorkshire port of Hull, where he heads for the docks through which millions of migrants passed at the turn of the 20th century and which are today getting a second wind.

The Forest (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 7:30pm to 8:00pm | Monday 15th January 2018)

Mark Bonnar narrates a series revealing the hidden world of Galloway Forest, the country’s largest afforested area. In this episode, James Jones sawmill in Lockerbie powers through 20,000 logs a day. But when a six-tonne machine called a crosscut stacker breaks down, a dedicated engineering team must save the day. A decline in salmon numbers in the River Cree near Newton Stewart has led to a tireless effort to restock the river by the Cree Hatchery and Habitat Trust. Archie McNeillie and John Coughtrie from the Forestry Commission’s Recreation Department deal with a rat infestation in a public area caused by an overzealous bird feeder. And at Balloch O’Dee campsite, owner James gets ready to stage a comedy night.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 15th January 2018)

Forensic crime drama series. Nikki and Jack continue to deal with their feelings post-Mexico in their own very different ways. Jack is boxing with his sparring partner Naomi Silva when he is called to a crime scene. Nikki examines the body of a young woman, while Jack is surprised to find the SIO on the case turns out to be DCI Naomi Silva. The forensic evidence takes them to a cosmetic clinic where a pregnant Karen had been receiving various treatments seemingly for free. Nikki and Silva are frustrated by the CEO of Hamilton Ashe hospital when he blocks access to Karen’s medical records. However, when a second body is found, he is forced to help the team.

Village of the Year (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Tuesday 16th January 2018)

Penelope Keith and the Village of the Year team of judges travel the British Isles to report on four villages hoping to be crowned Village of the Year. In Devon, the Lympstone Brass Band puts on a performance for Penelope; Alex Langlands investigates an alien invasion in Llwyngwril, North Wales; Patrick Grant learns about the peculiar art of swede racing in Colwinston, South Wales; and Juliet Sargeant helps spruce up the idyllic village of Porlock.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Tuesday 16th January 2018)

Armed with his Edwardian Bradshaw’s guide, Michael Portillo conducts important research in an historic tea room, built by an Edwardian immigrant to the city of York.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 16th January 2018)

Forensic crime drama series. The team wonder if the hack is the only danger as they come under threat. Jack has to decide how to get closure from his experience in Mexico.

Village of the Year (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Wednesday 17th January 2018)

Penelope Keith and the Village of the Year panel of judges visit four villages going head-to-head in their bid to be crowned Village of the Year. Penelope meets an army of volunteers on the Dorset coast in Burton Bradstock; surf’s up for historian Alex Langlands at the world’s first surfing lake in Dolgarrog; anything goes for Patrick Grant in Llangwm’s museum of everything; and Juliet Sargeant has a real taste of the sea in Mousehole, Cornwall.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Wednesday 17th January 2018)

With his Edwardian railway guidebook tucked under his arm, Michael Portillo is in the steel city of Sheffield, where he discovers an enormous and beautifully preserved early 20th-century steam engine. At 400 tonnes and packing 12,000 horsepower, it produced armour plate for the most feared warship of the Royal Navy.

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Thursday 18th January 2018)

Travelling the length and breadth of the British Isles, Penelope Keith and her team of judges are looking for the UK’s Village of the Year. In Betws-y-Coed in the heart of Snowdonia, Alex Langlands gets adventurous; Penelope is horsing around in Charlton Horethorne; Juliet Sargeant reels in the catch of the day in Polperro, Cornwall; and on the Gower Peninsula, Patrick Grant is digging for cockles in Penclawdd. Which village woos the judges to become a semi-finalist?

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Thursday 18th January 2018)

Michael Portillo’s Edwardian railway guide takes him to the city of Liverpool, where King Edward VII had recently laid the foundation stone for a grand Anglican cathedral at the top of St James’s Mount. The young winner of a competition to design the building was a Roman Catholic from a family of architects. His name was Giles Gilbert Scott. Michael takes a trip down his own memory lane in Maghull on the outskirts of Liverpool, where he discovers a childhood favourite – a miniature tank engine with three carriages in dark red – made by Frank Hornby.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 18th January 2018)

Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. When famous thriller author Frank O’Toole is found stabbed through the heart in the middle of the ocean, Jack and his team are baffled. But as the spotlight turns on Frank’s closest friends and family and secrets are exposed, Jack uncovers a murder plot worthy of one of his novels…

Walks with My Dog (more4 | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 18th January 2018)

In the second programme of the new series, actor Angela Griffin is in the Cotswolds, TV presenter and explorer Ben Fogle wanders across Morecambe Bay and chef James Martin explores The New Forest. Angela and her Cavapoo Smith walk from the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds – taking in the romantic folly of Broadway Tower and playing cricket in the village where JM Barrie and a team of legendary literary luminaries once came to face the locals. Ben Fogle and his black Labrador Storm visit a very different landscape – the wide open expanse of Morecambe Bay. Here they dabble in art and meet a man who guides people to safety across the treacherous sands, by Royal Appointment. James Martin is with Cooper, his working cocker spaniel, on a jaunt through the New Forest. They discover the area’s shipbuilding history, learn about its status as an ancient woodland and go for a spin in a vintage car.

Village of the Year with Penelope Keith (Channel 4/HD | 3:00pm to 4:00pm | Friday 19th January 2018)

Penelope Keith and her panel of expert judges investigate four more villages competing to win the title of ‘Village of the Year’. On the Jurassic coast Penelope’s all at sea with Beer’s historic fishing fleet, and Patrick Grant is ‘boule-d’ over in Sherston, Wiltshire. In Devon, Juliet Sargeant meets the Clovelly donkeys, and Alex Langlands goes native in the Welsh village of Llanllyfni.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Friday 19th January 2018)

With his Edwardian Bradshaw’s railway guide tucked under his arm, Michael Portillo begins the last leg of his journey from Hull to Caernarfon. In picturesque Snowdonia, he braves the fastest zip line in the world – stretching 1,500 feet across a vast slate quarry. He uncovers a bitter industrial dispute between quarrymen and the owner of the pit, Lord Penrhyn, which divided the community at the beginning of the 20th century.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 06/01/2018

Attenborough and the Sea Dragon (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 7th January 2018)

Documentary following David Attenborough as he attempts to animate the life of the ichthyosaur whose 200-million-year-old fossil remains were found on Britain’s Jurassic coast. Using state-of-the-art imaging technology and CGI, the team reconstruct the skeleton and create the most detailed animation of an ichthyosaur ever made. Along the way, they stumble into a 200-million-year-old murder mystery – and only painstaking forensic investigation can unravel the story of this extraordinary creature’s fate.

The Biggest Little Railway in the World (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 7th January 2018)

Engineer Dick Strawbridge leads a team of model railway enthusiasts as they attempt to build the longest model railway in the world, 71 miles across Scotland, from Fort William on the west coast to Inverness on the east coast. It’s a route the Victorians never managed, so building this miniature railway will be an epic challenge. Dick briefs the nervous but excited volunteers and selects four team leaders – debt collector Lawrence Robbins, science fiction writer Jenny Kirk, school caretaker Charlie Fox-Wilson and apprentice project manager Paul Burkitt-Gray. He also selects two teams who will build especially challenging constructions such as bridges and viaducts. The volunteers get stuck in straight away.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Monday 8th January 2018)

Michael Portillo embarks on an adventure from the coalfields of south Wales to the southernmost tip of Cornwall. His first stop is Whitland in Carmarthenshire, where in the early 20th century, thrill-seekers gathered on Pendine Sands to indulge their need for speed. In Llanelli, Michael retraces the fateful events of a national rail strike in 1911 and is stirred by the sound of a male voice choir as they sing the town’s unofficial anthem. At Loughor, he discovers a passionate preacher, who led a religious revival which gripped Edwardian Wales and had profound implications for the nation’s established church. In a suburban semi-detached house in the ‘sprawling, crawling town of Swansea’, Michael discovers the restored home of the poet Dylan Thomas, and the tiny bedroom in which he wrote two thirds of his published work.

The Forest (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | Monday 8th January 2018)

Mark Bonnar narrates a new series revealing the hidden world of Galloway Forest, the country’s largest afforested area. In this episode, the Forestry Commission’s recreation team is tasked with rebuilding steps on a well-worn pathway at Fairy Knowe, but the steps are up a 330-foot hill. Getting hunks of granite rock to the remote hill is one problem and digging them in by hand is another. A team of specialist contractors from Wales arrive in Galloway Forest to harvest timber from the most inaccessible areas using a massive system of cables and winches called the skyline. Deep in the forest, conservationists Bill and Christine breed and hand rear hyacinth macaws, the world’s largest flying parrot. And on a remote peatbog the size of 32 football pitches, Graeme Little operates his own customised mulching machine.

Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Monday 8th January 2018)

Julia Bradbury chooses some of her favourite and most accessible family treks from across the UK. In this episode, she sets off on her favourite coastal walk to one of the most famous landmarks on the Jurassic Coast: Old Harry Rocks. Taking in miles of golden sandy beaches and the dramatic history of the bay, Julia’s walk offers a fantastic example of the British coastline at its best.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 8th January 2018)

Forensic crime drama series. As the team investigate the death of a man found in a remote reservoir, Nikki and Jack must deal with the aftermath of their Mexico ordeal.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Tuesday 9th January 2018)

Armed with his Edwardian Bradshaw’s guide, Michael strikes gold at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, where after much frisking, he gains access to the inner vaults. At Cardiff Arms Park, Michael revisits the scene of a triumphant Welsh victory over the fearsome All Blacks and hears from Welsh international Gerald Davies. In Cardiff Bay, Michael discovers the departure point for one of the Edwardian era’s most famous expeditions – Scott’s ill-fated voyage to the Antarctic. Aboard the racing yacht Challenge Wales, Michael meets young sailors training for a Tall Ships Race.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 9th January 2018)

Forensic crime drama series. Nikki’s suspicions about David Cannon are aroused further when she discovers blood in the boot of his car. With Thomas’s support, she takes samples to process – does it belong to Sally Vaughn? The uncovering of a family murder from the past shines the spotlight on three people who went to the same school.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Wednesday 10th January 2018)

Michael Portillo discovers the birthplace of British aviation in Bristol and prepares an Airbus 380 for a smooth landing at Filton. In Newport, he uncovers the heroism of a young boy who rescued a workman from a dock disaster, in which many died. Michael discovers the home of a forward-thinking Edwardian family at Eagle House in Batheaston. Frieda Roberts remembers the suffragettes who campaigned for votes for women in the early 20th century and found refuge at the house after their release from prison. And in Clevedon, Michael goes to the movies in a perfectly preserved cinema dating from 1912 and hears about the first film to be shown there.

The Storm That Saved a City (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 10th January 2018)

Documentary about the consequences of the devastating 1968 storm that tore through the central belt, which caused a rethink in the redesigning of Glasgow. In the wake of the storm on January 15, which killed 20 people, a group of young architects and some strong-willed residents came together to save their city, bringing forward the transformation of Glasgow – from Britain’s biggest slum to the cultural capital of Europe.

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Thursday 11th January 2018)

With purple, green and yellow ribbons flying, and sporting ankle bells, Michael Portillo is led a merry dance in Stogumber – all in the name of fertility. He visits a celebrated Edwardian garden at Hestercombe to discover the fruits of an unusual partnership and learns how to deadhead the roses. There is a trip aboard the longest heritage line in England and the chance to ring in the new era at Exeter Cathedral before dining out in style on King Edward VII’s coronation gala dinner at Bovey Castle.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 11th January 2018)

Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. DI Mooney and the team enter the high-stakes world of poker when a finalist is poisoned during the Caribbean Poker Masters tournament. The only suspects are sat round the table. When even a twitch of an eye can reveal a player’s hand, just how did the killer commit murder?

Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Friday 12th January 2018)

Steered by his early 20th-century Bradshaw’s railway guide, Michael Portillo boldly goes to the moon by way of the Cornish Riviera Express. On the trail of an historic achievement made at the dawn of the Edwardian era, he investigates the first radio signal to be sent across the Atlantic. In Plymouth, Michael uncovers what happened to surviving crew members of the most famous ocean liner in history, the Titanic. And at Fowey, he rediscovers a lost literary figure known as Q, who immortalised the town in his novels.

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