Friday
Pick of the day: Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey
7.30pm, BBC One
In this episode, Bill Bailey challenges former England goalkeeper David James to capture the essence of Gill Sayell, a trailblazing ex-footballer who represented England in the historic 1971 Women’s World Cup in Mexico. At just 14 years old, Gill was part of a pioneering team that played in televised matches, drawing large crowds and capturing the nation’s attention. However, upon returning home, the Football Association imposed a ban on women playing on professional pitches, effectively sidelining many of her teammates. Despite this setback, Gill continued to champion women’s football, becoming a founding member of Arsenal Women’s and inspiring countless young athletes.
One Question
8pm, Channel 4
Claudia Winkleman brings her unique charm to this inventive quiz show that combines humor with thought-provoking questions. The first contestants, best friends Colette and Patricia, have shared a bond for over 40 years, stemming from their mutual love of Duran Duran. Tonight, they face the opening question: “What is a hat?”—a light-hearted inquiry that unexpectedly leads to a discussion about Harry Styles.
Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Job
8.30pm, BBC One
As Amanda Holden undertakes the challenge of revamping the second guest bedroom, Alan Carr finds himself with the less glamorous task of renovating a windowless bathroom. True to form, the duo balances work and leisure, with Alan enticing Amanda into a delightful outing to one of Granada’s famed hammam spas, followed by a lively karaoke session in Malaga.
Death in Paradise
9pm, BBC One
In this week’s episode, newbie detective Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet, continues to navigate the quirky dynamics of island life. As Naomi discovers him attempting to install air conditioning and a satellite dish in his beachside hut, she questions his commitment to embracing the island experience. Meanwhile, the team must investigate a peculiar case of mass poisoning at a local rum distillery, adding a layer of intrigue to Mervin’s adjustment period.
Funboys
10pm, BBC Three
After a gas leak forces Callum (Ryan Dylan) out of his home for five days, he finds himself temporarily living with Lorcan, who is navigating a complicated relationship with Callum’s ex-girlfriend, Gemma. The situation becomes even more complicated with the presence of Lorcan’s father, Sammy, known as “the biggest bastard in Ballymacnoose,” who ominously warns Callum, “We’ll make a bastard of you yet.”
The Graham Norton Show
10.40pm, BBC One
In a star-studded episode, Graham Norton welcomes Ewan McGregor, who is set to return to the London stage in the new play My Master Builder. Additionally, Kate Hudson discusses her latest musical endeavor, an album titled Glorious, while Naomie Harris promotes her role in the upcoming Steven Soderbergh thriller Black Bag. The evening concludes with a performance from Self Esteem, who presents her new single, “Focus Is Power.”
MOBO Awards 2025: Access All Areas
11.25pm, BBC One
Hosted by Eddie Kadi and Indiyah Polack, this year’s MOBO Awards ceremony celebrates the outstanding contributions to music from black artists, held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne. Categories include Best Newcomer, Song of the Year, Best International Act, and more, with notable nominees such as Jorja Smith, Sampha, Bashy, Ghetts, Cleo Sol, Central Cee, and Odeal, each leading with three nominations.
Saturday
Pick of the day: Dope Girls
9.15pm, BBC One
This gripping new drama explores the rise of women in the nightlife scene of Soho following the First World War, branded by the BBC as “the spiritual successor to Peaky Blinders.” With stylistic nods to its predecessor, including vibrant captions and an eclectic musical backdrop, this series stands out with its own narrative. The script, crafted by playwright Polly Stenham and based on Marek Kohn’s The Birth of the British Drug Underground, features exceptional performances by Julianne Nicholson, Eliza Scanlen, and Umi Myers as three women navigating a patriarchal society in post-war London.
Six Nations Live
1.15pm, BBC One/4pm, ITV1
The highly anticipated third round of Six Nations matches kicks off at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, as Wales takes on reigning champions Ireland in a critical clash (kick-off 2.15pm). Following that, attention shifts to Twickenham for the historic England vs. Scotland match (kick-off 4.45pm), where Scotland aims to extend their winning streak against England and retain the coveted Calcutta Cup.
Fleetwood Mac’s Songbird – Christine McVie
9.25pm, BBC Two
This captivating 2019 documentary, part of an evening dedicated to Fleetwood Mac, delves into the life of Christine McVie, whose unique blues-infused voice and songwriting prowess (including the iconic “Don’t Stop”) made her an integral part of the band from 1970 until the late 90s. Reflecting on her journey, McVie shares her experiences with Stevie Nicks, revealing how initial jealousy transformed into mutual respect, stating, “I could no more do twirls in chiffon than Stevie could do blues on the piano.”
The Jonathan Ross Show
9.30pm, ITV1
This week, Jonathan Ross invites a lineup of star guests, including Gordon Ramsay, who may address rumors about his strained relationship with fellow chef Gino D’Acampo. Additional guests include actors Danny Dyer and Vanessa Williams, 2024 Sports Personality of the Year Keely Hodgkinson, and Harris Dickinson, Nicole Kidman’s co-star in Babygirl. The evening is complemented by a musical performance from the legendary Joan Armatrading.
Edward: 60 Years a Prince
9.30pm, Channel 5
This insightful documentary takes a retrospective look at the life of Prince Edward, the youngest son of the late Queen, who faced significant media scrutiny throughout his life. From his departure from the Royal Marines to his forays into musical theatre and the infamous It’s a Royal Knockout, the film chronicles his evolution into a vital figure within the modern monarchy.
Sunday
Pick of the day: David Frost Vs
9pm, Sky Documentaries
Curated by Wilfred, the son of the legendary broadcaster Sir David Frost, this captivating new series revisits Frost’s interviews with pivotal figures of the 60s and 70s, including Muhammad Ali and Richard Nixon. The series kicks off with a look at The Beatles, featuring Frost’s iconic 1964 interview with Paul McCartney, where he posed the memorable question about the longevity of their careers. Frost also provided a platform for John Lennon and Yoko Ono during a time of intense media scrutiny, coinciding with the television premiere of “Hey Jude” on his ITV show Frost on Sunday in 1968. Additional insights come from Sir Elton John and Beatles biographer Hunter Davies.
The Great Pottery Throw Down
7.45pm, Channel 4
Siobhán McSweeney embraces her comedic flair as she hosts the quarter-final of this beloved pottery competition, featuring the five remaining contestants. The first challenge requires them to craft stunning double-gourd vases, which they will fire in brick kilns that they must build themselves. Judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller introduce a surprise second challenge: the contestants must throw and alter an old-fashioned posset pot, testing their skills and creativity.
Unforgotten
9pm, ITV1
As the penultimate episode of Chris Lang’s gripping cold-case drama unfolds, tensions rise with the revelation of more lies. Both Mel and Asif (MyAnna Buring and Elham Ehsas) are brought in for questioning as a potential witness to the disposal of a body is uncovered. Jess, played by Sinead Keenan, plans a pivotal conversation with her husband Steve, declaring, “I know everything,” hinting at the complexities surrounding her sister’s past.
Miss Austen
9.05pm, BBC One
This visually stunning adaptation of Gill Hornby’s speculative fiction finally approaches the emotional depth characteristic of Jane Austen’s works. The narrative oscillates between two timelines, 1795 and 1830, as the younger Cassandra (Synnøve Karlsen) struggles to hold the family together amid financial distress, while the older Cassie (Keeley Hawes) endeavors to unite Isabella (Rose Leslie) with Mr. Lidderdale (Alfred Enoch).
Big Boys
10pm, Channel 4
In a poignant conclusion to Jack Rooke’s semi-autobiographical comedy-drama, themes of nostalgia and bittersweet memories resonate with recent graduates. As Danny (Jon Pointing) returns to Margate after breaking up with Corinne (Izuka Hoyle), Jack (Dylan Llewellyn) finds himself swiping through the Grindr app in his hometown, leading to an unexpected reunion with a familiar face that stirs up old emotions.
