Category: TV this week

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 09/05/2015

TV this week 1 Comment

W1A - 14-05-2015 (YouView app)Damned Designs (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Monday 11th May 2015)

Damned Designs: Don’t Demolish My Home follows a group of determined homeowners in Britain who are in a desperate and extremely costly battle to save their dream house from demolition. All have fallen foul of the planning authorities and are in real danger of losing their prized homes. Each episode reveals how some of these incredibly designed homes are saved, or torn down at their own expense. Each house reveals a dramatic tale of battles between planners, politicians, neighbours and home owners.

How Scotland Works (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 12th May 2015)

Documentary series exploring life in 21st-century Scotland. With the population at an all-time high and people living longer, the final programme meets Scots of all ages and tells the story of life in modern Scotland from birth through to old age.

W1A (BBC 2/HD | 10:00pm to 10:30pm | Thursday 14th May 2015)

Award-winning comedy about the BBC. It’s all change on the corporate merry-go-round. In his new role as senior executive, Primetime Factuality, consistently lucky David Wilkes needs to flesh out the programme idea behind One Big Family. Not having any ideas himself he turns for inspiration to Izzy Gould in her new role as development producer. On the verge of leaving the BBC, Lucy has been persuaded to take on a new job as head of Inclusivity. One of her first jobs is to head up discussion on the Way Ahead Task Force around inclusivity targets – targets which become increasingly important to hit with Charter renewal just around the corner and an imminent meeting of the Cross Parliamentary Inclusion Action Watch Dog Group at Westminster.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 02/05/2015

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The World’s Most Extreme: Railways - 02-05-2015 (YouView app)All Aboard! The Canal Trip (BBC 4/HD | 8:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 5th May 2015)

A two-hour, real-time canal boat journey down one of Britain’s most historic waterways, the Kennet and Avon Canal, from Top Lock in Bath to the Dundas Aqueduct. Using an uninterrupted single shot, the film is a rich and absorbing antidote to the frenetic pace and white noise of modern life. Taking in the images and sounds of the British countryside, underpinned by the natural soundscape of water lapping, surrounding birdsong and the noise of the chugging engine, this is a chance to spot wildlife and glimpse life on the towpath while being lulled by the comforting rhythm of a bygone era. Along the journey, graphics and archive stills embedded into the passing landscape deliver salient facts about the canal and its social history.

How Scotland Works (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 5th May 2015)

Documentary series exploring life in 21st-century Scotland. This programme tells the story of Scotland as a brand and goes behind the scenes at the Edinburgh Tattoo, a visiting cruise liner and the New York Whisky Fest to find out how the rest of the world views Scotland.

Ballot Monkeys (Channel 4/HD |10:00pm to 10:30pm | Tuesday 5th May 2015)

There are now two days to go before the country goes to the polls and this highly topical comedy – much of it written on the day of transmission – sees fear is gripping the four campaign buses. The top drawer cast includes Ben Miller as coalition-weary Lib Dem campaign co-ordinator Kevin Sturridge, Sarah Hadland as Ukip’s ex-TV presenter Kate Standen, and Hugh Dennis as Martin Frost, the Tory’s caustic Deputy Campaign Manager. Created by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin provides a wonderfully absurd slant on the climax to this roller coaster election.

The World’s Most Extreme: Railways (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 7th May 2015)

From India to Japan, Peru and the Philippines, railways mean awesome engineering in extreme environments. From high-tech to home-made and from the highest to the fastest, this programme gets on board, in the driver’s cab and even on the roof, to present the 10 most extreme railways on Earth. In Colombia, thrill-seeking kids lie down under moving trains. India’s trains can become so busy that passengers have to ride on the roof. In Thailand, a commuter train line runs directly through a busy market, passing inches away from stalls and shoppers. And in Johannesburg train surfers risk their lives for the thrill of riding trains in a way that was never intended.

The Last Leg Alternative Election Special (Channel 4/HD | 9:30pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 7th May 2015)

Adam Hills, Josh Widdecombe and Alex Brooker host an election-themed edition of the award-winning show, taking a comedic look at the campaign. Returning throughout the night, the gang are joined in the studio by special guests.

W1A (BBC 2/HD | 10:00pm to 10:30pm | Thursday 7th May 2015)

Award-winning comedy about the BBC. Former head of output Anna Rampton has been crowned director of better. No-one on the management team is quite clear what the job entails, but one thing is certain – whatever it is, the concept of better needs to be announced to the world at large. Tracey Pritchard, senior communications officer, suggests an event in the BBC Radio Theatre, but brand manager Siobhan Sharpe has altogether more awesome ideas – none of which involve the words radio or theatre. Elsewhere, format-entertainment executive David Wilkes continues his seemingly unstoppable rise through the organisation with some surprising job news, and the BBC mega-hi-tech software programme Syncopatishare (designed to make life easier for busy executives) is proving difficult to master. Especially for ex-intern Will. Finally, director of strategy Simon Harwood comes up with a brand new management structure for the BBC, which is essentially the old one rotated 90 degrees.

Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys-Jones (itv/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 8th May 2015)

Griff Rhys Jones makes five train journeys across the world’s most spectacular continent. In the final episode, Griff is in South Africa. He sets off from Pretoria, catching Africa’s most modern train on the short journey south to Johannesburg. On board he almost finds himself in trouble for attempting to eat his breakfast – against the strict train rules. Johannesburg is home to over four million people. a sprawling city that grew because of the gold discovered there in the 19th century. The goldmines needed workers and railways were built to transport them. On to Kimberley, site of the diamond mines and the largest hole dug by hand anywhere on Earth. Griff then catches one of the most luxurious trains in the world for a seven-hour journey to Cape Town. He has to work his passage serving drinks – but there is one perk to the job, a hot bath on a train travelling at 70mph. Past Cape Town is the end of the line, the little coastal settlement of Simon’s Town.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 25/04/2015

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W1A - 30-04-2015 (YouView app)How Scotland Works (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 28th April 2015)

Documentary series exploring life in 21st-century Scotland. This first programme tells the story of modern Scotland at work through a diverse cast of characters including scallop divers, call centre workers, farmers and the software companies that are defining Scotland’s economic future.

Nick and Margaret: The Trouble with Our Trains (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 29th April 2015)

Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford climb on board Britain’s trains to find out whether they offer value for money. On the trail of the £8 billion of fares and £4 billion of public money that go into the nation’s trains each year, they discover a rail system that is struggling to contend with outdated infrastructure and more passengers than at any time in living memory. Twenty years on from privatisation, Nick and Margaret are in for a bumpy ride as they meet irate commuters, polished train operating company bosses and the head of Network Rail. They unearth some mind-boggling bureaucracy and infuriating inefficiency, but also ask if there are signs of hope that the railway may be getting back on track.

W1A (BBC 2/HD | 10:00pm to 10:30pm | Thursday 30th April 2015)

The advertising of a new and important role – namely, the head of better – leads to a game of management musical chairs. Anna Rampton, head of output, thinks she knows all about better and goes for the top job. Top of the agenda for the damage limitation team are rumours that Newsnight anchor Evan Davis is to be a contestant in the forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, which does not go down well with head of news and current affairs Neil Reid. Things get more complicated when it transpires that BBC brand consultant Siobhan Sharpe is behind it. It falls to Ian Fletcher as head of BBC values and arch-limiter of damage to find an elegant solution to the problem. Meanwhile, ex-intern Will Humphries, recently appointed PA to the head of values, makes life more difficult for Izzy, the object of his desire. He accidentally hijacks her computer software while showing off his newly acquired training on the BBC’s foolproof software Syncapatico.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Thursday 30th April 2015)

The award-winning gang show returns live to Channel 4 for a hat trick of topical shenanigans, culminating in an election night extravaganza. Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker are back to take on the main talking points of the week including all the latest election news. After Alex Brooker fired the starting gun in the race to rid political campaigning of ‘bullshit’ during his hilarious interview with Nick Clegg, the team reunite at this crucial time with their upbeat, unjaundiced brand of satirical comedy. Their guests include Jeremy Paxman.

Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys-Jones (itv/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 1st May 2015)

Griff Rhys Jones makes five remarkable train journeys across the world’s most spectacular continent. In this episode, Griff takes the train through Zambia and Zimbabwe, via one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world – the Victoria Falls. He begins the 1,100-mile trip in Kasama in northern Zambia where the train arrives just 33 hours late. In Zambia’s capital Lusaka, Griff reveals the reason the first railways were built – to get at Zambia’s rich mineral wealth. The old railway was the dream of Cecil Rhodes, who wanted to join all Britain’s African colonies over a hundred years ago with a line that would run from South Africa to Egypt. It was never completed, but its greatest legacy is a bridge that spans the Zambezi gorge right next to the Victoria Falls. From here, Griff crosses into Zimbabwe. On the train heading south, Griff meets more friendly folk before arriving at Zimbabwe’s second city Bulawayo, which was once the main railway hub for southern Africa.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 18/04/2015

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Reggie Yates' Extreme Russia - 20-04-2015 (YouView app)Reggie Yates’ Extreme Russia (BBC 3/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 20th April 2015)

In the second of three programmes revealing the extreme side of Russia, Reggie Yates finds out what life is really like for young people in what has been described as the hardest place in Europe to be gay, a year after the introduction of the anti-propaganda law. He travels to St Petersburg for Queerfest, a 10-day arts and culture get-together for the LGBT community. Reggie spends time on both sides of the battle lines – with the Queefest team as they face the daily fight to keep their festival open, and the homophobes who want to see it closed. He also meets Dayra, a young lesbian viciously stabbed and left for dead by homophobes, and activist Kiril who is still fighting back and who shows Reggie how Putin’s repressive laws make it almost impossible to protest without risk of arrest. On the other side, Reggie meets leaders of Orthodox pressure groups like God’s Will, who would stone gays to death if the law allowed it, and Vitali Milonov, the architect of the anti-gay propaganda law.

The Restoration Man (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Wednesday 22nd April 2015)

George Clarke chooses four of his favourite church conversions from the show, celebrating the creative dreamers brave enough to take on the challenge of restoring them, from a couple who hoped their old fisherman’s church in Devon would bring them together, to a young father whose single-minded dedication to restoring a medieval Welsh chapel almost broke his young family apart. In idyllic rural Cumbria, restoration novices risked financial ruin to transform the village church’s iconic spire, while a couple from Newcastle battled the elements to create a bohemian artistic retreat 400 miles away in the Outer Hebrides.

Secret Britain (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 22nd April 2015)

Series exploring the hidden corners of the UK and revealing landscape secrets. In Scotland, Adam Henson climbs the fearsome, secret side of Ben Nevis and Ellie Harrison probes a monster mystery at the heart of Britain’s deepest water, Loch Morar. The most extraordinary map of Scotland is revealed, overgrown and hidden in the landscape. In the heart of the Highlands, Adam is delighted to discover a cattle ranch that allows him to live out a boyhood dream; while on the Black Isle Ellie visits the mysterious and atmospheric Clootie Well. It’s been a shrine to healing since Celtic times, but why are its ancient rituals still popular today? Together Ellie and Adam also go hunting for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s secret hideaway, a tiny but timeless cave in the very same landscape where commando warfare was invented during the Second World War. And they conclude their journey of discovery with a magical ride on the real Hogwarts Express.

W1A (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 23rd April 2015)

A one-hour special marks the return of the award-winning comedy about the BBC. One year on and head of values Ian Fletcher has finally got his own office. He and the team have a new set of challenges to rise to, including the impending visit of HRH Prince Charles. The question is, which of the management team will get to shake the royal hand? Head of BBC brand Siobhan Sharpe and her team at Perfect Curve have been tasked with giving a makeover to the BBC coverage of Wimbledon following rumours of a bid from a rival broadcaster. Her response is a brand mash-up to end all mash-ups. Meanwhile, over on the creative frontline, entertainment-format producer David Wilkes is trying to come up with the next big factual-entertainment series after Britain’s Tastiest Village failed to fly. He’s got the title – Up Town, Down Town – he just hasn’t got a show. Finally, intern Will Humphries’s security pass won’t let him into the building. Is it a technical problem or something more significant?

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Thursday 23rd April 2015)

The award-winning gang show returns live to Channel 4 for a hat trick of the usual topical shenanigans, culminating in an election night extravaganza. Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker are back to take on the main talking points of the week including all the latest election news. After Alex Brooker fired the starting gun in the race to rid political campaigning of ‘bullshit’ during his hilarious interview with Nick Clegg, the team reunite at this crucial time with their upbeat, unjaundiced brand of satirical comedy. Piers Morgan joins the team for the first of these three special episodes.

Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys-Jones (itv/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 24th April 2015)

Griff Rhys Jones attempts five remarkable train journeys across the world’s most spectacular continent, Africa. In this episode, Griff attempts to zigzag his way across 1,200 miles through Kenya and Tanzania. The journey proves a challenge, with large sections of the railways relics from colonial days. Boarding a vintage steam locomotive built in Glasgow, Griff begins his journey on the high plateau of south west Kenya. Built by the British, this railway became the backbone of a colony and Griff visits a cattle ranch established by an English aristocrat a century ago. The climate of the Kenyan highlands is pleasant enough for Griff to go for a run, and he meets two young athletes who are aiming to compete in major international competitions. In Nairobi, he finds the very railway carriage which was the scene of one of the country’s most gruesome tales – the man-eating lions of Tsavo.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 11/04/2015

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The Secret Life of the Pub - 16-04-2015 (YouView app)Britain’s Winter: Storm Heroes (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 12th April 2015)

With first-person footage from those facing the brunt of the weather, including rescuers on the frontline, this documentary tells the story of Britain’s ferocious winter weather. The programme witnesses the work of the rescue services, often manned by volunteers, battling wind, rain, snow and hail to reach those in danger. This winter saw Scotland battered by 113mph storm winds while the north of England faced freak snow drifts. Some of Britain’s biggest winter storms however were in the North Sea. For the 12-man crew of one emergency response and rescue vessel on call for oil platforms, hurricane force winds make for fearful conditions as they encountrer waves as high as 20 metres.

Secret Britain (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 15th April 2015)

Series exploring the hidden corners of the UK and revealing landscape secrets. In North Yorkshire, Adam Henson meets the farmer whose dad discovered a secret Roman villa while ploughing. Ellie Harrison tries to solve the puzzle behind Britain’s highest pub – why was the Tan Hill Inn built atop the moor, miles from the nearest customers? Adam discovers the remains of a forgotten glass-making industry, Ellie visits the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, a teenage boy whose ambition is to be become a gamekeeper shares his favourite secret places in the Yorkshire countryside, and Adam and Ellie’s journey reaches a climax with a hunt for Yorkshire’s finest view.

The Secret Life of the Pub (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:00pm | Thursday 16th April 2015)

The average British man spends a year and a half of his life in a pub. For many, it’s a place of sanctuary, somewhere to unwind and just be themselves, or, to quote one boisterous patron: ‘Women go to pubs to talk about their problems. Men go to pubs to get away from them.’ The Lord Nelson, a traditional boozer in London’s East End, has been rigged with cameras to see what men really say when women are not around and they’re not on their best behaviour. Expect plenty of witty banter, a little argy-bargy and an end-of-night drunken sing-along. This fresh, funny and engaging documentary meets a diverse mixture of men.

Have I Got News for You (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 9:30pm | Friday 17th April 2015)

Regular team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop are joined by guest host Victoria Coren Mitchell and guest panellists Alun Cochrane and Lord Prescott.

Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys-Jones (itv/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 17th April 2015)

Griff Rhys Jones attempts five remarkable train journeys across the world’s most spectacular continent, Africa. In episode two, Griff attempts to zigzag his way across 1,200 miles through Kenya and Tanzania. The journey proves a challenge, with large sections of the railways relics from colonial days. Boarding a vintage steam locomotive built in Glasgow, Griff begins his journey on the high plateau of south west Kenya. Built by the British, this railway became the backbone of a colony and Griff visits a cattle ranch established by an English aristocrat a century ago. The climate of the Kenyan highlands is pleasant enough for Griff to go for a run, and he meets two young athletes who are aiming to compete in major international competitions. In Nairobi, he finds the very railway carriage which was the scene of one of the country’s most gruesome tales – the man-eating lions of Tsavo.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 04/04/2015

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Great Canal Journeys - 05-04-2015 (YouView app)Caribbean with Simon Reeve (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 5th April 2015)

Simon begins his journey on the remote Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, a country on the brink of monumental change. It will soon be split in two by the world’s biggest construction project: a new transoceanic waterway set to rival the Panama Canal. Simon visits the Rama-Kriol people who face losing their ancestral homes and meets the city-dwellers who believe the canal will bring prosperity and wealth to the country. In Honduras, Simon dives the crystal waters of the world’s second-largest barrier reef and conducts an unusual underwater experiment. Back on shore, Simon discovers Hondurans living in the grip of some of the most violent criminal gangs in the world. San Pedro Sula, the country’s second city, has the world’s highest murder rate. Simon’s journey ends in the stunning Jamaica, where he discovers a country confronting its violent reputation head-on. Here, he spends time with young people who have rejected gang life, offering a model of hope for future generations.

Great Canal Journeys (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 5th April 2015)

The concluding episode of series two is set against the stunning backdrop of some of central Scotland’s most glorious countryside, as Timothy West and Prunella Scales travel along the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. The coast to coast adventure starts in Edinburgh and concludes in Glasgow, taking in Scotland’s highest aqueduct and longest canal tunnel, some monumental sculpture, history stretching all the way back to the Romans, and a Scottish love affair from long ago. The two canals feature some striking examples of 21st century engineering and illustrate the potential for the restoration of the nation’s waterways, ensuring their long-term future.

More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Monday 6th April 2015)

Robson Green returns to his home county of Northumberland, uncovering more hidden gems of one of the most beautiful parts of England. In this episode, he joins shepherdess Emma Gray and goes in search of the Cheviot wild goat, then visits Wallington Hall where he learns the stories behind its incredible Pre-Raphaelite artwork. He pays a call on the Charlton Family whose ancestors were the most feared clan of the border country in medieval times, and learns how they have turned their grand country hall into a family home. Robson ends the programme fishing for salmon with George Purvis, the last fisherman on the Tweed to still use the ancient method of net and coble boat.

Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 10th April 2015)

Series in which John Sergeant sets off on a rich and colourful voyage along the eight best canal journeys Britain has to offer, exploring their extraordinary stories as he goes. In the last of the series, John travels along the Grand Union – Britain’s longest canal – discovering fun characters and places en route and enjoying a delightful, if leisurely, trip from Brum to the very centre of London.

Have I Got News for You (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 9:30pm | Friday 10th April 2015)

The satirical news quiz returns. Regular team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop are joined by guest host Daniel Radcliffe.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 28/03/2015

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The Truth About Fat (YouView app)Caribbean with Simon Reeve (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 29th March 2015)

The second leg of Simon Reeve’s journey around the Caribbean Sea starts on beautiful islands and takes him along the coast of South America. On the beautiful and wealthy island of Barbados, he meets the owner of a traditional chattel house who has turned down offers of millions of dollars from luxury property developers and dives the reef on a hunt for invading lionfish which are disrupting the delicate ecosystem. On the green volcanic slopes of St Vincent, Simon meets the marijuana growers hoping, like their prime minister, that the drug will soon be decriminalised. Venezuela is one of the most turbulent countries in the Caribbean and from a high-rise slum in Caracas to the lawless border lands, Simon tries to work out how a country so rich in oil has fallen so low. Ending his epic journey in Colombia, Simon gains rare access to the Kogi – an indigenous people who have maintained their traditional forest lifestyle in the face of an encroaching and damaging modern world.

Great Canal Journeys (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 29th March 2015)

Built nearly a century before the British canal system, the Canal du Midi in the south of France has been designated a world heritage site for both its historic importance and its beauty. Timothy West and Prunella Scales explore its most picturesque stretch, as is it gently meanders towards the Mediterranean. They visit Beziers; the Malpas Tunnel – the first navigable tunnel in the history of mankind; and taste the delights of cervelles d’agneau – lamb’s brain fritters – and brandy that’s almost 200 years old.

More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Monday 30th March 2015)

Robson Green returns to his home county of Northumberland, uncovering more hidden gems of one of the most beautiful parts of England. In this episode, he heads to a part of Northumberland where a team of conservationists are aiming to rescue one of Britain’s great architectural jewels – Seaton Delaval Hall. He tries his hand at the Rapper Sword Dance, a North-East tradition that was once popular with miners. Robson also heads to Kirkley Hall near Morpeth to learn about the battle taking place in the Northumberland countryside between the red and grey squirrels.

The Adventure Show (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 7:00pm to 8:00pm | Tuesday 31st March 2015)

This month’s Adventure Show features the Pentland Skyline Hill Race, where runners face a course that is 16 miles long and with almost 2000 metres of ascent. Plus the man who chose to walk from Lands End to John o’ Groats in a straight line, and there is a trip into the Cairngorms with photographer and former speed skier Henry Iddon.

World’s Toughest Jobs (BBC 3/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 31st March 2015)

Three young Brits desperate to sort out their finances and get their lives back on track sign up to work planting thousands of trees in the vast Canadian wilderness. Despite the bugs, bears and extremes of hot and cold, a top tree-planter will put a tree in the ground every four seconds, for hours on end. It’s back-breaking, repetitive work in appalling conditions, but can Kieran, Shannon and Danny make it through to payday or will this soul-destroying job send them crying back to the UK?

The Truth About Fat (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 2nd April 2015)

Fat has a reputation as public health enemy number one. But is it really the devil we think? Recent headlines suggest that we may have got it all wrong, and that fat may not be as bad as we’ve long believed. Dr Saleyha Ahsan cuts through the confusion and reveals the surprising science of fat. She discovers that eating fat isn’t the only culprit behind the nation’s ever-expanding waistline and investigates some startling new research that suggests some saturated fats might even be good for our health. A group of nine volunteers take Salehya’s Big Fat Challenge to investigate the strange things that happen to our body and mind if we stop eating fat entirely. And Saleyha discovers the fat hidden in sea water that could make the food of the future a lot healthier. This programme shows how we can be smarter about fat if we know which ones we should really be eating and how much is good for us.

Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 3rd April 2015)

Series in which John Sergeant sets off on a rich and colourful voyage along the eight best canal journeys Britain has to offer, exploring their extraordinary stories as he goes. John barges into Birmingham – a city with more canals than Venice and undoubtedly more decent pubs and good Balti restaurants too. Along the way, he also tries to buy a gun.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 21/03/2015

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Great Canal Journeys 22-03-2015 (YouView app)Caribbean with Simon Reeve (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 22nd March 2015)

Simon begins his journey on the island of Hispaniola and its two very different countries – the Dominican Republic, a tourist hotspot, and Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere. He ends this first leg on Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island that is practically America’s 51st state. From flying boats to drug busts, Simon explores both the light and dark sides of the Dominican Republic. He joins the police anti-narcotics division in the war against international drug cartels before crossing the border to Haiti, where he visits the notorious tented camps of Cite Soleil. From voodoo ceremonies to dolphin watching, Simon also discovers a vibrant, colourful and thriving side to life in Haiti born. Finally, Simon reaches Puerto Rico. He visits the tiny, paradisiacal island of Vieques, billed as the Caribbean’s next major tourist destination. However, not everything here is as it seems, and Simon examines the impact of six decades of bombing and weapons testing.

(Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 22nd March 2015)

Timothy West and Prunella Scales have lived all their married life in London, but have never explored the canals on their doorstep. In this episode, they journey along the London Ring, as it’s known to narrow-boaters, in a voyage of discovery through their home city. Starting in Brentford, they follow the Union Canal, and then the Regent’s Canal, through the heart of the capital, until it meets the Thames at Limehouse. They meet up with Andrew Sachs and Sir Ian McKellen, and visit the cemetery at Kensal Green, and the grave of friend Harold Pinter. It’s a tale of two cities: from the urban edge of Kentish Town, to the glorious grandeur of Regent’s Park; from idyllic daylight moments, when they encounter nature and wildlife, to the darker night times when they become strangers in their own city.

More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Monday 23rd March 2015)

Robson explores some of Northumberland’s greatest natural wonders. At Chillingham, he comes face-to-face with one of the world’s oldest breeds of cattle – who also prove to be among the most dangerous. Setting up camp in the countryside, he joins a couple who call themselves wild gourmets, as they prepare dinner with ingredients hand-picked from Kielder Forest. Finally, Robson learns about Northumberland’s unique rock formations as he joins geologist Dr Ian Kille and abseils down a sheer cliff face at Cullernose Point.

Tom Felton Meets the Superfans (BBC 3/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 23rd March 2015)

Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, meets the world’s most committed fans in a bid to understand what drives them. For Tom, being involved in such a global phenomenon has meant being followed by many millions of dedicated fans all over the world. And over the past seven years he has become increasingly aware of one fan in particular – she follows him to almost every event he attends – and it has got him thinking about exactly what it takes to become this devoted. From Wizard World to the streets of New York and Comic Con, Tom takes viewers into the reality of his world. He spends an evening with Brian from New York, who dedicates most nights to tracking down his favourite stage and screen stars for a selfie. He meets Steve from Pittsburgh, the self-proclaimed world’s biggest Harry Potter fan, who has turned a basement into his very own Hogwarts. Tom also talks candidly with celebrity friends including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and JK Rowling.

World’s Toughest Jobs (BBC 3/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 24th March 2015)

Three young Brits desperate to sort out their lives and their bank balances sign up for a month working in the wool sheds of New Zealand. Shearing sheep that weigh in at up to 80kg is relentless, backbreaking work, but can Tomi, Jack and Gemma make it through to pay day? Or will the long hours and sweltering conditions send them bleating back to the UK?

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 14/03/2015

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Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite (YouView app)Great Canal Journeys (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 15th March 2015)

Timothy West and Prunella Scales return for a brand new series of the popular show. They begin their first canal journey of the second series in the romantic city of Oxford. It’s here that Tim and Pru began their courtship many years ago and where they went on their first ever canal trip together. They follow the gentle contours of the Oxford canal through the Cherwell Valley, where they meet author Philip Pullman and are joined by their son Samuel West. Tim and Pru follow in the footsteps of author Tom Rolt, whose vivid account of his journey down this canal in 1939 ignited a campaign that went on to save Britain’s canals from extinction. Tim enters the National Town Crier’s competition to extol the virtues of the Oxford Canal, and issue a warning to those who would seek to destroy it.

More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Monday 16th March 2015)

He joins the community boat project at Amble that is aiming to revive the traditional wooden boat building skills that were once an integral part of the north east coast. Later, Robson joins the team in a boat race in Amble Harbour. He joins the Dodd family on Britain’s last horse-powered farm, then meets the die-hard steam enthusiasts who are bidding to re-build the now disused Alnwick to Alnmouth railway line.

World’s Toughest Jobs (BBC 3/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 17th March 2015)

Three young Brits desperate to sort out their lives and their bank balances sign up for cattle ranching in the wilds of the Australian outback. But how will Daisy, Sian and Laurence cope with working 14-hour days in the searing Aussie sun, herding thousands of cattle over stations the size of Wales? Will they make it to payday or will the sweltering heat, swarms of flies and angry cows send them stampeding back to the UK?

Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite (Channel 5 | 10:00pm to 11:30pm | Wednesday 18th March 2015)

Special programme to mark the 30th anniversary of the popular Australian soap, presented by Stefan Dennis and Tim Phillips. Cast members past and present come together to relive memorable moments from the past three decades. Contributors include Anne Charleston, better known as Madge Bishop, Ryan Moloney, otherwise known as Toadie and Natalie Bassingthwaite, or Izzy Hoyland, among others.

The Truth About Sugar (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 19th March 2015)

Journalist Fiona Phillips is on a mission to find out the truth behind the recent headlines on sugar. She discovers why some people have more of a sweet tooth than others, which sugars can be enjoyed guilt-free, why there is so much sugar hidden in food that is thought to be purely savoury and what effect sugary drinks have on the appetite. Fiona also helps four Brits, whose sugar-heavy diets could be putting their health at risk, to change their ways. From coming up with low-sugar recipes to finding ways to beat the sweet cravings, they will see whether cutting back to the levels suggested by health authorities is really achievable and what the benefits actually are. As the dieters progress on their journey, it soon becomes clear that the transformations will be dramatic.

Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 20th March 2015)

Series in which John Sergeant sets off on a rich and colourful voyage along the eight best canal journeys Britain has to offer, exploring their extraordinary stories as he goes. Today, John barges from Bath towards London, where he proves useless at beer barrel making, but better at steam engine stoking. However, he proves to be quite a natural with Freddy the narrow boat horse.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 07/03/2015

TV this week No Comments

Cucumber - 12-03-2015 (YouView app)Call the Midwife (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 8th March 2015)

Trixie and Sister Mary Cynthia team up to support a deaf mother-to-be, while a case of morning sickness proves more serious than initially suspected. Elsewhere, Fred’s daughter is less than delighted about his forthcoming wedding.

Top Gear (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 8th March 2015)

James May is taken far outside his comfort zone as he straps into an insanely fast, highly tuned, 600-horsepower hatchback and is thrown into the lion’s den of World Rallycross racing. As well as trying to fend off a pack of top-flight professional drivers, May’s life is made harder by his support crew, the distinctly unsupportive Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. Also in this show, Clarkson is at the track in the latest Jaguar F-type R and a sensational, modernised E-type called the Eagle Low Drag GT, while Hammond is in Spain to test the brand new version of the legendary Mazda MX-5. Finally, Brit Pack acting star Nicholas Hoult tries his hand in the Reasonably Priced Car.

More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Monday 9th March 2015)

Robson Green returns to his home county of Northumberland, uncovering more hidden gems of one of the most beautiful parts of England. In this episode, Robson is on the trail of some of Northumberland’s greatest historical treasures. In the Farne Islands he goes diving, discovering some mysterious cannons and the wreck of a ship sunk by the German Luftwaffe in 1941. He learns about the fascinating Roman relics that have been unearthed here over the years. The Corbridge Hoard was discovered by students in the 1960s, and the Vindolanda Tablets are the oldest handwritten commentaries in Britain. Finally, on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne he hears about the Viking invasion and the legacy of the Norsemen.

Waterloo Road (BBC 3/HD | 8:30pm to 9:30pm | Monday 9th March 2015)

It is the day of the consultation – Waterloo Road’s final chance to stop the school merging with Havelock High. But with no headmaster to be seen and a mystery surrounding the council’s real plans for the school, it is up to the kids to take charge of saving Waterloo Road.

The Adventure Show (BBC 2 Scotland & BBC iPlayer only | 7:00pm to 8:00pm | Tuesday 10th March 2015)

The team are at Strathpuffer 24, one of the world’s toughest mountain bike races, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. The event takes place in the middle of winter, with 17 hours of darkness and testing conditions that push both competitors and their bikes to the limit. Also in the programme, Cameron McNeish leaves the Scottish winter behind for a weekend in the little-known Alentejo region of western Portugal.

World’s Toughest Jobs (BBC 3/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 10th March 2015)

Series in which hard-up young Brits, desperate to sort out their finances and get their lives back on track, sign up for one of the world’s toughest jobs. This time it is high-rise window cleaning in Canada. Perched on a wooden plank and suspended from some of Toronto’s tallest skyscrapers, it is terrifying and dangerous work. Can Stephen, Dom and Darcie conquer their fears and make it to pay day, or will the dizzying heights send them reeling back to the UK?

Cucumber (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 12th March 2015)

Everyone gets caught up in Henry’s grand scheme, and life appears to be perfect. But only Freddie realises the truth. As events of the past catch up with them all, Henry reaches out to family, friends and lovers in order to survive, and yet he still has to face the greatest challenge of all.

Banana (E4 | 10:00pm to 10:35pm | Thursday 12th March 2015)

As the door closes for the last time on the Calico flats, Vanessa finds her world collapsing when Zara makes a shocking confession.

Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 13th March 2015)

Series in which John Sergeant sets off on a rich and colourful voyage along the eight best canal journeys Britain has to offer, exploring their extraordinary stories as he goes. Today, John barges through the potteries, and manages to smash his fair share of ceramics. He gets frightened in a very ghostly tunnel, and ends up getting challenged to a blind beer tasting.

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

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