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Latest Highlights

Today
- The Hotel Inspector
  
  Today, 14:00, 5 Star
  
  Straight-talking, award-winning hotelier Alex Polizzi continues her quest to transform the fortunes of struggling guesthouses across Britain.
  
  Alex visits Ross-on-Wye, to help a couple whose hotel has the look of an exhibition of dodgy DIY experiments gone horribly wrong. Will her useful hints and tips point the hostelry in the right direction, or is this particular project a lost cause?
- Driving Wars
  
  Today, 15:00, Dave
  
  Colin Murray and Abi Griffiths host the latest edition of the ultimate petrol head's challenge as the teams tackle a series of driving challenges.
  
  In a battle between the town and the country, a group of urbanites from the Midlands go up against a trio of young farmers. Taking control of full-size, real cars via remote control the teams face various high-octane challenges including: Evading the law in Police Chase, a potentially calamitous jump over a wall of scrapped cars, and an explosive encounter with a gunman in Duck and Cover. The competition culminates in a challenging test of precision driving in the Wrecking Yards.
- Winter wipeout
  
  Today, 19:00, BBC Three
  
  Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram present another episode of Winter Wipeout, which sees 20 brave Brits take on the world's largest obstacle course.
  
  They attempt to defy Argentine engineering - and gravity - in their bid to win ten thousand pounds and the coveted title of Winter Wipeout Champion. Can magician Darren run the travellator and cross the Big Red Balls? Will Granny decide she doesn't want any government policy advisors knocking at her door and send Dom flying off into the mud? Or will Sophia the 'professional apple' from Cornwall beat them all to it and make it through to the Wipeout Zone without getting juiced.
- Raymond Blanc: The Very Hungry Frenchman
  
  Today, 19:00, BBC2
  
  The first in a five-part series which sees Raymond Blanc return to his native France to cook the recipes that have inspired him.
  
  In each episode Raymond takes over a restaurant for one night only and cooks a feast inspired by that region's food. In the first episode he returns to his home region of Franche Comte in north east France to visit the people who inspired him, including his 89-year-old Maman Blanc who instilled in him a love of cooking from a very early age. He then prepares a meal inspired by the distinctive produce and cuisine of that region and cooks professionally for the first time ever in France.
- Climbing Great Buildings
  
  Today, 19:30, BBC Four
  
  In the last in the series Jonathan Foyle journeys to Manchester to scale Daniel Libeskind's War Museum North in Manchester which was built in 2000.
  
  The design of the building shares similar intentions to Libeskind's Jewish Museum in Berlin, in that both buildings have a deliberately disorientating effect on the visitor and provoke an emotional response. It is composed of three shards representing air, earth and water which are clad in Libeskind's trademark aluminium. Jonathan Foyle, aided by Lucy Creamer, scales the 55 metres high air shard which is the museums entrance and abseils down the water shard which houses the museums restaurant.
- Gok's Teens: The Naked Truth
  
  Today, 20:00, Channel 4 HD
  
  Fashion guru Gok Wan presents a new three-part series in which he offers a helping hand to the nation's teenagers.
  
  Having struggled with his own body image as a teen, Gok draws on personal experience in order to offer the next generation the confidence they need to tackle their anxieties. The first episode features teens who suffer from body dysmorphia. Gok explores the unattainable images of perfection that many teens strive for through the eyes of an internet-obsessed 15-year-old girl. The show also features a teenage boy for whom size really does matter and a girl whose body-loathing has led to anorexia.
- Mummy Autopsy
  
  Today, 21:00, Quest
  
  Severed heads and a treasure-filled grave are on the menu today, as the experts continue their quest to unlock the secrets of the world's mummies.
  
  In this episode, the Mummy Detectives set out for the Nasca desert in southern Peru to investigate a grisly find: four ancient decapitated heads, which were mutilated for public display. What kind of society would do this to other humans, and why? The team then heads over to Alloa in Scotland, where archaeologists have uncovered what seems to be a 2,000-year-old Iron Age burial site rich with artefacts. Someone clearly important was buried here - but who was it?
- The Biggest Loser
  
  Today, 21:00, ITV1
  
  The seven remaining contestants experience a dramatic change of scenery in the latest round of the weight-loss contest.
  
  A flight to sunny Florida sets the scene for a week of sun, sand and gruelling workouts. With the blue and black teams down to two members each, tactics are likely to play a more prominent part in the proceedings. The fun starts in a sweltering stadium, where the players race to repeatedly grab an American football and place it in an opponent's goal. Then there's a visit to an old school diner, where contestants are invited to assess the number of calories in various foodstuffs.
- Junior Doctors: Your Life in Their Hands
  
  Today, 21:00, BBC Three
  
  The documentary series following newly-qualified doctors at a London hospital continues, as the young medics learn to deal with challenging patients.
  
  Second-year junior doctor Amieth faces a tough situation when a 17-year-old waitress arrives in A&E with a receipt spike stuck through her hand. With the patient distressed and in pain, Amieth must calm her down before he can begin her treatment. The other doctors face challenges too, as Sameer has to deal with a confrontational patient, and Lucy struggles not to become emotionally attached when she meets an elderly man with a life-threatening, chronic illness.
- Katie: The Science of Seeing Again
  
  Today, 21:00, Channel 4
  
  Following a vicious acid attack in 2008, Katie Piper has undergone 109 operations. But it'sthe 110th operation which could transform her life.
  
  The operation may provide Katie with her only chance of seeing again through her badly damaged left eye. After spending years struggling to accept she would forever be blind in one eye, Katie heard about pioneering surgery that could potentially restore her sight using the extraordinary power of stem cells. She has put herself forward to be one of the first people in the world to undergo the treatment, which entails transplanting stem cells directly into her eye.
- CSI: Miami
  
  Today, 22:00, Channel 5
  
  The successful spin-off crime drama series continues its eighth season.
  
  As Jesse Cardoza arrives at the crime lab in search of Horatio, a heavily armed man in motorcycle gear storms the building and takes him hostage, along with several other employees. The hostage taker, Matthew Sloan, barricades the group inside the firearms lab, and contacts IAB Sergeant Rick Stetler by phone, demanding to talk to Horatio. Will he be able to safely negotiate the release of the hostages?
- Roger and Val Have Just Got In
  
  Today, 22:00, BBC HD
  
  Last episode in the series following a childless couple over the course of their first half hour home from work.
  
  Roger returns home from his tribunal at work. Val tells him she is going off to dinner with Ian - an old flame who moved to New Zealand. Roger is unimpressed and starts listing off everything he thinks wrong with the country. He points out how Tenzing Norgay was left in the shadow of kiwi Edmund Hillary, even though both reached the summit of Everest at the same time. Stars Dawn French and Alfred Molina.
- The World Against Apartheid - Have You Heard from Johannesburg?
  
  Today, 22:00, BBC Four
  
  The third episode in the series about South Africa's apartheid rule explores how the world's youth took the lead in the campaign against the regime
  
  Featuring never seen before footage and interviews, this series tells one of the most fascinating stories of the last century. The brutal suppression of a youth uprising in the South African township of Soweto, and the murder of activist Steve Biko turned South Africa from a country into a worldwide emblem of injustice. But even as the most powerful western governments refuse to heed Oliver Tambo's calls for cultural and economic boycotts, it is the world's young people that helps turn the tide.
- Benidorm
  
  Today, 22:35, ITV1
  
  A freak storm batters the Spanish coast as the comedy drama series about Brits behaving badly on holiday continues.
  
  The weather is bad news for Pauline since her planned early flight home has been cancelled. She decides that a drink might help ease her frustration, which is not a smart move for a supposedly reformed alcoholic. Les arranges a bingo session, but things fail to go precisely to plan and he has to offer some unusual prizes. Janice is thrown into a state of panic when a handsome stranger from her past turns up.
- Death Unexplained
  
  Today, 22:35, BBC One HD
  
  This new documentary series follows the work of Her Majesty's Coroner Alison Thompson and her team as they examine deaths in West London.
  
  Every death is unique, and if the cause is unknown the team at the Coroner's Court have a duty to investigate. The series has obtained unprecedented access to forensic pathologists, mortuary technicians, police and the coroner herself to piece together the human stories behind each case. In the first episode, Alison's team investigates a rare case of suspected poisoning, a possible prescription drugs overdose, and the case of a man whose body lay undiscovered for months.
- CSI: NY
  
  Today, 22:55, Channel 5
  
  The popular New York-based spin-off of the crime drama series continues its seventh season.
  
  Adam witnesses a murder online while participating in a webchat with a stranger. With no idea of the victim's location, Adam must use all his powers of recall to help the CSIs track her down.
- Rubicon
  
  Today, 23:20, BBC2
  
  The post-9/11 conspiracy drama series continues, as Katherine discovers more evidence implicating James Wheeler in her husband's death.
  
  Will accompanies Spangler on a business trip to Washington DC, leaving his leaderless team to make an important operational decision with only unsubstantiated information available to them. Katherine receives Tom's possessions from the coroner and finds a suspicious voicemail on his cell phone.
- The Insider
  
  Today, 23:35, Film4
  
  This dramatic true-life account of an industry whistleblower is directed by Michael Mann and stars Al Pacino and Russell Crowe.
  
  Dr Jeffrey Wigand (Crowe) and a producer (Pacino) on the American current affairs show 60 Minutes take on the US tobacco industry in a bid to expose the addictive nature of nicotine. Focusing on the human-interest story of a family man under terrifying pressures, the action also vividly brings home the David and Goliath story of a battle that made US legal history.
- Harry Hill's TV Burp
  
  Today, 19:00, ITV2
  
  The big-collared funnyman returns for what is rumoured to be his final (boo!) series, so enjoy Harry's surreal spin on the world of TV while you can.
  
  It's the twelfth series of the award-winning comedian's collections of hilarious telly send-ups. There is no way of knowing beforehand what will catch the big-collared comic's eye, but he is sure to have spotted some gems that the rest of us missed. And there just might be a particular issue that can only be resolved in one way... with a FIGHT!
Tomorrow
- Desperate Housewives
  
  Tomorrow, 11:30, E4
  
  Family ties are much in evidence in the latest episode of the comedy drama series following life in the leafy suburb of Wisteria Lane.
  
  Susan continues with her dialysis treatment. She is stunned, however, by the appearance of her flighty mother Sophie along with her aunt Clare. Sophie exudes good cheer and sympathy but refuses to take a test to determine whether she could be a potential kidney donor. Meanwhile, Gaby has problems of her own as she becomes obsessed with her biological daughter Grace. Lynette learns about Tom's past with Renee and is smitten by a sudden desire to exact revenge.
- The Hotel Inspector
  
  Tomorrow, 14:00, 5 Star
  
  Straight-talking, award-winning hotelier Alex Polizzi continues to strive to transform the fortunes of struggling guesthouses across Britain.
  
  Alex comes to the rescue of the Welcome Traveller Inn, located in west Wales. Despite an excellent location, this family-run business is struggling - can any of Alex's bright ideas turn the hotel's fortunes around?
- Britain's Heritage Heroes
  
  Tomorrow, 18:30, BBC HD
  
  The new series in which John Craven and Jules Hudson champion British crafts continues.
  
  The duo witness the work being done on the Lancaster canal by a hardy bunch of volunteers, then move on to Halifax to get creative at a textile mill with a colourful new life. On the road they meet artists, drystone wallers and even traditional ice-cream makers, all working hard to give their heritage a future.
- If Walls Could Talk: The History of the Home
  
  Tomorrow, 20:00, BBC Four
  
  This four-part social history of the British home looks at the history of four rooms in our houses, from Norman times to the present.
  
  In the first episode Lucy Worsley looks at the history of the living room, the room which has more name-changes than any other in our houses. Lucy visits a communal medieval great hall, holds a candle-lit tea party in a Georgian drawing room in Spitalfields and learns more about what gas and electric lighting brought to the Victorian parlour.
- How to Cook like Heston
  
  Tomorrow, 20:00, Channel 4
  
  Heston Blumenthal continues his highly entertaining course in molecular gastronomy as he shows how to perform culinary magic in domestic kitchens.
  
  This time, Heston takes on the humble spud, the foundation of a hearty British meal. But there is more to potatoes than just mashing, boiling or roasting. Heston reveals tips and techniques to transform your Maris Pipers into mouth-watering main courses including his legendary triple cooked chips, potato doughnuts, potato skin jam and the perfect roasties.
- Super Smart Animals
  
  Tomorrow, 20:00, BBC1
  
  Liz Bonnin presents a new series exploring the intelligence of our brothers and sisters in the animal kingdom.
  
  From skateboarding dogs to chimp math geniuses, Liz embarks on a worldwide search for the planet's most intelligent animals, devising some ingenious IQ puzzles and even putting herself to the test to find out. She gets creative with dolphins, shares a eureka moment with orangutans and defends the reputation of the human race when she goes head-to-head with a chimpanzee. Also featured are the exploits of an octopus escapologist while John Humphrys puts a goldfish through its paces on Mastermind.
- Masterchef
  
  Tomorrow, 21:00, BBC1
  
  MasterChef continues as judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace ask the remaining eight cooks to take on three cornerstones of European cuisine.
  
  The cooks must each master the art of Italian, Spanish or French cooking. Each group begins with the cooks being given a master class by a top chef in their chosen style. They then must compete in the heat of service, mastering another dish working under their head chef. Here, watched closely by their mentor, they must create one dish that proves they have understood how to encapsulate their chosen country's flavours.
- One Born Every Minute
  
  Tomorrow, 21:00, Channel 4
  
  The fly-on-the-wall documentary series following life in a busy maternity ward in Leeds meets two very different mothers.
  
  Seventeen-year-old Giorgi-Leigh was devastated when she found out she was pregnant but has now come to terms with her condition. The father is Jack, her on-off boyfriend for years, who will sadly not be present at the birth due to his currently being confined in one of HM the Queen's prisons. Elsewhere, the ward sees a serious emergency when a baby's shoulders become wedged after the head has been delivered.
- Seven Dwarves
  
  Tomorrow, 21:00, More4
  
  The documentary series following actors as they live together and perform in a production of Snow White at Woking's New Victoria Theatre continues
  
  At 43, Karen is the oldest of the group and the only parent. Karen is a single mum of ten-year-old Molly and 17-year-old Amber, neither of whom are small. Karen and Max have been seeing each other for a few months and are keen to keep things casual, but while the pantomime is running Karen suddenly suffers a terrible loss that shocks the house and brings the two closer together. Karen and Max give moving interviews about how hurtful people's reactions to them can be.
- Roger and Val Have Just Got In
  
  Tomorrow, 22:00, BBC2
  
  The comedy starring Alfred Molina and Dawn French as Roger and Val returns to BBC2 for a second series. Developed from an idea by Dawn French.
  
  Married for over 20 years, Roger and Val have work, love and supper issues. Teacher Val has ambitions to climb to the dizzy heights of Deputy Headship, while botanist Roger is trying to clear his name having been sacked for sexual harassment. In the first episode, Roger and Val discover whether Val's bid to become Deputy Head has fallen at the first hurdle. Plus, Val shows Roger her novel way of overcoming interview nerves and a note arrives for Roger that will change their world completely!
- 10 O'Clock Live
  
  Tomorrow, 22:00, Channel 4
  
  The hilarious, hard-hitting satirical show hosted by David Mitchell, Jimmy Carr, Charlie Brooker and Lauren Laverne returns for a second series.
  
  Each week the hosts shine an uncomfortably bright light on the week's events bringing a witty, informative and wry take on the world of current affairs. The show is broadcast live each week with the team joined by a range of studio guests, from politicians to cultural commentators and other experts. Highlights from series one saw 10 O'Clock Live be the first show to announce Alan Johnson's resignation and John Prescott taking on self-confessed phone hacker Paul McMullan.
- Educating Essex
  
  Tomorrow, 22:00, More4
  
  The documentary series following staff and pupils at Passmores School in Harlow, Essex, takes a look at the age-old problem of bullying.
  
  From cyber-harassment to an old-fashioned scrap, bullying is something that every school faces. As headteacher Mr Goddard says, it is only by acknowledging this that a school can tackle the issue. Rebel Sam and model student Gabby come from opposite ends of the academic spectrum, but both have been affected by bullying in different ways. When Gabby starts to receive threatening text messages, deputy headteacher Mr Drew plays detective as he tries to find the culprit.
- The Normans
  
  Tomorrow, 22:30, BBC HD
  
  Robert Bartlett concludes his look at the story and legacy of the conquerors of Britain by following their aggressive campaign into southern Europe.
  
  Descendents of the Vikings, the Normans had established themselves in northern France and then crushed Anglo-Saxon resistance in Britain. In the 11th century, they proceeded to spread south, establishing a kingdom in southern Italy and Sicily that would become a centre of international culture and learning. However, their response to the call from the Pope for a Holy War against Islam, culminating in the taking of Jerusalem, would create a rift between the religions that remains to this day.
- Outnumbered
  
  Tomorrow, 22:30, BBC Four
  
  The fourth series of the successful comedy starring Hugh Dennis, Claire Skinner and some very talented children draws to a close.
  
  More semi-improvised and almost too real comedy from the Brockman family, whose kids have a way of pointing out the facts that adults don't really like to acknowledge. As the family tries to get rid of Auntie Angela, another guest comes to stay. Meanwhile, Mum has to decide what to do about Jake's girlfriend, and Ben and Karen discuss dreams, the mafia and trampolining bears.
- Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Joan Collins
  
  Tomorrow, 22:35, ITV1
  
  Piers Morgan talks to actress and author Joan Collins, who tells the story of her life - the husbands, the lovers and all the Hollywood gossip.
  
  She is a star from every angle. Vengeful Alexis Colby of Dynasty, movie star since her 1951 debut in Lady Godiva Rides Again, guest star on a myriad US TV series, star of ITV1's Footballers' Wives, novelist, author of lifestyle books and memoirs, stage actress on Broadway and in London's West End and gracious foil to a clumsy Leonard Rossiter in a timeless TV ad. She has worked alongside a who's who of great actors and even chaired Have I Got News for You. Since 1997 she has been an OBE.
- Twenty Twelve
  
  Tomorrow, 23:00, BBC Four
  
  The team run head-long into controversy over their plans for Greenwich Park, as the Olympic-themed comedy starring Hugh Bonneville comes to a close.
  
  One man leading the charge against the committee's decision to hold equestrian events in the park is maverick film director Tony Ward (Blackadder star Tim McInnerny), whose lack of a successful film career has left him with plenty of time to protest the plans. The team soon find themselves up against everything from a huge pile of manure to Radio 4's Today Programme. There is no respite for Ian at home, either, as his marriage reaches a new low. Luckily, Sally is on hand to pick up the pieces...
- Take Me Out
  
  Tomorrow, 19:00, ITV2
  
  Another hilarious edition of the madcap show that's a 21st century version of Blind Date, but with Paddy McGuinness instead of Cilla.
  
  Hoping to impress Paddy's 30 single ladies today are a dreadlocked Greenpeace campaigner from London, a semi-professional footballer from Belfast, a 1950s-obsessed musician and a male model from Weston-super-Mare with a dubious dating history. We also find out how last week's couples got on when they went for their dates on the (possibly fictional) Isle of Fernando's.
- Escape from New York
  
  Tomorrow, 23:00, ITV4
  
  From visionary director John Carpenter comes this cult futuristic action thriller, starring Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef and Ernest Borgnine.
  
  The year is a far-in-the-future 1997, and the island of Manhattan that has become a maximum-security prison. When the US president (Donald Pleasence) is captured and held hostage by a ruthless gang after Air Force One crash-lands in the no-go area, only one-eyed mercenary Snake Plissken (Russell) is considered capable of effecting a rescue. If he fails his mission, an explosive that has been injected under his skin will be detonated, killing him instantly.
Thursday
- Build a New Life in the Country
  
  Thursday, 13:00, 5 Star
  
  The property series continues with a couple who plan to create their dream Georgian-style house in a small Buckinghamshire village.
  
  Charlie Luxton heads to the village of Sherington, where Rebecca and Jim hope to build a house next door to Rebecca's mum's home. The building will be made from mostly reclaimed materials, including windows from a Georgian house in London, doors from France and tiles from Geneva. The project is a labour of love for Rebecca, but when she and Jim take over the work themselves, they soon run into problems. Will they meet their deadline or will the work drag on into the winter?
- The Hotel Inspector
  
  Thursday, 14:00, 5 Star
  
  Straight-talking, award-winning hotelier Alex Polizzi continues to strive to transform the fortunes of struggling guesthouses across Britain.
  
  The Hotel Inspector is called to the Brendan Chase in the Lake District by sixty-three-year-old former chartered accountant David. Alex Polizzi is shocked to find a dated B&B with an hotelier to match. Can Alex drag David screaming and kicking into the 21st century?
- CSI: NY
  
  Thursday, 14:15, Channel 5
  
  Mac witnesses some strange events from the window of his apartment as the spin-off crime drama series continues.
  
  In a homage to Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window, Mac witnesses some mysterious events from his apartment window as he recuperates at home from an injury. The briefcase exchange that the CSI inadvertently observes leads to a murder, and unexpectedly brings ex-girlfriend Dr Peyton Driscoll back into his life.
- Horizon: Are You Good or Evil?
  
  Thursday, 20:00, BBC Four
  
  What makes us good or evil? Horizon takes a scientific look at this age-old question, and makes a few unexpected discoveries.
  
  The question or what makes us good or evil is a simple but deeply unsettling one, one that scientists are only now beginning to answer. Horizon meets a scientist who believes he has found the moral molecule, the man who is using this new understanding to rewrite our ideas of crime and punishment, and a group of researchers studying psychopathic killers, one of whom makes a startling discovery about his own psychological profile.
- Raymond Blanc: The Very Hungry Frenchman
  
  Thursday, 20:00, BBC2
  
  Raymond Blanc returns to the country he loves so much and the French recipes that have inspired him.
  
  Raymond is Britain's most famous French chef, yet he has never cooked professionally in France. In each episode of this inspirational series he takes over a restaurant for one night only and cooks a feast inspired by a region's food. Raymond goes to Burgundy, an unmissable destination for fine food and wine lovers, where he picks the best grapes, eats snails, and is tempted back to the simple life of the rustic farmhouse.
- Eternal Law
  
  Thursday, 21:00, ITV1
  
  Zak and Tom have to deal with the deadly aftermath of a family argument in the final episode of the drama series about two angels sent down to Earth.
  
  Hale Engineering was a family firm run by three brothers, namely Marcus, Bruno and Felix. Unfortunately, it is now run by two brothers, for Felix is dead following an argument with Marcus, who has been charged with murder. Zak and Tom are defending, while the prosecution is being conducted by the evil Richard, who has persuaded Bruno to testify against his brother. Meanwhile, Hannah is evidently still confused about her feelings for Zak.
- Strictly Soulmates
  
  Thursday, 21:00, BBC Three
  
  Looking for love is tough, and it can be even harder when religion is a factor. Three young single Muslims begin their journey to find 'the one'.
  
  Zubair wants to find a wife to move to Pakistan with him but he's never even talked to a girl on his own, and on top of that he's worried his strict Muslim beard could put girls off. Naila and her mother are on the hunt for the man of Naila's dreams - but how do you know what you're looking for when you've never been out with a boy? Dimpy's turned down 60 potential husbands who haven't measured up to her very long list of priorities. Her cousin and aunt are on hand to deliver a few home truths.
- Inside Men
  
  Thursday, 21:00, BBC1
  
  John, Chris and Marcus have made a decision that might make their big idea a reality, as the crime drama continues.
  
  Having agreed in principle what they intend to achieve, the first step is to employ the muscle to carry off the heist. Marcus has a connection to a businessman called Kalpesh, who can help them with the guns and the men they need. John gets a pep talk from his boss on how to assert himself more. The advice proves invaluable, although not quite in the way in which it was intended. When Marcus looks like making a mess of the deal with Kalpesh, John has to step in and close the deal.
- Sudden Impact
  
  Thursday, 22:00, Channel 5
  
  Clint Eastwood reprises his role as 'Dirty' Harry Callahan in this gritty thriller.
  
  Inspector Callahan is shipped out of San Francisco by his superiors and becomes involved in the hunt for a brutal killer who has carried out a series of murders in a small seaside town. Is this the work of a woman seeking revenge, or are detectives missing the bigger picture?
- The Jonathan Ross Show
  
  Thursday, 22:35, ITV1
  
  Another hilarious round of celebrity interviews and offbeat comedy from Britain's most irreverent chat show host.
  
  This week, Jonathan is joined by international superstar footballer David Beckham, who will no doubt be talking about his decision to stay at LA Galaxy. British Hollywood actress Keira Knightley, who has recently starred in A Dangerous Method and Never Let Me Go, is also on the sofa. Jovial Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges, recently seen in Stand Up for the Week and Live at the Apollo, completes an entertaining line-up.
- James May's Man Lab
  
  Thursday, 23:00, BBC HD
  
  Top Gear favourite James May continues his epic quest to re-skill the modern male.
  
  James attempts to prove the impossible - that an Englishman can take a penalty and score. He will need to keep a cool head as he'll be taking the penalty in front of 20,000 baying German fans on the exact spot where England were knocked out of the 2006 World Cup. James also reinstates an ancient ferry crossing by building a boat from little more than bendy sticks, creates an indoor garden in the ultimate brown field site and builds the world's first multi-functional Swiss Army Bike.
- Toughest Place to Be a...
  
  Thursday, 23:20, BBC2
  
  The series which places British workers in the most challenging conditions in the world returns as a Cornish fisherman travels to Sierra Leone.
  
  Cornish fisherman Andy Giles is the first British worker takes his trade to the toughest place in the world for fishermen: Sierra Leone. He must adapt to the challenges of subsistence fishing, where every catch makes the difference towards feeding a hungry family. As well as tracking Andy's growing friendship with his hosts, the film highlights the plight of these fishing communities in the face of threats from illegal foreign trawlers, whose activities badly damage the villager's way of life.
- James May's Things You Need to Know about the Universe
  
  Thursday, 22:00, BBC2
  
  James May presents science at its most accessible with a graphic-packed presentation of the most interesting and bizarre facts about the universe.
  
  James May tackles some of the biggest questions that have faced mankind throughout history as he explains what You Need to Know about The Universe. Supported by amazing and sometimes bizarre animations and graphics, his journey of discovery sees him trying to get to the bottom of black holes, shine a light on the inner workings of the stars themselves and even explain the origins of the material universe. Science at its most awe-inspiring, amazing and accessible.
- Coppers
  
  Thursday, 23:05, Channel 4 HD
  
  Continuing the hard-hitting documentary series which provides a rare insight into the realities of policing modern Britain.
  
  Nottinghamshire Police's highly trained Armed Response Unit reveals what it is like carrying a weapon on Britain's streets. The programme follows the officers as they stop a car they believe contains a weapon, detain a man accused of threatening to kill an ex-girlfriend and arrest a woman for confronting a former friend with a pistol. While Nottinghamshire police attend an average of 243 firearms incidents annually, there are on average 1,500 occasions a year when tasers are deployed.
Friday
- Smallville
  
  Friday, 7:05, E4
  
  Another adventure for young Superman in the final, epic series of the cult drama, and an old villain is back to make life difficult for Clark Kent
  
  Clark is surprised to see Martha on the news speaking at a pro-vigilante rally. Lionel Luthor reveals his existence to the world and reclaims LuthorCorp from Tess and Oliver. As Clark deals with a shocking event, Lois and Chloe try to cheer him up by showing him videos from vigilante supporters professing their support for The Blur. Will we finally see Tom Welling putting on his cape as the long-running Smallville saga gradually comes to an end?
- The Hotel Inspector
  
  Friday, 14:00, 5 Star
  
  Straight-talking, award-winning hotelier Alex Polizzi strives to transform the fortunes of struggling guesthouses across Britain.
  
  Alex visits the seaside town of Ilfracombe in Devon. The Shears family has asked for help with the themed Merlin Court hotel, as rising debts and plummeting occupancy rates threaten to endanger the establishment's future.
- Royal Navy: Caribbean Patrol
  
  Friday, 19:00, Channel 5
  
  This exciting documentary series follows the warship HMS Manchester on her final deployment - a seven-month tour of duty hunting drug smugglers.
  
  The crew lives the high life on the island of Curacao while emergency repairs are carried out on the elderly ship - but the good times come to an abrupt end with the arrival of some hot intelligence leads.
- EastEnders
  
  Friday, 20:00, BBC One HD
  
  Jack and Roxy's custody battle reaches its gripping climax, in the week's final visit to the residents of Albert Square.
  
  Two of the Square's biggest families are at war as the judge announces who will get custody of baby Amy. But will it be the Mitchells or the Brannings who emerge victorious? Caught in the middle of the feud are Abi and Jay, who have been growing ever closer. Will their families' rivalry be enough to stop their relationship from blossoming? Meanwhile, Bianca is forced to accept her current situation, and receives some unexpected charity from one of Walford's most hardened residents.
- Room 101
  
  Friday, 20:30, BBC1
  
  The newly revamped version of the hilarious series which sees celebrities consigning their pet hates to oblivion.
  
  Host Frank Skinner invites singer and TV presenter Jamelia, academic and author Germaine Greer and surreal comedian Ross Noble on to the show. Under the show's new rules, the celebrities must compete via argument to have their peeves put into Room 101, and only the guests who manage to convince Frank will succeed.
- New Girl
  
  Friday, 20:30, Channel 4
  
  The smash hit US sitcom starring Zooey Deschanel as the kooky female flatmate of three young men continues.
  
  This time, there's more hilarity as Jess invites Paul, a music teacher from her school who she has always had a crush on, to the gang's Thanksgiving dinner. Naturally, things go horribly awry!
- Hustle
  
  Friday, 21:00, BBC One HD
  
  Albert decides to pay a nostalgic visit to an old haunt only to find that it has been demolished by tycoon Dale Ridley, as the drama series continues.
  
  The consensus of opinion among the team is that Ridley should not be allowed to get away with vandalism on this scale. Posing as international businessmen, the team lure Dale into a scam, convincing him to purchase the television studios that fired him in his showbiz heyday. The temptation to get revenge on his old employers looks likely to be enough to lure the greedy entrepreneur into the scheme, but the operation is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Ash's 11-year-old godson.
- Law & Order: UK
  
  Friday, 21:00, ITV1
  
  The action in the latest episode of the crime drama series takes place over a single day, during which the team work on three separate cases.
  
  DS Sam Casey and DS Ronnie are called to a deserted city street where community police officers have found the body of a barman, shot dead in his car. On their way back to the station from the crime scene, they respond to a 999 call in a nearby office where a sibling spat has turned murderous. Crown Prosecutors Jake and Alesha Phillips have their own problems when one of the defendants in an attempted murder trial claims to have made a false confession after being intimidated by police.
- Wild About Pandas
  
  Friday, 21:00, BBC HD
  
  David Tennant narrates the story of giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang.
  
  The pandas arrived in the UK in December 2011 to be resettled in Edinburgh Zoo for the next decade. The film also follows the zoo's vet and head keeper as they travel to China to see how giant pandas are cared for in their homeland, and head keeper Alison visits a remote panda reserve in Wolong to witness the efforts to reintroduce the creatures back into the wild.
- Country House Rescue
  
  Friday, 22:00, More4
  
  Ruth Watson continues her quest to knock some of Britain's crumbling stately homes back into some sort of shape.
  
  Carnfield Hall in Derbyshire boasts an extraordinary mixture of Elizabethan, Jacobean and Victorian architecture, and was single-handedly restored by its owner James Cartland, a cousin of the late author Barbara Cartland. Now in his 60s, James is finding the burden of its care and preservation too much. Ruth suggests making use of Carnfield's 90 acres of parkland and thinning out the enormous antiques collection - but James finds some of her advice a bitter pill to swallow.
- Kidnap and Ransom
  
  Friday, 22:00, ITV3
  
  Dominic's fears for Naomi are proved correct when he finds out that her daughter Sally has been kidnapped, in the final episode of the drama series.
  
  It quickly becomes clear that Willard is after something far more than money. Dominic allows the police to become involved but they underestimate the intelligence of the kidnappers, with shocking results. Dominic also has his own family crisis when Tess leaves home, but he has little time to put things right. Willard will only deal with Dominic, so he decides to go it alone in an attempt to get Sally back. But can he get hold of what they are demanding, and who is Willard working with?
- The Graham Norton Show
  
  Friday, 22:35, BBC1
  
  More hilarity and top celebrity guests in the unique chat show presented by the Irish comedian and ex-star of Father Ted.
  
  Expect the unexpected and join in the fun with Graham and his irrepressible audience. Among the guests on Graham's sofa are Dame Judi Dench, who talks about her new movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Also appearing is the rising star of Slumdog Millionaire, Dev Patel. Plus there's music from platinum-selling popstar Will Young.
- The Book Review Show
  
  Friday, 23:00, BBC2
  
  A special edition of the Book Review Show celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens.
  
  Kirsty Wark is joined by Professor John Carey, writer Geoff Dyer and novelist Kate Mosse to discuss Simon Callow's new biography of the great author, a slew of recent screen adaptations, and the hidden gems of 19th century literature.
- Toughest Place to Be a...
  
  Friday, 23:30, BBC HD
  
  London binman Wilbur Ramirez heads to Jakarta in the latest episode of the series that sends people to do their jobs in unfamiliar surroundings.
  
  For ten days Wilbur works with Imam, one of the army of semi-destitute binmen who collect the city's rubbish. The health and safety regulations governing British waste management are conspicuously absent as Wilbur enters a life of squalor and poverty, staying next to a fly-ridden dump and joining Imam's back-breaking daily round as he collects the rubbish of Jakarta's wealthy. It proves a moving experience as Wilbur discovers the insecurity and danger that dominate Imam's life.
Saturday
- New Girl
  
  Saturday, 9:25, Channel 4
  
  The guys are invited to a wedding of a mutual friend in the latest episode of the US sitcom about three young men and their kooky female flatmate.
  
  Worried that he may run into his former girlfriend Caroline, Nick asks Jess to be his date for the occasion. Schmidt, as usual, is on the prowl for single women. A certain inevitability manifests itself, however, when he ends up bumping into the unpleasantly aggressive Gretchen, with whom he has a bit of a history. Meanwhile, Winston takes his role as an usher very seriously and gets competitive on the dance floor with a young guest.
- Vacation, Vacation, Vacation
  
  Saturday, 16:40, More4
  
  Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer continue their holiday series.
  
  The ancient Croatian port of Dubrovnik offers beaches, bays and boat trips, as well as shops, architecture and breathtaking views. Declaring the place to be one of the most beautiful cities he has ever visited, Phil takes charge as the duo visit on a budget break. Kirstie is impressed by the craftsmanship on display all over the city, but even more impressed by the luxury weekend break she organises as they visit Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia.
- NCIS
  
  Saturday, 17:30, 5 USA
  
  The drama series about the US navy's dedicated federal agency continues its second season.
  
  A bombing range used for target practice by the marines is found to be the dumping ground for mafia victims, among them an undercover FBI agent. Will the NCIS agents be able to cut through the red tape of military procedure to solve the case?
- Winter wipeout
  
  Saturday, 18:15, BBC One HD
  
  Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram host another frosty episode as twenty brave Brits tackle the most absurd obstacle course on the planet.
  
  Large Yorkshire lad Tony has lost two stone just to get to Argentina and compete but will he defy the laughter from his friends and make it through the Qualifier? The 12 contestants that do will face the terrifying ordeal that is Ski Lift, the five contestants left standing on Ski Lift qualify for the next round, Winter Blunderland, and three finalists will take on the Winter Wipeout Zone. Prepare for the most exciting final Winter Wipeout has ever seen as records are smashed in this round.
- Kirstie's Handmade Britain
  
  Saturday, 19:10, More4
  
  Kirstie Allsopp must master some complex needlework skills as she prepares to enter a cushion of her own design into the Great Yorkshire Show.
  
  With over 12,000 competition entrants across the weekend, and 130,000 visitors expected to attend, Kirstie knows her entry must be top notch to have any chance of being crowned Best in Show. Once she's designed her cushion, Kirstie eagerly turns to her favourite craft: freestyle machine embroidery; using water-soluble backing to create gorgeous embroidered flowers. Kirstie turns to needlework wonder woman Jo Colwill to practice her hand embroidering and applique, quilting and bordering.
- The Magicians
  
  Saturday, 19:15, BBC1
  
  More mind-bending magic as Barry and Stuart are joined by Ed Byrne, Pete Firman is paired with Joe Swash and Latimer meets dancer George Sampson.
  
  Each celebrity and their magical mentor perform four spectacular illusions, two of which are live. With the viewers at home voting for their favourite act, the teams must do all they can to impress; the act with the fewest votes faces a death-defying live forfeit. In this episode, Dutch illusionist Hans Klok attempts to perform a record-breaking number of tricks in just five minutes.
- Harry Hill's TV Burp
  
  Saturday, 19:30, ITV1
  
  More inspired comic lunacy and extremely amusing clips from the past week's TV with Britain's favourite big-collared funnyman.
  
  Harry has been busy cooking up more TV treats in the Burp kitchen. With the soaps and Dancing on Ice in full flow, expect a gag-packed and unmissable helping of Burp. And, as ever... a FIGHT!
- Suits
  
  Saturday, 20:00, Dave
  
  The first episode of the smash hit new US legal drama premieres on Dave.
  
  Mike Ross has always wanted to be a lawyer, despite the fact that life has taken him in a different direction. When an unexpected opportunity arises, however, he finds himself becoming the new associate at a top Manhattan law firm. The only problem is that he doesn't actually have a law degree.
- The Jonathan Ross Show
  
  Saturday, 21:15, ITV1
  
  Jonathan welcomes three pillars of the thespian establishment as he continues the series featuring chat, humorous banter and idiosyncratic vulgarity.
  
  Denzel Washington has come along way since playing Dr Philip Chandler in St Elsewhere. Now one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, he has won two Academy Awards, including the Best Actor award in 2001 for his performance in Training Day. Keira Knightley talks about her role in A Dangerous Method, a period drama exploring the relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. Tom Hardy's credits include Bronson, Warrior and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Music comes from the legendary Dionne Warwick.
- Casualty
  
  Saturday, 21:20, BBC One HD
  
  Sam does her best to forget her problems in the latest episode of the drama series following the everyday goings-on in Holby General Hospital.
  
  Zoe is a trifle concerned that Keith Parr may sue both Sam and the hospital over his neck injury. She tries to persuade Sam to talk to him, but she has other ideas about where her priorities lie, preferring to treat a patient whom she believes to have been sexually assaulted. Meanwhile, a lady is brought into the ED after being hit by a lorry. Linda has some hard choices to make when Lenny tackles her about putting her niece and nephew into care.
- Pan Am
  
  Saturday, 22:00, BBC2
  
  Christina Ricci stars in the cult US series about the golden era of international flight, the 1960s.
  
  Laura is horrified to find out that the nude photos she posed for are on display in a fashionable art gallery in the village. When she tries to buy them back she finds out that they are already interesting a very prestigious buyer. Maggie spills another of her secrets to Ted in an effort to stop him being hurt by marrying Amanda. Kate has another glamorous assignment, but this time has to hope her pickpocketing skills are up to the job.

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Tomorrow

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If Walls Could Talk: The History of the Home

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Take Me Out

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Eternal Law

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Coppers

Friday

Smallville

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Royal Navy: Caribbean Patrol

EastEnders

Room 101

New Girl

Hustle

Law & Order: UK

Wild About Pandas

Country House Rescue

Kidnap and Ransom

The Graham Norton Show

The Book Review Show

Toughest Place to Be a...

Saturday

New Girl

Vacation, Vacation, Vacation

NCIS

Winter wipeout

Kirstie's Handmade Britain

The Magicians

Harry Hill's TV Burp

Suits

The Jonathan Ross Show