Friday
Pick of the Day: Steven McRae: Dancing Back to the Light
9pm, BBC Two
In October 2019, renowned dancer Steven McRae, celebrated as one of the most gifted talents of his generation and hailed as a “semi-God” in the ballet realm, faces an unexpected catastrophe during a live performance at the Royal Opera House: his Achilles tendon ruptures. This devastating injury raises questions about his future in dance. Filmmaker Stéphane Carrel has closely documented McRae’s year-long journey of recovery, showcasing his fierce determination to return to the Royal Ballet and highlighting the often-taboo topics of injury and mental health in the dance community.
Unreported World
7.30pm, Channel 4
The civil war in Sudan has tragically faded from global headlines, yet it remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, displacing over 11.3 million individuals. With more than half of the population—approximately 30 million—requiring urgent humanitarian assistance, famine has been declared in multiple regions. In this episode, Krishnan Guru-Murthy gains rare access to one of the most affected areas, where he witnesses the harrowing reality of starvation, as families resort to foraging for leaves, insects, and even rats to survive.
Gardeners’ World
8pm, BBC Two
As the days grow longer and herald the arrival of spring, Monty Don returns with a fresh series of Gardeners’ World. This season kicks off with Don unveiling his ambitious plans to rejuvenate the borders in his exquisite Longmeadow garden. Adam Frost visits Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight, where local gardeners are innovating to combat months of drought. Meanwhile, Frances Tophill introduces us to a couple who have creatively recycled and upcycled farmyard items into their garden design.
Death in Paradise
9pm, BBC One
In a gripping episode, Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet) confronts the painful memories surrounding his mother’s death as he seeks to solve the mystery of her murder. Despite uncovering a prime suspect, the team is left puzzled as they try to piece together how foul play could have been involved when all evidence points to her having drowned at sea during a storm.
The Flatshare
9pm, 5
In this delightful romantic comedy, Tiffany (Jessica Brown Findlay), recently heartbroken and on a tight budget, signs up for an unconventional flat-share arrangement. Her new roommate, Leon (Anthony Welsh from Brassic), works night shifts at a hospice while Tiffany’s daytime schedule keeps them from ever meeting. The premise of sharing a bed without crossing paths leads to a series of increasingly flirtatious Post-it note exchanges, setting the stage for an unexpected romance. This charming adaptation of Beth O’Leary’s bestselling novel first premiered on Paramount+ in 2022.
Other Voices: Dingle, Ireland
9.10pm, BBC Four
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, BBC Four dedicates its evening to celebrating Irish music, commencing with live performances from a quaint church in Dingle, County Kerry. The lineup features an array of talented artists, including Laura Marling, Villagers, Wunderhorse, Rachael Lavelle, Kae Tempest, and Colm Mac Con Iomaire, among others. Following this musical showcase, Sinéad O’Connor At The BBC airs at 10.10pm.
Saturday
Pick of the Day: National Trust: Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker
7pm, Channel 4
This compelling series dives into the ongoing challenges within British agriculture, particularly as the Government considers cutting inheritance tax relief on farmland passed down through generations. This season features a competitive twist as seven hopefuls compete for a coveted 10-year tenancy on a picturesque 600-acre farm located in Eryri National Park, North Wales. The contestants’ first challenge involves using sheepdogs to round up over 130 sheep from the mountainous pastures—an exhilarating test of skill and teamwork.
Live Six Nations Rugby Union
1.30pm/7.15pm, ITV1 and 4pm, BBC One
The final round of the Six Nations fixtures kicks off with reigning champions Ireland visiting Italy (kick-off at 2.15pm), followed by Wales taking on England in Cardiff (kick-off at 4.45pm). The day concludes with Scotland’s match against France in Paris (kick-off at 8pm). Given the unpredictable nature of this year’s tournament, any of these matchups could deliver surprises.
Ancient Greece by Train with Alice Roberts
8pm, Channel 4
This enlightening new series follows historian Alice Roberts as she embarks on a scenic train journey through Greece and Turkey, unraveling the story of ancient Greek civilization. Her adventure begins in Thessaloniki, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, where she explores a museum housing a royal burial chamber. The journey continues south to Delphi, home to some of the most breathtaking ancient ruins in the world.
Lady Gaga: Inside the Chaos
8.30pm, BBC Two
Known affectionately to fans as Mother Monster, Lady Gaga opens up to the BBC’s music correspondent Mark Savage about the creation of her album Mayhem. She reflects on her expanding younger fan base and her newfound happiness with her fiancé, Michael Polansky. The evening continues with Lady Gaga at the BBC, airing at 9pm, featuring a collection of her memorable appearances on the network, including her iconic duet with Tony Bennett on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.
The Middletons: How Family Shaped our Future Queen
9pm, 5
In a captivating exploration of the Princess of Wales’s family background, this documentary delves into the lives of Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, and their successful party-supply business. Despite the familiar territory, this fresh perspective on the Middletons sheds light on how their upbringing has shaped Kate into the poised future queen. With the public’s enduring fascination with the royal family, this documentary promises to deliver new insights.
Sunday
Pick of the Day: Protection
9pm, ITV1
Starring the talented Siobhan Finneran (known for her roles in Alma’s Not Normal and Happy Valley), this gripping drama follows DI Liz Nyles, a police officer tasked with safeguarding witnesses in the protection program. The storyline, inspired by the real experiences of a witness protection specialist, unfolds as Liz is assigned to protect Jimmy (Kris Hitchen), an accountant and money launderer testifying against a notorious drug lord. Complications arise as Liz grapples with her personal affairs and the challenges of keeping Jimmy’s daughter happy in a new, unfamiliar environment—especially when their safe house proves less secure than expected.
Carabao Cup Final Live
3.30pm, ITV1
Following a challenging week in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool faces Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium for the first silverware of the season. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Mohamed Salah can lead his team to victory. Kick-off is set for 4.30pm.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer
7.40pm, Channel 4
The new series of this beloved charity bake-off marks a significant change, as it is the first to feature a judging panel without Prue Leith since she succeeded Mary Berry in 2017. Joining Paul Hollywood is Caroline Waldegrave, former co-owner of Leiths School of Food and Wine. Hosted by Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, the opening episode features celebrity bakers Chris and Rosie Ramsey, alongside property expert siblings Scarlette and Stuart Douglas, as they whip up delicious treats for a worthy cause.
Towards Zero
9pm, BBC One
In this thrilling conclusion to the Agatha Christie adaptation, Inspector Leach (Matthew Rhys) ponders the nature of clues in a murder investigation involving a golf club weapon and a cufflink belonging to tennis player Neville Strange (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). The plot thickens as it appears someone may be attempting to frame Neville, leading to a suspenseful finale filled with twists and revelations.
Tempting Fortune
9pm, Channel 4
The highly anticipated return of this reality series invites 12 adventurous strangers to embark on an intense 18-day trek through the Malaysian wilderness, armed only with basic survival gear. With the lure of a £300,000 prize awaiting at the journey’s end, contestants must resist the temptation of extravagant luxuries, starting with a lavish custom-made swimming pool in the jungle. Among the participants are a vicar, a retired prison officer, a fashion blogger, and a paramedic, all while Paddy McGuinness hosts and explains the rules of this grueling competition.
