Doctor Who: The Name of the Doctor. Series 33, episode 13 (BBC1/HD | 7pm to 7:45pm | Saturday 18th May 2013)
Sci-fi drama. The Doctor has a secret he will take to his grave. And it is discovered.
Australia with Simon Reeve (BBC2/HD | 9pm to 10pm | Sunday 19th May 2013)
Simon Reeve explores Australia. His adventure starts in the ‘red centre’ of the continent and onwards through South Australia via the extraordinary Indian Pacific Railway, until he reaches the west coast city of Perth. On the way, he joins an Aussie rancher in the parched outback and takes part in a spectacular camel round-up – part of an ongoing effort to stop the damaging spread of feral camels across the country. Simon also passes through Australia’s wine country and to the lucrative tuna fishing city of Port Lincoln, and he investigates the impact these trades are having on the environment. In Western Australia, he joins a 21st century gold rush – part of the resource boom that has made Australia one of the richest countries in the world. Finally in Perth, Simon discovers a full scale British invasion. Working in a mine or driving a lorry can bring a salary of a hundred thousand pounds a year, as evidenced when Simon meets a former binman from hull who is now living the dream.
Hebrides: Islands on the Edge (BBC1 Scotland/HD) | 9pm to 10pm | Monday 20th May 2013)
Ewan McGregor narrates a landmark nature series focusing on the wildlife struggling to survive on the Hebridean Islands. This edition focuses on the spectacular wildlife of the exposed Outer Hebrides. On the outlying islands, seabirds rush to feed their chicks while avoiding the murderous intentions of predatory skuas with a taste for young puffins. And on the low-lying Uists, acres of meadows burst into flower as summer finally arrives. But the year’s drought conditions find Atlantic salmon trapped in the sea pools and unable to move into the river systems.
Caroline Quentin’s National Parks (ITV/STV | 8pm to 9pm | Tuesday 21st May 2013)
In the final programme of the series, Caroline visits the New Forest, situated in the counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire. It is known for its ancient woods, open heaths, beautiful coastline and abundance of wild animals, although at just 218 square miles, it is one of the smallest of the 15 National Parks. In the heart of the National Park is the Pig Hotel, once a Royal hunting lodge. Gary Evely is a forager and it is his job to gather the food that grows wild in the forest so that it can be served in the restaurant just a few hours later. Caroline joins him to search and they stumble across an unusual beefsteak mushroom.
Waterloo Road (BBC1/HD | 8pm to 9pm | Thursday 23rd May 2013)
School-based drama. Sonya’s day from hell finds her being dumped, falling out with her sister and landing Rhiannon in hospital. Meanwhile, Lorraine and Nikki reach an impasse in their relationship. Steve-O tightens his evil grip on Connor and Kevin, and an ex-pupil makes a surprise return.
Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers (Channel 5 | 8pm to 9pm | Friday 24th May 2013)
Observational documentary series following one of the world’s biggest haulage firms. In this episode, Craig has a foggy trip over the Pennines, Dave has a race against the clock in London, Andy has to take an epic detour and the car transporters prove their worth.