Tag: The Last Leg

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 18/02/2017

Call the Midwife (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 19th February 2017)

Drama about a group of midwives in 1960s London. Nonnatus House welcomes a new recruit, Nurse Valerie Dyer. A vulnerable young man captures Fred and Violet’s hearts, whilst the whereabouts of Sister Mary Cynthia is a concern.

Winter Road Rescue (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Monday 20th February 2017)

Documentary series. In Essex, RAC patrolman Simon fights through a blizzard to get to a lone woman who has broken down on a busy A-road at night, while in Lowestoft coastguards have their work cut out to keep the public safe as a red alert is issued for a huge tidal surge.

The Railways That Built Britain, with Chris Tarrant (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 20th February 2017)

Documentary series. Chris Tarrant explores how the advent of the railways transformed the nation. The railways played a crucial role during the two world wars. The factories were converted to produce munitions, the lines kept vital supply lines open, carried troops to and from the front line, and its underground stations became bomb shelters. There were heroes, but also victims as the railways became an enemy target.

Tales From the Coast with Robson Green (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 21st February 2017)

Robson Green travels along some of the nation’s fascinating stretches of coastline. In the last episode, Robson visits Essex and Suffolk for a journey along one of the most varied coastal landscapes in Britain. His journey begins in the famous salt marshes of the Blackwater estuary, where he finds himself knee deep in sludge as he attempts to run the route of the Maldon mud race. At Clacton-on-Sea, Robson recalls the teenage hysteria of the early sixties, as he reunites a group of Mods and Rockers who hit the headlines when they clashed on the beach there in 1964. In Suffolk, Robson visits a giant shingle spit called Orford Ness, once a top secret military base that played a vital role in defending Britain from attack in both World Wars and was a testing site for atomic bombs. His final destination is the resort of Southwold, where he meets the owners of some of Britain’s most sought-after beach huts and hears the stories behind the highly-personal plaques which adorn its pier.

Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 21st February 2017)

Documentary series. Alan Titchmarsh and a celebrity experts and enthusiasts reveal the hidden treasures to be found at Britain’s historic houses and estates. Alan visits Attingham Hall in Shropshire, one of the Trust’s grandest properties. Jon Culshaw uncovers a lost WWII secret at the former home of Benjamin Disraeli. Anneka Rice goes fly-fishing on the River Test. Lisa Holloway watches the restoration of a 430-year-old tapestry in Norfolk. Dan Jones visits a remote farm in north Wales, which was rescued by a group of Hollywood A-listers.

South Downs: England’s Mountains Green (BBC 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 21st February 2017)

Peter Owen-Jones takes us into heart of the UK’s newest national park – the South Downs. Following the South Downs Way along the spine of the park, from the famous Seven Sisters Cliffs to Winchester – the ancient capital of England – Peter experiences an extraordinary year exploring the park’s stunning landscapes, rich history, wildlife and people. What emerges is a portrait of one of Britain’s most iconic landscapes, described by William Blake as ‘England’s mountains green’.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 23rd February 2017)

Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. Saint Marie’s mayoral elections are thrown into disarray when one of the candidates is stabbed in his polling booth whilst casting his vote.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm 11:05pm | Friday 24th February 2017)

The award-winning satirical comedy returns for its tenth series. Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe examine the biggest, most entertaining news stories via the #isitok twitter handle, where viewers tweet in edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck. Each week a celebrity guest joins the team to dissect the week’s events.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 11/02/2017

Call the Midwife (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 12th February 2017)

Drama about a group of midwives in 1960s London. An expectant mother with financial struggles enters into a painful arrangement with her cousin. As Tom provides pastoral care, he reveals why this case touched him more than most.

Winter Road Rescue (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Monday 13th February 2017)

Series following patrols who make sure the UK does not grind to a halt when winter weather hits. In Glasgow, breakdown patrolman Mark rushes to help three young lads who have come off a dangerous slip road, and on the M6 Highways England traffic officer Jason arrives at the scene of a rush hour accident involving a mother and her baby daughter.

The Railways That Built Britain, with Chris Tarrant (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 13th February 2017)

Documentary series. Chris Tarrant explores how the advent of the railways transformed the nation. Starting in the cab of Puffing Billy, the world’s oldest surviving steam locomotive, he looks at the lives of two leading railway pioneers and the navvies who dug the tunnels and laid the tracks. He also reveals how rail changed the food we eat, and learns how a disaster in Armagh led the government to impose national safety standards.

Tales From the Coast with Robson Green (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 14th February 2017)

Robson Green travels along some of the nation’s fascinating stretches of coastline. In this episode, Robson visits the wild and remote coastline of the Outer Hebrides. He discovers first-hand how an unpredictable climate and the often volatile weather have given this group of islands an identity and way of life all of their own. At the ancient village of Gearrannan, Robson tries his hand at weaving Harris tweed in a traditional crofter’s blackhouse. On the Isle of Lewis, he goes snorkelling for sugar kelp – which is used to flavour the local gin. He also encounters Britain’s largest bird of prey, the white-tailed sea eagle. Robson camps out on one of Britain’s most beautiful beaches at Luskentyre, and on the Isle of Barra, he helps out at the airport where the beach doubles as the runway.

Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 14th February 2017)

Documentary series revealing the hidden history, human stories and natural history behind National Trust properties. Alan Titchmarsh reveals some surprising facts about Beatrix Potter, Joan Bakewell the role of a small island in Lake Grasmere in the creation of the National Trust, Oz Clarke visits a nursery housing some of our rarest plants, Jon Culshaw visits a time capsule in Gloucestershire and Suzannah Lipscomb travels to Blakeney Point, home of the UK’s largest seal colony.

June Brown at 90 (BBC 1/HD | 8:30pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 16th February 2017)

Celebrate a milestone birthday and all things Dot Cotton as EastEnders actress June Brown chats about her life and career. Featuring famous Walford faces and one or two surprises.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 16th February 2017)

Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. When a tourist provides an alibi for a woman convicted for murder seven years ago, the team are forced to reopen the case.

Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 17th February 2017)

Julia Bradbury chooses some of her favourite and most accessible family treks from across the UK. In the final episode, Julia’s favourite island walk has it all – an ancient Manx river glen, the world’s biggest mining waterwheel and a climb which culminates with spectacular views of England, Scotland and Ireland. With steam trains and electric trams on the TT island famous for Thomas the Tank Engine, this is an action-packed finale.

Alan Cumming’s Edge of Scotland (stv/HD & stv player only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 17th February 2017)

Alan Cumming fulfills a lifelong dream to explore the rugged beauty of the Outer Hebrides and meet the people who live there. Alan travels from Barra to Stornoway on a stunning island odyssey where he sees white sandy beaches, ancient wonders and a world-famous football pitch.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 17th February 2017)

The award-winning satirical comedy continues its tenth series. Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe examine the biggest, most entertaining news stories via the #isitok twitter handle, where viewers tweet in edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck. Each week a celebrity guest joins the team to dissect the week’s events.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 04/02/2017

Call the Midwife (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 5th February 2017)

Drama about a group of midwives in 1960s London. The winds of change are blowing through Poplar, as a new government paper calls for the eradication of small hospitals in favour of large general hospitals. Dr Turner and Shelagh are informed that an inspection of the maternity home will decide its fate. Sister Ursula has her own anxieties about the efficiency of Nonnatus House, so she introduces a new 20-minute rule for all antenatal and postnatal house visits. Barbara struggles the most with this, as she is drawn into helping a first-time mother from the Chinese community. It soon becomes apparent that the shortened visit might have allowed a serious oversight. With the future of the maternity home hanging by a thread, serious questions are raised over Sister Ursula’s suitability for her role. Meanwhile, Sister Monica Joan has started disappearing for long periods of time and there are growing concerns for Sister Mary Cynthia’s whereabouts.

Tales From the Coast with Robson Green (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 7th February 2017)

Robson Green travels along some of the nation’s fascinating stretches of coastline. In this episode, Robson visits one of the most exciting and dramatic stretches of coastline in Britain as he explores the hidden coves and remote islands of Pembrokeshire. There is a reunion in store for Robson, as he meets up with his former Soldier Soldier co-star and singing partner Jerome Flynn – who now lives on the Pembrokeshire coast. They go sea kayaking around Ramsey Island and Robson attempts to navigate some of the most dangerous tidal rapids off British shores. On Skokholm Island, Robson spends 24 hours living and working with its only human inhabitants – wildlife wardens Giselle Eagle and Richard Brown, a couple who look after an incredible array of seabirds including the largest concentration of Manx shearwaters in the world. Robson also goes cliff jumping in a disused quarry known as The Blue Lagoon, and meets a man who creates giant sand art at Mwnt Beach.

Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree’s Story (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 7th February 2017)

Documentary following Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree’s 2013 attempt to challenge the world land speed record at Nevada’s Battle Mountain. Using a bike built in his kitchen, he took on teams employing the latest computer simulation technology and leading aerodynamics experts. The film captures Obree as he prepares himself, from building his latest hand-built machine, The Beastie, in his small one bedroom flat using mostly recycled materials, to his rudimentary analysis of physics, biomechanics and aerodynamics using nothing more than his mind and imagination. Using no wind tunnels or computer simulations to determine the optimum performance parameters, The Beastie is designed with one purpose in mind – to go fast.

Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 7th February 2017)

Documentary series visiting National Trust properties and revealing the hidden history, human stories and natural history behind them. At Knole House in Kent, Alan Titchmarsh joins a team of archaeologists as they uncover new information about its 600-year history, and Joan Bakewell follows the restoration work on some of its priceless paintings. Plus, Anneka Rice discovers Capability Brown’s connection to Croome Court in Worcestershire and Miriam O’Reilly walks in the footsteps of giants on the Jurassic Coast.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 9th February 2017)

Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. The team race against the clock in London to solve two murders, after their prime suspect is found dead. Meanwhile, Dwayne has an emotional encounter and Humphrey finds that some advice from an unexpected source helps him come to a big decision.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 10th February 2017)

The award-winning satirical comedy returns for its tenth series. Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe examine the biggest, most entertaining news stories via the #isitok twitter handle, where viewers tweet in edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck. Each week a celebrity guest joins the team to dissect the week’s events.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 28/01/2017

Casualty (BBC 1/HD | 8:25pm to 9:15pm | Saturday 28th January 2017)

Cal’s trust in Alicia is tested by a horrifying discovery, and Charlie and Duffy’s wedding is in jeopardy after Charlie takes things a step too far.

Call the Midwife (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 29th January 2017)

Drama about a group of midwives in 1960s London. Sister Ursula continues to reign with an iron fist and the midwives at Nonnatus House struggle to toe the line, especially when she insists they must not be emotionally involved with their patients. This unpopular new edict is immediately put to the test when new father George Marsh is badly burnt in an explosion at the docks and is unable to support his new family, and when expectant mother Penny Reed and her anxious husband Derek are brought to the attention of Nonnatus House. Penny and Derek both have achondroplasia (colloquially known as dwarfism) and problems with the pregnancy are anticipated, including their baby being stillborn or only living for a short time. As the midwives prepare the Reeds for an infant that may not live, their unconditional devotion to one another and to their unborn child makes a deep impact, especially on Patsy, who is facing one of her toughest decisions yet.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 30th January 2017)

Nikki travels to Mexico when her friend is killed in a carjacking, but she soon makes a discovery that sets her on a collision course with some dangerous and unpredictable forces. Thomas sends Jack to bring Nikki back, but soon he is knee-deep in the unfolding situation.

Tales From the Coast with Robson Green (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 31st January 2017)

Robson Green travels along some of the nation’s most fascinating stretches of coastline. In this episode, he visits the shores of North Devon – the location of some of his most precious childhood holidays – where he traces the origins of the British love affair with the coast. At Ilfracombe, Robson finds out how miners dug a network of tunnels through the cliffs to enable Victorian holidaymakers to access the beach and its tidal pool. His next stop is Clovelly, one of Britain’s best-preserved fishing villages, where he unwittingly finds himself involved in a dramatic clifftop rescue mission. Finally, Robson visits the tiny island of Lundy, where he has a scary encounter with an Atlantic grey seal and attempts to climb a 400-foot high sea cliff nicknamed the Devil’s Slide.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 31st January 2017)

With Nikki locked in a struggle for survival, Jack must use all of his abilities to track her down. When a mysterious person calls to make demands in return for Nikki’s release, Jack’s moral principles are put to the test. And with life and death in the balance, every decision counts.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 2nd February 2017)

Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. A murder investigation propels the team to London in pursuit of their suspects.

Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 3rd February 2017)

Julia Bradbury chooses some of her favourite and most accessible family treks from across the UK. This edition sees Julia reveal her favourite river walk that follows the tree-green canopy of water-rapids along the East Lyn River and the Hoar Oak River, where they merge at stunning Watersmeet.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 3rd February 2017)

The award-winning satirical comedy returns for its tenth series. Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe examine the biggest, most entertaining news stories via the #isitok twitter handle, where viewers tweet in edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck. In this show, comedian, actor and campaigner Russell Brand helps the team dissect the week’s events.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 21/01/2017

Call the Midwife (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 22nd January 2017)

Drama about a group of midwives in 1960s London.The midwives receive a rapturous and warm welcome home from their South African adventure but all is not well at Nonnatus House. In their absence, Sister Ursula has been running a very tight ship and it is quickly announced that she will remain in charge at Nonnatus House, above Sisiter Julienne. The midwives are drawn into helping Trudy, a heavily pregnant mother whose husband has just been released from prison for extortion. Gradually, the problems below the surface of their marriage become clear. Trapped and with no clear way out, Trudy’s suffering sends shock waves through Nonnatus House, most noticeably affecting Sister Mary Cynthia who is experiencing increased anxiety following her recent attack. Elsewhere, Shelagh harbours a secret and struggles to tell Dr Turner, and Patsy receives some distressing news about her father in Hong Kong.

Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 23rd January 2017)

When an East End father and son are killed in a shocking road accident, Nikki and Jack find themselves working alongside a police officer with a vendetta. Clarissa summons her husband Max, a digital forensics expert, to help crack the case – and uncovers disturbing video evidence.

Martin Clunes: Islands of Australia (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 24th January 2017)

Three-part documentary series in which Martin Clunes explores Australia’s many islands. Martin begins the final part of his journey on Mundoo Island. Located in the mouth of Australia’s longest river, the Murray, it is an island farm. Its unique combination of succulent saltmarsh plants and life-giving fresh water make it ideal for beef cattle. Mundoo Island has provided shelter and a way of life for five generations of one farming family. From the coastline of the state of Victoria, Martin crosses a 2,000 foot-long bridge to Phillip Island, one of Australia’s favourite playgrounds. Then he heads south to King Island, situated in the blustery Bass Strait between Tasmania and the mainland. It bears the brunt of the fearsome trade winds from South America, and its shores are littered with one of the highest concentrations of shipwrecks in the continent. Martin completes his odyssey with a visit to see one of Australia’s most iconic creatures – the Tasmanian devil.

Italy’s Invisible Cities (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 25th January 2017)

Documentary series. Using the latest 3D scanning technology, Alexander Armstrong and Dr Michael Scott explore the romantic city of Florence. They reveal how its wonderful facades and artworks mask a hidden story of intrigue and secrecy, and one powerful dynasty was behind it all – the Medicis, godfathers of the Renaissance. Finally, the scanning team build a virtual reality 3D model to reveal how the city’s secret corridors of power were the foundation of the city’s Renaissance glory.

Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 26th January 2017)

Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. The president of the Saint Marie cricket club is found shot dead in the middle of the team’s ground. As the sun rises over the island, suspicion falls on his teammates.

Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 27th January 2017)

Julia Bradbury chooses some of her favourite and most accessible family treks from across the UK. This edition sees Julia travel through the rolling plains of Cheshire on one of her favourite countryside walks. With eight counties on show, two castles to explore and spectacular views across to Wales and Liverpool, this is a popular route for dog-walkers and sports folk. Julia’s trek is full of surprises and she certainly packs plenty in.

The Last Leg (CHannel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 27th January 2017)

The award-winning live, satirical comedy show returns for its 10th series. Hosted by Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe they examine the biggest most entertaining news stories via the #isitok twitter handle, where viewers tweet in edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck. A special celebrity guest join the trio in front of a live audience each week. In the first show much-loved actor David Tennant helps dissect the week’s events.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 10/12/2016

Planet Earth II (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 11th December 2016)

Wildlife documentary series presented by David Attenborough. Cities are growing at a faster rate than any other habitat on Earth. They may seem an unlikely place for animals to thrive, but they can be a world of surprising opportunity. Leopards prowl the streets of Mumbai, peregrine falcons hunt amongst New York’s skyscrapers, and a million starlings perform spectacular aerial dances over Rome. In Jodhpur, langurs are revered as religious deities and in Harar, locals live in harmony with wild hyenas. Many animals, however, struggle to cope in the urban jungle. As the architects of this environment, can humans choose to build cities that are homes for both them and wildlife?

The River (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 7:30pm to 8:00pm | Monday 12th December 2016)

Documentary series charting life along the River Tweed. In this episode, as the summer comes to an end, the Floors Stud team prepare for the sales at Newmarket. In Peebles, Fiona and Neil Dalgleish organise the International Enduro at Glentress Forest, where international pro riders hit some of the valley’s steepest and fastest trails. On the river, ghillie Colin Bell strims more grassy riverbanks and sees to his summer fishing clients, and on Cowbog Farm, Lottie blowdries her dad’s prized Hereford herd. Finally, it is judgement day for the Floors Stud team, as they make it to the Tattersalls auction with their best six horses.

The Adventure Show (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 7:00pm to 8:00pm | Thursday 15th December 2016)

The Adventure Show is at the Glen Coe Skyline, one of the toughest adventure races in the world. The event takes place in the rugged mountains of Lochaber and attracts a top-class international field. The Adventure Show follows competitors as they tackle a course which includes nearly 5000 metres of ascent over terrain that many would describe as rock climbing.

The Secret Life of the Zoo (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 15th December 2016)

There’s an escape at Chester Zoo in this episode. The Sumatran orangutans have been getting used to new quarters, when keepers see from CCTV that Subis, Tuti, Siska and Indah have gone missing. They find Subis in the roof of the Monsoon Forest: an area that’s strictly off-limits to orangutans. But Subis seems to be enjoying a day out, trying on a fire hydrant cover and some vet’s gloves for size. The keepers must rely on their understanding of the escapees to try to tempt them back inside. Family dynamics are always shifting in Chester’s animal groups. In the meerkat house, the dominant female is facing trouble, from her own daughter. Known as Number 13, the daughter is launching physical attacks on Mum, in a struggle for dominance.

Grand Designs (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 15th December 2016)

Kevin McCloud reveals the winner of the Royal Institute of British Architects House of the Year 2016. First though, there are four extraordinary nominated houses to review, all of which offer a creative response to a tricky site. There is a house stitched into a wall that sits between a Zen courtyard and an English walled garden; a clever, open plan family home built in a former allotment; a house made from a group of red tin pods on a piece of urban wasteland; and a large, glamorous home in Northumberland that creatively pulls northern light through the house.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 16th December 2016)

The award-winning show continues with its unique brand of irreverent satire. Hosts Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe examine the biggest and most entertaining news stories via the #isitok twitter handle, where viewers tweet in edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck. In this edition, Miranda Hart joins Adam and the team in the studio to help dissect the week’s events.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 26/11/2016

Our Guy in China - 28-11-2016 - YouView appBritain at Low Tide (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Saturday 26th November 2016)

Every day, on a sandy beach or a rocky foreshore, fascinating evidence of Britain’s island history appears and disappears as the tide rolls in and rolls back out again. Tori Herridge and Alex Langlands reveal stories from our extraordinary maritime, industrial and natural history. In this episode, Tori and Alex explore Merseyside’s coastal archaeology. They investigate a beach full of building rubble from World War II, track down Liverpool’s own version of the Whisky Galore story, and find evidence of people and animals dating back 7000 years.

Planet Earth II (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 27th November 2016)

Wildlife documentary series presented by David Attenborough. The world’s deserts are lands of extremes that force animals to come up with ingenious ways of coping with hostile conditions, giving rise to the most incredible survival stories on earth. A pride of desert lions are so hungry they risk hunting a giraffe several times their size, while male sandgrouse fly 120 miles each day to the nearest waterhole and dice with death to collect water for their chicks. Filmed for the first time, a tiny bat does battle with one of the world’s deadliest scorpions, and in Madagascar, a locust swarm of biblical proportions is seen as never before.

The River (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 7:30pm to 8:00pm | Monday 28th November 2016)

Documentary series charting life along the River Tweed. In this episode, Eddie Weatherly and his river bailiff team respond to calls that salmon poachers are active along the river by lying in wait to see if the poachers turn up. In Kelso, Margaret Livingstone-Evans, the manager of Ednam House hotel, must juggle three weddings across three days. In Peebles, Ruth Hinks has 5,000 chocolate brownies to make for a charity campaign. On Cowbog Farm, farmer Robert Wilson, daughter Lottie and father Ron test the cattle for TB and check to see if Lottie’s favourite cow is pregnant. And at Floors Stud, Tattersalls auctioneer Todd Watt visits to decide just how many potential million-pound horses will go in the biggest of horse sales.

Fair Isle (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 28th November 2016)

Intimate two-part documentary revealing life on Fair Isle, Britain’s most remote inhabited island, with a population of just 55 people. This first programme charts the arrival of a new couple and follows them as they settle in and adapt to island life. Plus the family whose 11-year-old son has to leave home to board at secondary school on mainland Shetland.

Our Guy in China (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 28th November 2016)

Guy Martin explores Beijing, ignoring the tourist traps and following his own often eccentric passions as he reveals a lesser-seen side of China. In a backstreet bicycle shop he spends £18 on a rudimentary ‘Flying Pigeon’, the most produced machine in the world. Under the reign of Chairman Mao it was the only approved mode of transport for workers, with some 500 million built. Guy meets families who live on a scrapyard, earning a living by processing old cars. He’s pleasantly surprised by the yard’s efficiency and cleanliness, and spending the afternoon helping out by operating the cranes and machinery is Guy’s idea of the perfect holiday. Inequality is a huge problem in China, with one per cent of the nation controlling half the wealth.

The Secret Life of the Zoo (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 1st December 2016)

Spring is in the air at Chester Zoo and many of the animals are giving birth, but an outbreak of disease in the penguin colony leaves penguin chick Munch fighting for his life. Sulawesi macaque mum Lisa gives birth to Han, but dad Mamassa isn’t proving much parenting help, so Lisa’s older son Beaker steps in to help with the babysitting. Andean spectacled bear Lima is entering her short window of fertility, and 19-stone male Bernie seems determined to woo her, but Lima doesn’t seem to want to let Bernie get close to her. And when young male tortoise Football muscles in on 71-year-old Bert’s harem of females, keepers decide to keep Bert’s spirits up by introducing two Swedish female tortoises to the group.

Grand Designs (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm 10:00pm | Thursday 1st December 2016)

Kevin McCloud hosts the competition run in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects that celebrates excellence in housing design. Kevin is joined by Damion Burrows and Zac Monro as they explore some of Britain’s most cutting-edge homes, all of them in the running for the prestigious prize – the Bafta of the architecture world. This time Kevin, Zac and Damion profile five homes that are testbeds for architectural ideas, pushing the boundaries for residential design: a cool, concealed house built from glass and concrete; an uber-creative Wallace and Gromit-style house in Edinburgh squeezed onto a disused plot; a gorgeous, low-slung modern home in Cumbria camouflaged with stone; an experimental extension in London with a Japanese flavour; and an elegant house in Buckinghamshire that combines sustainability with glamour. Kevin then reveals which one has made it onto the shortlist and is in with a chance of winning House of the Year 2016.

Secrets of Great British Castles (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 2nd December 2016)

History series. Dan Jones visits Lancaster Castle to explore its grisly history of crime and punishment, including the infamous Lancashire Witches trials and the martyrdom of the Jesuit priest Saint Edmund Arrowsmith.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 2nd December 2016)

Hosts Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe examine the biggest and most entertaining news stories via the #isitok twitter handle, where viewers tweet in edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck. A celebrity guest joins the trio in the studio to help dissect the week’s events.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 19/11/2016

Britain's Greatest Bridges - 25-11-2016 - YouView appBritain at Low Tide (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Saturday 19th November 2016)

Every day, on a sandy beach or a rocky foreshore, fascinating evidence of Britain’s island history appears and disappears as the tide rolls in and rolls back out again. In this new series, Tori Herridge and Alex Langlands explore Britain’s coastal archaeology, to reveal stories from our extraordinary maritime, industrial and natural history. In Northumberland, Tori and Alex investigate the tragic story of a French fishing trawler that was wrecked in 1913, and discover the ancient community that thrived in the Middle Ages in what is now one of the north-east’s top tourist destinations.

Planet Earth II (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 20th November 2016)

Wildlife documentary series presented by David Attenborough. Jungles provide the richest habitats on the planet – mysterious worlds of high drama where extraordinary animals attempt to survive in the most competitive place on earth. Flooded forests are home to caiman-hunting jaguars and strange dolphins that swim amongst the tree tops, while in the dense underworld, ninja frogs fight off wasps and flying dragons soar between trees. Acrobatic indri leap through the forests of Madagascar, while the jungle night conceals strange fungi and glow-in-the-dark creatures never filmed before.

The River (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 7:30pm to 8:00pm | Monday 21st November 2016)

Documentary series charting life along the River Tweed. In this episode, horse trainer Katie Scott prepare horses for Kelso races in some challenging conditions. On the river, ghillie Colin Bell has some returning fishing clients to get to the best pools on the Upper Floors fishing beat. In Kelso, Tweedside Tackle look to move over 20,000 hooks, reels, rods and waders into their new premises. And in Peebles, the Tweedlove festival gets underway.

Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railway Journeys (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 21st November 2016)

Documentary series in which Chris Tarrant explores the world’s most extreme railway lines. Chris travels on the historically Soviet Trans-Caucasus Railway, beginning in the Azerbaijani city of Baku before exploring the Geogian capital Tbilisi’s vintage metro system, then a mountain rail bridge designed by Eiffel, and finally a tunnel reputed to be held together with egg yolk.

The Secret Life of the Zoo (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 24th November 2016)

Nature series following the behaviour of animals at Chester Zoo, and how they get along with their keepers.

Grand Designs (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 24th November 2016)

Kevin McCloud hosts Grand Designs: House of the Year. The competition is run in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects and celebrates excellence in housing design. Over this four-part series, Kevin is joined by Damion Burrows and Zac Monro, as they explore some of Britain’s most cutting-edge contemporary homes, all of them in the running for the prestigious prize – the Bafta of the architecture world. In this first episode, Kevin and co profile five amazing country homes on the long-list for the prize: including a large house camouflaged within a hill; a loving restoration in Wiltshire of a prototype modernist retreat; a Scottish home that blends an agricultural exterior with a sleek modern interior; and a slice of spectacular California modernism in Cornwall. Kevin then reveals which of these homes will make it onto the final shortlist.

Secrets of Great British Castles (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 25th November 2016)

History series. With the aid of dramatic reconstruction, Dan Jones explores the 900-year history of the beautiful Leeds Castle in Kent, from its origins as a royal Saxon family’s manor and Norman stronghold to the private property of six medieval queens, a Tudor palace, a Jacobean country house, a Georgian mansion and an elegant 20th-century retreat for the rich and famous.

Britain’s Greatest Bridges (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 25th November 2016)

Documentary series. Documentary series. Engineer Rob Bell tells the story of the design and construction of six of Britain’s most iconic bridges. For 17 years from 1981 to 1998, the Humber Bridge was the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world, and many consider it to be Britain’s most beautiful. Rob Bell discovers the facts about its ground-breaking construction, why it took so long to build and how it changed the lives of the people of Hull and Grimsby.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 25th November 2016)

The award-winning comedy show offers a joyful, offbeat take on the week that aims to celebrate all that is best about Britain.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 12/11/2016

The Secret Life of the Zoo - 17-11-2016 - YouView appThe Adventure Show (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 6:30pm to 7:30pm | Sunday 13th November 2016)

The Adventure Show is at the Braveheart Triathlon, with Dougie Vipond competing along with over 100 competitors. The event consists of an open water swim of over a mile, a bike ride of over 50 miles and then a run up and down Ben Nevis. It’s not for the fainthearted, and Dougie is guaranteed a day he will never forget. Also in this month’s Adventure Show, a remarkable man who is determined that the loss of two limbs won’t prevent him from doing the sports he loves. And there’s a visit to Patagonia with one of Scotland’s most ambitious adventurers, as he undertakes a month-long trip in one of the world’s most remote landscapes.

Planet Earth II (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 13th November 2016)

Wildlife documentary series presented by David Attenborough. The great mountain ranges are some of the planet’s most spectacular landscapes, but they are unforgiving places to live in, and only a few animals have what it takes to live at exteme altitude. Mountain animals are amongst the most elusive in the world, and this film provides unique and intimate glimpses into their secretive lives. Witness the moment four snow leopards come together when a mother and cub become trapped between two rival males. Join grizzly bears as they dance against trees to rub off their winter fur and soar with golden eagles hunting amongst Europe’s snow-capped peaks.

Great Canal Journeys (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 13th November 2016)

Timothy West and Prunella Scales continue their journey exploring the Highlands and islands of Scotland, navigating their way through two of Britain’s most remote canals. Having already crossed Scotland on the Caledonian Canal, they face the open sea as they island hop their way through the Hebrides, bound for the Crinan, a rarely travelled canal described by some as the world’s most beautiful shortcut. Tossed around by the Atlantic waves off the coast of Mull, they are forced to head back to the safety of Tobermory. They eventually visit the holy island of Iona, the Isle of Jura, and lastly the magical nine-mile Crinan on the Mull of Kintyre.

The River (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 7:30pm to 8:00pm | Monday 14th November 2016)

Documentary series charting life along the river Tweed. In this episode, John Dalziel finds out if his players have what it takes to win their home sevens championships, as player Nyle Godsmark and his teammates carry the huge weight of expectations on their young shoulders. UK world chocolate master Ruth Hinks gets help in her chocolate factory from her children, while desperately trying to finish work on a new chocolate school in the heart of Peebles. On the river, superintendent river bailiff Eddie Weatherly oversees an operation to tackle two river codebreakers. In Kelso, Tweedside Tackle owners Tim and Caroline Pilcher have been told their lease is up. But some help is on hand, as neighbouring hotelier Margaret offers them a property to keep their business alive. And at Floors Estate, stud manager David Trouton checks on his latest arrival, foal Sunshine.

The Secret Life of the Zoo (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 17th November 2016)

The first episode of the new series sees Florence and Nadine, two of Chester’s Grevy’s zebras, both about to give birth. But fixing a due date is almost impossible, and so the keepers are keeping a close eye on both. Other animals are struggling to produce offspring. Iblis is an Asiatic lion, one of the rarest animals in the world. His partner of five years, Kumari, seems to be losing interest in him. Keepers can find nothing physically wrong with the pair, so decide to put Iblis on a programme of tearing animal carcasses from trees in order to get him into shape. But will it be enough to impress Kumari? Meanwhile, warthog dad Magnum is feeling the pressure of parenting. Two of his older children, Dobby and Neville, are becoming increasingly hard to control. Magnum’s losing his hair with the stress and then suffers the indignity of having a part of his tail bitten off. He must impose order on his family again – if he can.

Grand Designs (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 17th November 2016)

Kevin McCloud hosts Grand Designs: House of the Year. The competition is run in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects and celebrates excellence in housing design. Over this four-part series, Kevin is joined by Damion Burrows and Zac Monro, as they explore some of Britain’s most cutting-edge contemporary homes, all of them in the running for the prestigious prize – the Bafta of the architecture world. In this first episode, Kevin and co profile five amazing country homes on the long-list for the prize: including a large house camouflaged within a hill; a loving restoration in Wiltshire of a prototype modernist retreat; a Scottish home that blends an agricultural exterior with a sleek modern interior; and a slice of spectacular California modernism in Cornwall. Kevin then reveals which of these homes will make it onto the final shortlist.

Secrets of Great British Castles (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 18th November 2016)

Part-dramatised history series. In medieval England, the North was ruled from York. Dan Jones explores the history of its castle, from the Viking Jorvik and the Normans, through the dark days of the anti-Jewish pogrom and the imprisonment of the Knights Templar, to one of its most colourful inmates – the legendary highwayman Dick Turpin.

Britain’s Greatest Bridges (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 18th November 2016)

Documentary series. Engineer Rob Bell tells the story of the design and construction of six of Britain’s most iconic bridges. Built partly as a lifeline to keep shipbuilders employed and their skills alive during the dark days of the 1920s recession, the Tyne Bridge is not just an icon to Geordies – many believe that it was the inspiration for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 18th November 2016)

The award-winning show continues live on Fridays with its unique brand of irreverent satire. Hosts Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe examine the biggest and most entertaining news stories via the #isitok Twitter hashtag, where viewers tweet in edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck. In this edition, David Walliams joins the trio in the studio to help dissect the week’s events.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 05/11/2016

The Last Leg - 09-11-2016 - YouView appGreat Canal Journeys (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 6th November 2016)

Timothy West and Prunella Scales embark on an ambitious two-stage voyage across Scotland. In stage one, they cross the Highlands on the spectacular Caledonian Canal, which was built by Thomas Telford, who ingeniously joined the lochs of the Great Glen together and created a waterway that links the North Sea with the Atlantic. Tim and Pru embark on a sun-kissed voyage through the heart of the Highlands – a world of Loch Ness monster hunters, tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie, and 60 miles and 29 canal locks to navigate on their way to the ocean.

The River (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 7:30pm to 8:00pm | Monday 7th November 2016)

Documentary series charting life along the river Tweed. In this episode, it is mid-spring and the Floors stud team wait for their final expectant mare Dusty Answer to foal. In Melrose, Rugby Sevens coach John Dalziel prepares his team for their home Sevens championships, with player Nyle Godsmark hoping to make an impression and stake a claim for a place in the team. On the river, ghillie Mick Charlton uses all his knowledge to help land fishing client Jeremy his first Tweed salmon. In the heart of Kelso, as businesses spring clean ahead of peak season, with The Ednam House hotel renovating rooms and the local tackle shop, Tweedside Tackle, fitting out customers in fishing waders.

Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railway Journeys (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 7th November 2016)

Documentary series in which Chris Tarrant explores the world’s most extreme railway lines. From Buenos Aires, Chris heads to the Pampas lowlands, where he talks to local gauchos. In Bahia Blanca, four Falklands veterans share their opinion of Britain, before Chris takes in South America’s beautiful Patagonia region.

Grand Designs (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 9th November 2016)

How do you turn your small bungalow from a 1960s dormer into a generous 21st-century piece of slick architecture, all for £175k? Stuart and Rosie Treasurer from the Wirral plan to decapitate their bungalow – cutting the roof off to leave just the walls – then balance a big new floating timber box on top, containing five bedrooms. To keep costs down, they take on the plumbing and electrics themselves, spend as little as they can on insulation, and leave elements of the building unfinished. The hope is to get a stylish industrial look in the process. But the stress levels spiral when their neighbours grumble about the ultra-modern wooden box going up in the middle of their traditional suburb.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Wednesday 9th November 2016)

This edition is a special US election extravaganza, broadcast live on the day when the brand new leader of the free world is announced. While the confetti settles in town halls across America, Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker apply their non-jaundiced, award-winning brand of satire to the most bonkers election in US history. The boys are joined by some huge names as well as live reports from across the pond as they try and figure out whether the world has changed for the better or the worse. As ever the taboo busting ‘Is It Ok?’ questions will inform the show.

Still Game (BBC 1/HD | 9:30pm to 10:00pm | Friday 11th November 2016)

Comedy series in which lifelong friends cope with everything modern life has to throw at them. Emotions run high as Jack, Victor and the residents gather to watch the demolition of a Craiglang tower block. Tam drags Winston into a new moneymaking scheme, and Jack and Victor are enticed by Mrs Fletcher, the beguiling manager of the local care home.

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

The award-winning show continues live on Fridays with its unique brand of irreverent satire. Hosts Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe examine the biggest and most entertaining news stories via the #isitok Twitter hashtag, where viewers tweet in edgy current affairs questions that other shows might duck. A celebrity guest joins the trio in the studio to help dissect the week’s events.

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