Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Monday 5th January 2015)
Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey through southern Scotland from west to east. From Ayr, he admires the granite island of Ailsa Craig before getting to grips with the ancient sport of curling. The Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers invites Michael to take part in the oldest archery competition in the world. At Barassie, he rides the footplate of a freight train hauling coal on Scotland’s oldest railway line.
Waterloo Road (BBC 3/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Monday 5th January 2015)
It’s a new term and Waterloo Road is under threat, as the council wants to merge it with Havelock High. But Vaughan is ready for battle, and his plan involves volatile new pupils Kenzie and Scott. Now all he’s got to do is let the staff in on his radical strategy.
Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Tuesday 6th January 2015)
Michael Portillo continues his journey through the Scottish lowlands, beginning in the industrial town of Greenock from where he sets sail in the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. In Glasgow, Michael investigates witnesses the devastating effects of the 2014 fire at the Glasgow School of Art. In Blantyre, Michael discovers the humble beginnings of Britain’s most famous missionary and explorer, and learns to bake sour dough in Scotland’s oldest bakery in Strathaven.
Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 6th January 2015)
Forensic crime drama series. DCI Jane De Freitas’s personal fallout with boss and partner chief superintendent Robert Drake is the least of her worries when three people are shot dead in a petrol station. Nikki and Jack conclude that it is the work of a concealed shooter from long range. A sniper is at large in London. They combine ballistics and wound pathology, along with DCI De Freitas’s expertise in victim and killer profiling, to narrow down the suspects. De Freitas contains her undercurrent of animosity towards Drake, as the team work to find the killer apparently striking at random.
Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Wednesday 7th January 2015)
Armed with his Bradshaw’s guide, Michael Portillo continues his journey through southern Scotland. He celebrates Victorian iron and steel in Motherwell and admires the Forth Rail Bridge. Michael journeys through picturesque countryside to admire the raw power of nature at the magnificent and romantic Clyde Falls. In Cumbernauld, Michael learns of the birth of one of Scotland’s best-selling soft drinks. In Linlithgow, he marvels at the ingenuity of the engineers who built the Union Canal and experiences a 21st century technological refinement at Falkirk.
Silent Witness (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 7th January 2015)
Forensic crime drama series. The sniper plays a macabre game of cat and mouse with police, while Jack forms a friendship with the teenage son of one of the victims, offering sympathy and support. Thomas tries to ensure the safety of his daughter Rosie and estranged wife Julia amidst growing public fear, while fighting his urge to interfere in their lives. Nikki and Jack look closer at the targets to elucidate the hidden motive of the killer. The investigation is scaled up by DCI Jane De Freitas, but it’s Jack’s shocking discovery at one of the victims’ homes that leads the team to the perpetrator.
Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Thursday 8th January 2015)
Steered by his Bradshaw’s guide, Michael Portillo begins this leg of his journey in Stirling, where he visits the scene of a bloody battle at Bannockburn. Following in the footsteps of Victorian holidaymakers, he travels north to Crieff to experience the popular Hydro. In Perth, Michael learns what it takes to make a sporran before catching the highland mainline to Pitlochry and one of Queen Victoria’s favourite haunts. He finishes for the day with a wee dram in Scotland’s smallest distillery.
Somerset: After the Floods (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 8th January 2015)
The Somerset Levels are one of the most beautiful parts of Britain, but in the winter of 2013 they faced a natural disaster. One village, Moorland, was entirely engulfed by the floods. Deluged by water, the villagers watched helplessly as their homes were washed away. This programme follows their year-long struggle to get home again after the water drained. Although the residents put on a brave face, the realities of their fate pile up, with insurance companies refusing to pay and months of delays with the builders.
Death in Paradise (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 8th January 2015)
Detective drama series set on a Caribbean island. When the owner of a rum distillery is murdered during a seance, all the clues point to the prime suspect being a ghost. With DI Humphrey Goodman and his team a man down, Commissioner Selwyn steps in to help them look for a more earth-bound killer.
Great British Railway Journeys (BBC 2/HD | 6:30pm to 7:00pm | Friday 9th January 2015)
On the last leg of his journey across Scotland from west to east, Michael Portillo pays homage to the birthplace of golf at St Andrews. In Dunfermline, Michael discovers the poor beginnings of one of the world’s wealthiest men, a remarkable philanthropist who worked on the railroads before making his fortune in steel. Crossing the Firth of Forth via the legendary red bridge, Michael arrives in Edinburgh in the middle of the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe.
The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Friday 9th January 2015)
The award-winning gang show returns for a new series, live on Friday nights. Adam Hills and co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker review the main talking points of the week with irreverence and satire. Each week they are joined by a live studio audience and in the first show Dara O Briain is the guest. The show sees the return of the all-encompassing question: Is It Ok? Viewers at home and the studio audience are encouraged to ask questions about anything from the week, without fear of judgement. Once again, our three hosts step into the minefield of sometimes difficult and delicate areas to answer the questions with their own inimitable insight.
All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.