Tag: Undercover Boss

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 16/08/2014

Dogs: Their Secret Lives (YouView app screenshot)James May’s Cars of the People (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Sunday 17th August 2014)

James May discovers how the car became an everyday part of ordinary people’s lives. This episode, James explores the weird world of the microcar, created in response to austerity and fears of congestion in Europe. He revisits the tragicomic disasters of Britain’s infamous three-wheelers, French death traps and German absurdities. On the battlefield, James settles one of the greatest rivalries in car history and travels to Japan for an urban race between a state-of-the-art micro sports car and the bestselling vehicle in history.

Coast (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 19th August 2014)

The team explore what becomes of Britain’s coast in winter. Nick Crane visits Cornwall, the storm central of Britain’s rugged coastline. Nick explores the tragic events remembered as the Penlee lifeboat disaster, the worst such tragedy within the last 60 years. But Nick also discovers that wild winter seas bring surprising benefits to this Cornish coast. Neil Oliver experiences the extraordinary Viking Fire Festival on Shetland, gaining behind-the-scenes access to investigate the area’s proud Viking heritage. Far into the Atlantic, on the edge of the wild western isles of Scotland, a feral flock of sheep, untouched for thousands of years, battle to the death as winter approaches. On the isles of St Kilda, Andy Torbet throws himself into the fray as the rams fight to breed with the ewes. And Mark Horton investigates the terrifying power of winter storms able to wipe small coastal communities completely off the map.

Dogs: Their Secret Lives (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 19th August 2014)

Britain faces an epidemic of dog obesity. As many as half of all dogs in the UK may be fat. Using surveillance filming and cutting-edge technology, and working with some of the world’s leading experts, Dogs: Their Secret Lives discovers why our dogs are getting fatter and investigates what can be done to help them. Following in the paw steps of three fat pooches, Chancer the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Molly the bulldog, and Cassie the Labrador, the programme reveals how dogs can manipulate us into feeding them and how weight problems can lead to far more serious health issues. Mark Evans, former chief vet at the RSCPA, explores the challenges facing the 21st-century dog owner and finds out if a scientific approach to food and exercise could help our dogs shed the pounds.

Undercover Boss (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 20th August 2014)

Chief Executive Simon Kossoff steps out of the boardroom and goes undercover in his multi-national restaurant business Carluccio’s. To stave off increased competition, he’s planning to spend £50 million doubling the size of the chain in five years, and is keen to expose problems that could jeopardise successful growth. After scrubbing dishes and being run off his feet, Simon is shocked to discover branches struggling with chaotic kitchens, inefficient systems and demotivated staff. Realising management are failing to provide proper front-line support, Simon is forced to consider whether Carluccio’s should worry more about existing employees than expansion.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 10:50pm | Friday 22nd August 2014)

The award-winning gang show that takes a joyful, offbeat look at the world. Adam Hills and regular co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker consider the weird and wonderful talking points of the week in the company of a studio audience and this week’s celebrity guest Daniel Radcliffe. The show also features the all-encompassing question: Is It OK? Viewers at home and the studio audience are encouraged to ask this question about anything from the week, without fear of judgement, and the three hosts attempt to step into the minefield of sometimes difficult and delicate areas and answer the questions with their own unique insight.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 09/08/2014

Cycling : Ride London 2014 (YouView app screenshot)Cycling: Ride London 2014 (BBC 1/HD | 2:00pm to 6:35pm | Sunday 10th August 2014)

Two years on from the London Olympics, Ride London celebrates the Games’ legacy as many of the world’s best cyclists from 2012 return to race the specially-designed 100-mile course that starts at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and finishes at The Mall in central London. Surrey’s beautiful countryside, complete with several leg-testing and lung-bursting climbs, provide the ideal examination of a rider’s talents but also a stunning backdrop for the race.

Coast (BBC 2/HD | 8:30pm to 9:30pm | Tuesday 12th August 2014)

Coast explores surprising stories that connect our great cities to the sea. Nick Crane pays tribute to the unsung and astonishing mega-port of Immingham, a city-sized enterprise dedicated to global trade and the biggest seaport in the UK, in terms of the weight of goods it handles. Tessa Dunlop uncovers the astonishing story of how Hitler’s bombers could have drowned London, and possibly won the Second World War, by destroying the embankments that contain the River Thames. Ruth Goodman investigates the clandestine coastal sex trade that scandalised Victorian Britain. In the mid-19th century the Royal Navy was in crisis as sailors fell prey to sexually-transmitted diseases. The government brought in draconian laws to detain and forcibly treat women suspected of being prostitutes. Mark Horton reveals how solving the greatest scientific puzzle of the 18th century, determining a ship’s exact position at sea, meant Greenwich became the epicentre of global sea navigation.

Undercover Boss (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 12th August 2014)

The YMCA is the largest and oldest youth charity in the world, but massive budget cuts of up to 80% have caused senior director Bims Alalade to go undercover to investigate how the funding crisis is affecting her organization and the brand. Having grown up in care herself, Bims is worried that the YMCAs might be struggling to help youngsters in crisis. And once on the frontline, she’s faced with the stark reality of sweeping cuts. She’s appalled by facilities at breaking point, and shocked to find staff facing abuse. And when a young former resident of one of the housing projects breaks down in front of her it proves to be an unsettling experience.

First Time Farmers (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Thursday 14th August 2014)

The new series continues, following ambitious young farmers from across Britain who are balancing farmyard responsibilities with the life of an average fun-loving twenty-something. London’s calling as Robbie and his country mates Tom and Will head for the bright lights and ringside seats at a boxing match to cheer on their fellow young farmer ‘Count Smackula’. The capital’s buzz is bewildering for Tom and Will, while Tom’s mate Ed is no longer working in the capital. He’s desperate to take over the family farm with his girlfriend Tash, and he’s out to impress his dad at harvest time. With no room for romance on the dairy farm, Kate leaves her beloved calves at home and heads for some social time at college. But her mum Lesley discovers that the calves are ill. Kate rushes home to care for them but can she nurse them all back to health? And, back at work on the farm, with a beast of a hangover, Robbie has bad news for his mum sue from the accountant.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 10:50pm | Friday 15th August 2014)

The award-winning gang show that takes a joyful, offbeat look at the world. Adam Hills and regular co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker consider the weird and wonderful talking points of the week in the company of a studio audience and this week’s celebrity guest Carrie Fisher. The show also features the all-encompassing question: Is It OK? Viewers at home and the studio audience are encouraged to ask this question about anything from the week, without fear of judgement, and the three hosts attempt to step into the minefield of sometimes difficult and delicate areas and answer the questions with their own unique insight.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 02/08/2014

Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony (YouView app screenshot)Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 11:00pm | Sunday 3rd August 2014)

Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Hazel Irvine present live coverage of the closing ceremony of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The 4,500 athletes from the 71 competing nations and territories will have their chance to say goodbye to the 20th Commonwealth Games during a glittering ceremony at Hampden Park. Glasgow 2014 was the largest multi-sport event ever held in Scotland and featured 17 different sports across 11 days of competition.

Coast (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 5th August 2014)

Coast embarks on its first adventure to North America, exploring British connections far offshore and surprising stories in the waters just off Britain’s shoreline. Nick Crane journeys over the Atlantic to New Scotland – Nova Scotia – in Canada. He discovers how centuries-old traditions, now forgotten even in Scotland, have been kept alive in Nova Scotia. Why did Scottish settlers flood offshore to Canada 200 years ago and how well did they succeed? Plus, Tessa Dunlop reveals an untold story from the Falklands war. Miranda Krestovnikoff goes in search of Britain’s oldest puffin on a beautiful but desolate isle in the Outer Hebrides. Naval historian Nick Hewitt uncovers the hidden history of the 100-year-old Nab Tower, which sits in the sea off the shores around Portsmouth. And offshore from the Isle of Wight, Coast gains unique access to one of the few locations in Britain where people can be buried at sea.

The Cycle Show (itv 4 | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 5th August 2014)

Matt Barbet presents the cycling magazine show including guests from the world of track and road, as well as celebrity two-wheel enthusiasts, plus equipment reviews and news.

Undercover Boss (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 5th August 2014)

With government funding down and competition increasing, pharmacy chain Rowlands has seen its turnover drop by £20 million. In a bid to differentiate his business from rivals and win new customers, managing director Kenny Black wants his 510 dispensaries to offer free health advice and excellent customer service. However, when Kenny goes undercover, there’s a bitter pill to swallow: he discovers life-saving medicines out of stock and staff over-worked and under-appreciated. So when a dedicated delivery driver is moved to tears by the job, Kenny’s forced to consider if he has more to worry about than the bottom line.

Amazing Spaces: Shed of the Year (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 7th August 2014)

As the competition to find Britain’s best shed reaches its climax, George Clarke and his fellow judges look at the final groups of shortlisted sheds battling it out for a place in the grand final. George also visits last year’s winner: an upside down boat shed. The Normal sheds prove anything but, with one of the smallest discos in the world up against a Dad’s Army themed shed complete with air raid siren, as well as a 1970s amusement park in a shed with a 12-foot working Ferris wheel outside. The judges also cast their eyes over the most pleasurable category in the competition, the Pub Shed, before they face the near impossible task of deciding which of them most deserves the overall prize of Shed of the Year 2014.

First Time Farmers (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Thursday 7th August 2014)

First Time Farmers returns for a new series, lifting the lid on the lives of 12 ambitious young farmers from across Britain. Some have had their careers mapped out since birth, inheriting family farms built by generations. Some have branched out to straddle careers as builders and even estate agents. Others are becoming skilled in agriculture from scratch with almost no farming background. They’re all balancing farmyard responsibilities with the life of an average fun-loving twenty-something. This episode meets three feisty young farmers from Herefordshire. Twenty-three-year-old dairy farmer and student Kate is a blonde bombshell. She doesn’t look like a stereotypical farmer but she loves cows.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 10:50pm | Friday 8th August 2014)

The award-winning gang show returns live to Friday nights with a joyful, offbeat take on the week. Adam Hills and regular co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker take a look at the weird and wonderful talking points of the week. Each week, the trio are joined by a live studio audience, and this week they are joined by Noel Fielding. The show also sees the return of the all-encompassing question: Is It OK? Viewers at home and the studio audience are encouraged to ask this question about anything from the week, without fear of judgement, and the three hosts attempt to step into the minefield of sometimes difficult and delicate areas and answer the questions with their own unique insight.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 26/07/2014

The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway : 30-07-2014  (YouView app screenshot)Red Arrows: Inside the Bubble (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:05pm | Sunday 27th July 2014)

Documentary providing exclusive behind the-scenes access to one of the world’s premier aerobatic display teams, The Red Arrows. Offering a unique insight into the 120-strong team of pilots and ground crew as they prepare to celebrate their 50th display season and turn British skies red, white and blue.

Coast (BBC 2/HD | 7:00pm to 8:00pm | Tuesday 29th July 2014)

The team discover untold tales of explorers around our shores, and far beyond, including a stop-off down under in Australia. In Cornwall Nick Crane uncovers the most astonishing artistic exploration of Britain’s coast. Mark Horton reveals the remarkable story of explorer and adventurer Lachlan Macquarie. Born on a tiny Scottish Isle two centuries ago, he went on to establish the country he named Australia. Tessa Dunlop investigates the hidden history of the Pilgrim Fathers. Why did the Pilgrims flee Britain to live in Holland for ten years, before their eventual voyage to found modern America? Andy Torbet teams up with scientific explorers trying to crack an age-old puzzle – how can you count the number of fish in the sea? Plus the struggles of modern-day explorers competing in an extraordinary race to row around the British Isles.

The Cycle Show (itv4 | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 29th July 2014)

Matt Barbet presents the cycling magazine show along with Graham Little, Anna Glowinski and Simon Warren. Including guests from the world of track and road, as well as celebrity two-wheel enthusiasts, plus equipment reviews and news. Guests include news reader Jon Snow and musician Richard Durrant.

Undercover Boss (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 29th July 2014)

As co-owner of nationwide pet retailer Pets Corner, Steve Charman is responsible for over 450 staff and a turnover in excess of £30 million. Plotting a potentially risky multi-million pound investment to grow the business, Steve is now going undercover to investigate the company’s operations before they change strategy for the future. As he battles to keep his identity secret, Steve investigates whether there is disorder in the shops, if sales staff are struggling, and how suppliers are paid. Confronting whether there are problems within the organisation that cannot be ignored, he questions whether his expansion plan can succeed.

The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 30th July 2014)

This episode follows engineers building London’s brand new underground railway, Crossrail, as they race to build ten new train stations across London. A team battles to put together the giant jigsaw that will become a cathedral-sized station at Canary Wharf. It’s so big, they have to build it in a dock and underwater. Its architect-designed roof is so complicated it comes in a kit of over 2,500 pieces. As engineers carve out the underground caverns that will become the new stations, they hit on some gruesome discoveries of London’s past.

Amazing Spaces: Shed of the Year (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 31st July 2014)

In Britain there are around 16 million sheds. It is an astonishing number. Recent research has revealed that Britain is a nation of shed fanatics, with 65% of adults owning a shed and the average shed owner spending over a year of their life in their prized shelter. As the competition to find Britain’s best shed continues, the designs are proving to be a mix of ingenious and eccentric, with a host of elective uses. George Clarke and his fellow judges look at the finalists in two more categories. The Summerhouse/Cabin group throws up a replica 18th-century US frontier cabin containing a mummified yeti, a Gothic grotto decorated with 50,000 seashells, and a scaled down Elizabethan lodge. The Normal category defies its name as the team discover a festival-playing disco shed; a 1970s amusement arcade complete with a 12 foot high ferris wheel, a 1950s American diner, and a museum dedicated to TV comedy Dad’s Army and the Home Guard.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 10:50pm | Friday 1st August 2014)

The award-winning gang show returns live to Friday nights with a joyful, offbeat take on the week. Adam Hills and regular co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker take a look at the weird and wonderful talking points of the week. Each week, the trio are joined by a live studio audience and a weekly special celebrity guest. The show also sees the return of the all-encompassing question: Is It OK? Viewers at home and the studio audience are encouraged to ask this question about anything from the week, without fear of judgement, and the three hosts attempt to step into the minefield of sometimes difficult and delicate areas and answer the questions with their own unique insight. The first guests to kick of the new series are the main cast from The Inbetweeners.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 19/07/2014

Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony (YouView app screenshot)Live at Edinburgh Castle (BBC 1/HD | 8:30pm to 10:30pm | Saturday 19th July 2014)

A spectacular live concert staged in front of Scotland’s most iconic landmark, as daylight turns to dusk. The show caters for all, with hit songs from the likes of Smokey Robinson, Kaiser Chiefs, Jessie J, Culture Club, Paloma Faith, OneRepublic, Rizzle Kicks, Ella Henderson, Il Divo, Katherine Jenkins, Alfie Boe and Pumeza. Bill Bailey is on hand to provide the musical comedy, surprise guests appear too and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra are on stage to accompany many of the performances – not least the spectacular finale. Hosted by The One Show’s Alex Jones the concert also includes the final leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay before it arrives in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games.

Seven Wonders of the Commonwealth (BBC 1/HD | 9:10pm to 10:10pm | Sunday 20th July 2014)

A one-off special to herald the start of the Commonwealth Games. Some of the nation’s best-loved presenters – Clare Balding, Denise Lewis, Anita Rani, Dan Snow and Reggie Yates – travel around the globe to marvel at seven diverse natural wonders and meet some of the two billion members of the Commonwealth. They venture to the oldest desert on the planet, the most pristine rainforest, the world’s greatest waterfall, the largest mangrove swamp, the richest coral reef and the world’s most spectacular fjordland. The final wonder is found deep in a cave far closer to home. Along the way they discover what it means to part of the Commonwealth today.

John Bishop’s Australia (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 21st July 2014)

Series following comedian John Bishop as he sets off on an Australian adventure, cycling from Sydney to Cairns. In episode three John travels deep into tropical Australia. Pedalling through the heat and rain, John takes on a gruelling military fitness test, rides motorbikes with Vietnam veterans, and gets completely caked in mud while working on a banana farm. (It’s harder than it looks apparently). As the trip reaches its conclusion John takes in the breathtaking natural beauty of both the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest, before ending his incredible journey with a surprising personal twist.

Coast (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 22nd July 2014)

The team explores the treasures to be found on surprising, secret paths around British shores. Nick Crane visits Cape Wrath, discovering where wolves once trod and a notorious hermit made his home. Ruth Goodman reveals how the bizarre Victorian craze for collecting ferns drove genteel women to extraordinary lengths in search of the much prized botanic treasures. Gem stone hunter Adam McIntosh follows a secret underwater path off the isle of Iona to discover rare and beautiful ‘green marble’. On the tiny island of Lundy in the Bristol Channel Mark Horton unearths remarkable historical treasures stretching from the stone age to the second world war to create a coastal walk that encompasses ten thousand years of the history of Britain in just ten miles. The steel track of a Blackpool roller-coaster intrigues physicist Helen Arney. On Anglesey Andy Torbet attempts one of the most spectacular sea cliff climbs in Britain, the infamous ‘dream of white horses’ route.

Undercover Boss (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 22nd July 2014)

High-flying executives take extraordinary steps to ensure their companies are fighting fit by going undercover in their own businesses. The sixth series continues with Oxfam. CEO Mark Goldring is the man at the top of one of Britain’s best known and biggest charities. Awarded a CBE for his life’s work tackling poverty, he’s responsible for Oxfam’s balance sheet. But with income down by £18 million in a year, Mark’s worried the charity is over stretched.

Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony (BBC 1/HD | 8:00pm to 11:00pm | Wednesday 23rd July 2014)

Gary Lineker, Hazel Irvine and Clare Balding present the opening ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games live from Celtic Park. The ceremony marks the end of the epic journey of the Queen’s Baton Relay, which has visited every Commonwealth nation in the lead up to the event, and Her Majesty the Queen will declare the Games officially open. A cast of more than 3,000 volunteers will take part in what promises to be a spectacular occasion. The Parade of Nations will welcome the thousands of athletes from the 71 nations and territories across the Commonwealth. Huw Edwards joins Hazel Irvine in the commentary box.

Operation Cloud Lab: Secrets of the Skies (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Wednesday 23rd July 2014)

Two-part documentary following a team of scientists as they take to the skies in one of the world’s largest airships for a unique exploration of the earth’s atmosphere. Continuing their journey across the USA, the team questions how the atmosphere changes with altitude and how that has an impact upon the life found there. Microbiologist, Dr Chris van Tulleken and former paratrooper, Andy Torbet, search for living microorganisms in the ‘death zone’ of high-altitude. Aboard the airship, expedition leader Felicity Aston and Dr Jim McQuaid explore the impact of human behaviour upon the atmosphere, questioning whether cities can create their own weather. Plus, Dr Sarah Beynon paraglides for a close encounter with a hawk.

The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 23rd July 2014)

This episode follows engineers building London’s brand new underground railway, Crossrail, as they take on a Great British obsession – building train tunnels under water. Linda Miller, an engineer more at home building space launch complexes at Cape Canaveral, battles to rebuild a Victorian tunnel under the Royal Docks in London’s east end. While a British tunneling dynasty – the Bermingham family – follow in the footsteps of the original father-son team of Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel to build a brand new tunnel under the river Thames.

The Secret Life of Students (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Thursday 24th July 2014)

The Secret Life of Students follows 12 freshers in their first year at university, exploring the drama of their new experiences and sharing their texts, tweets, pictures, videos and status updates. As the freshers approach the end of their first term, how well have they really settled in? Have they worked out the magic formula to balance a life of partying, studying, paying the bills and living with a group of students they have only just met? Living with other students can be messy and can distract you from your work. How do the students cope as exams draw nearer and they need to buckle down and revise? Will they crack under the pressure or manage to perfect the balancing act? And how will their social media updates correlate with their real life experiences?

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 12/07/2014

Undercover Boss : 15-07-2014 (YouView app screenshot)John Bishop’s Australia (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 14th July 2014)

Series following comedian John Bishop as he sets off on an Australian adventure, cycling from Sydney to Cairns. John begins this episode in the beach town of Byron Bay. After attempting to surf and getting shown up by some super-fit Australian children, John heads further north towards Queensland. Across vast landscapes he encounters gigantic saltwater crocodiles, stunning desert islands, and experiences an Australia we at home do not normally see. In Wild West Rockhampton John goes cattle herding on horseback with the biggest beef baron in Australia, before getting a bit too close to the action at a full-blooded Queensland rodeo.

Coast (BBC 2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 15th July 2014)

Coast returns for a brand new series with fresh discoveries both around home shores and far beyond. In this first adventure, the team explores surprising stories on both sides of our shallowest, narrowest and busiest seaway – the English Channel. Nick Crane is on the Channel’s French coast to experience the secret life of Mont St Michel, a rocky outcrop which attracts over a million tourists a year. Neil Oliver uncovers the tragic tale of the wreck of the troop ship SS Mendi. Why did no-one save more than 600 South African soldiers who drowned in the Channel while heading to France during the First World War to fight for the British Empire? Mark Horton reveals how some two centuries ago, French mapmakers unwittingly gave birth to Britain’s Ordnance Survey. Miranda Krestovnikoff is on patrol with the ‘Referees of our Seas’ – the sea-borne inspectors who, backed up by the Royal Navy, must police the international fishing fleets who compete for catches in the Channel.

Undercover Boss (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 15th July 2014)

New series of the show where high-flying executives take extraordinary steps to ensure their companies are fighting fit by going undercover in their own businesses. In the first episode of the sixth series, Brian Brick, Chief Executive of high street clothing retailer Moss Bros, swaps his suit for a dramatic disguise and goes undercover in the hope of working undetected alongside his frontline staff.

The Cycle Show (itv4 | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 15th July 2014)

Matt Barbet presents the cycling magazine show. Including guests from the world of track and road, as well as celebrity two-wheel enthusiasts, plus equipment reviews and news. Today’s guests include rowing champion and adventurist James Cracknell, comedian Tom Allen and TV presenter Jeff Brazier.

Operation Cloud Lab: Secrets of the Skies (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Wednesday 16th July 2014)

Two-part documentary following a team of scientists as they take to the skies in one of the world’s largest airships for a unique exploration of the earth’s atmosphere. Flying coast to coast across the United States, the team undertake a series of exciting experiments shedding light on the causes of wild weather, how life exploits the atmosphere, and the human impact upon the weather. The team begin their expedition by exploring clouds, which play a vital role in the planet’s ecology by transporting water from the oceans to the earth’s land surfaces and generating 1.4 trillion tonnes of rainfall each day.

Horizon (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 17th July 2014)

Physicist Dr Helen Czerski and meteorologist John Hammond make sense of Britain’s recent extreme weather and discover that there is one thing that connects all our recent extreme winters – the jet stream, an invisible river of air that powers along 10 km above us. What’s worrying is that recently it has been behaving rather strangely. Scientists are now trying to understand what is behind these changes in the jet stream. Helen and John find out if extreme winters are something we may all have to get used to in the future.

George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 17th July 2014)

In the last episode of the series George’s garden build is finally revealed and it’s time to see if he’s transformed his unloved narrow strip of back garden into a magical and creative family space. In Cambridgeshire, he meets a DIY perfectionist who’s hoping to create the smallest ever campervan for him and his two boys. And in Somerset, George meets a young cheese salesman who plans to turn a horse trailer into the ultimate mobile cheese stall and food festival attraction.

The Village That’s Falling Into the Sea (BBC 1/HD | 7:30pm to 8:00pm | Friday 18th July 2014)

Thursday 5 December 2013 is a night the residents of the Norfolk seaside resort of Hemsby will never forget. That night homes fell into the sea during the worst storm surge to hit the East Coast for sixty years. BBC presenter David Whiteley witnessed the drama unfold. Seven months on he returns to find the community still fighting for the survival of their village. Hemsby is the site of one of the country’s first holiday camps, and tourists still flock there today to enjoy its beach. But with no hope of government money to protect it, villagers have seen almost 70 homes go over the edge and into the sea. Seeking advice from erosion experts and business gurus, and building their own defences, the residents are determined not to let Hemsby be lost to the sea. David joins the villagers in their latest campaign, meets the people about to buy a home on the threatened dunes and goes with the map man who’s quite literally been redrawing the map of the East coast over 40 years of erosion.

I Belong to Glasgow (BBC 1 Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 10:35pm to 11:05pm | Friday 18th July 2014)

In the run-up to the Commonwealth Games, four Glaswegians celebrate their city. In this edition, actor and comedian Elaine C Smith reveals a Glasgow made by strong women. She searches fopr the essence of Glasgow style. recalls the days when women were not welcome in pubs and pinpoints the success of the hit play The Steamie. She also meets the Glasgow Girls and campaigns for a statue to rent strike leader Mary Barbour and public recognition for more of Glasgow’s women pioneers.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 03/08/2013

Cycling: Ride London (BBC1/HD | 11:30am to 2:00pm | Sunday 4th August 2013)

Live coverage of the new cycling event which features a number of races across a busy weekend in the capital. The morning sees 20,000 cyclists head out on the Olympic road race route from London to Surrey and back, later followed by the world’s elite men. There are also highlights of the women’s grand prix, which features Olympic gold medallists Laura Trott, Dani King and Jo Rowsell competing on a special street circuit around Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park. Jonathan Edwards hosts the coverage while Simon Brotherton leads the commentary team.

Cycling: Ride London (BBC1/HD | 4:30pm to 6:30pm | Sunday 4th August 2013)

Jonathan Edwards presents live coverage of the climax of a weekend of cycling in the capital. The world’s best riders head back on the Olympic road race course as the London-Surrey Classic builds to a potentially thrilling sprint finish on The Mall. There is also news of the 20,000 riders who cycled the course at a more pedestrian pace earlier in the day, including celebrities such as Boris Becker, Matt Dawson, James Cracknell and Sally Gunnell. Simon Brotherton leads the commentary team.

Top Gear (BBC2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 4th August 2013)

Motoring magazine. Jeremy Clarkson drives the new Jaguar F-type sports car on some of Britain’s finest roads; James May takes the New Bus for London for a nice day out in the country; and Richard Hammond tests the new Range Rover Sport off-road, on track and in its most natural habitat, the lanes of Cheshire. Inspired by these machines, the presenters meet up for an epic celebration of all that is great about Britain’s motor industry, culminating in a grand finale in front of Buckingham Palace.

The Cycle Show (itv4 | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Monday 5th August 2013)

The cycling magazine show with regular presenter Graham Little including special guests and items and features on all aspects of bike riding. In this edition, he is joined by Rob Hayles and Tammy G Thorn.

Undercover Boss (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 6th August 2013)

Peter Harvey, boss of slot machine company Quicksilver, adopts a dramatic disguise and goes undercover in the hope of working undetected alongside his frontline staff. Hit hard by the smoking ban, the company has seen profits drop by a massive 30% and Peter is desperate to find new ways to attract more customers. Once undercover, the CEO is shocked at what he finds: a young female employee who feels vulnerable working at night; a talented engineer with ideas who has been told to ‘shut up’ by management; and venue staff who feel so ignored by head office that many want to leave the company. The boss has to confront the reality, that it might not just be the company’s dwindling profits he has to worry about but also his underappreciated staff.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 10:50pm | Wednesday 7th August 2013)

Initially launched alongside the Paralympic Games, the award-winning gang show returns for a new series live to Wednesday night. Host, Adam Hills and co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker take a look at the weird and wonderful talking point stories of the week to enjoy and celebrate what makes this country so unique. Each week the guys are joined by a celebrity guest with a live studio audience. This week’s guest is Micky Flanagan. The show also sees the return of the all-encompassing question: Is It OK? Viewers at home and the studio audience are encouraged to ask this question about anything from the week, without fear of judgement. Once again, our three hosts will attempt to step into the minefield of sometimes difficult and delicate areas and answer the questions with their own unique insight.

The Hotel Inspector Returns (Channel 5 | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 8th August 2013)

Documentary series in which Alex Polizzi returns to the scene of some of her biggest challenges. Three years ago, Alex visited the Artist Residence, Brighton, a nine-room B&B run by 21-year-old student Justin Salisbury. He had created a unique ‘art hotel’, decorated and staffed by young artists, but during the week left them to their own devices as he studied in London. The hotel was slammed by guests and occupancy levels were low. Has Justin’s management style improved?

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 27/07/2013

Inspire: The Olympic Journey (BBC1/HD | 12:45pm to 1:30pm | Saturday 27th July 2013)

Gabby Logan is in Glasgow to mark one year until the Commonwealth Games. She gets a guided tour of the city from Sir Chris Hoy, who also shows her around the velodrome named after him. A year on from the Olympic Games, Matthew Pinsent looks at the legacy of 2012, and fellow rowing star Katherine Grainger joins the team to reflect on life after London for some of the key personalities from summer 2012, including Victoria Pendleton, Helen Glover and Dai Greene. And in the first of a regular series of features introducing the potential stars for Rio in 2016, we meet 17-year-old Bath swimmer Siobhan-Marie O’Connor.

Countryfile (BBC1/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 28th July 2013)

Countryfile celebrates its silver jubilee by throwing a party in the form of a traditional country summer fayre. Adam’s farm in the Cotswolds is a frenzy of activity; there are stalls, food, entertainment and bunting as far as the eye can see. Along with 250 lucky Countryfile viewers, Matt Baker, Julia Bradbury, John Craven, Ellie Harrison, Adam Henson and Tom Heap are there to get the party started in good old-fashioned style. Matt finds out about the importance of country fayres to rural communities, while Julia discovers what life is really like on Adam’s farm when the cameras aren’t rolling. John puts Matt and Julia’s countryside knowledge to the test in a quiz, ably assisted by impressionist Jon Culshaw. He also reveals just how much money the Countryfile calendar has raised for Children in Need since it began – with a little help from Sir Terry Wogan.

Top Gear (BBC2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 28th July 2013)

Motoring magazine. Jeremy Clarkson and James May investigate an increasingly popular type of tall hatchback often referred to as a ‘crossover’. Meanwhile, Richard Hammond is in Italy driving a pair of Lamborghinis, the sensational Aventador Roadster and a 570 horsepower riot of carbon fibre and space age styling called the Sesto Elemento. Plus, James May is at the test track to drive a modern recreation of the classic Porsche 911 and Aerosmith legend Steven Tyler is the rock star in the Reasonably Priced Car.

Undercover Boss (Channel 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 29th July 2013)

Chief Executive Ian Wakelin goes undercover in waste and recycling company Biffa, a business that has been finding it increasingly difficult to turn muck into brass in these tough economic times. With debts in excess of a billion pounds when he joined, Ian’s been wholly focused on restoring the company’s flagging fortunes. Determined to maximise profits and pay back the company’s remaining debts, he heads to the frontline in search of ways to balance the books. After mucking in with his hard-pressed staff, and working in challenging conditions, Ian discovers that some feel they’ve been overlooked and dumped at the tip. But it’s not just hard physical graft, as tears and trauma come to the fore. It’s an experience that forces boss Ian to question whether the company’s people should be his main concern, not its numbers.

The Cycle Show (itv4 | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Monday 29th July 2013)

The cycling magazine show with Jill Douglas including special guests and items and features on all aspects of bike riding. Guests in this edition include Hannah Barnes, Liz Dimmock, Helen and Steff Wyman and the Irish Belles.

The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 10:50pm | Wednesday 31st July 2013)

Initially launched alongside the Paralympic Games, the award-winning gang show, now on its third series, returns live to Wednesday night. Host, Adam Hills and co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker take a look at the weird and wonderful talking point stories of the week to enjoy and celebrate what makes this country so unique. Each week the guys are joined by a celebrity guest with a live studio audience. The show also sees the return of the all-encompassing question: Is It OK? Viewers at home and the studio audience are encouraged to ask this question about anything from the week, without fear of judgement. Once again, our three hosts will attempt to step into the minefield of sometimes difficult and delicate areas and answer the questions with their own unique insight.

Alex Brooker: My Perfect Body (Channel 4/HD | 10:50pm to 11:55pm | Wednesday 31st July 2013)

Alex Brooker, the Channel 4 Paralympics and Last Leg presenter, explores the world of male body image, shedding light on how men really feel about their figures. He also hopes to win his own war with weight, lose two stone and get a six-pack in just two months. In February the NHS and Social Care Information Centre revealed that 65% of British men are overweight. Self-confessed ‘perennial porker’ Alex thinks he might be one of them. To kick start his new svelte self, he follows in the footsteps of Beyonc?, and does a week of the cayenne pepper diet, losing 10lbs in seven days. But how far are men willing to go, and where do they get their perception of perfection from? Alex discovers how the pornification of society has influenced the way men look, but does it all come down to vanity? Alex’s mum provides some touching insights into Alex’s history of weight issues, while Alex’s girlfriend Lynsey says she loves him for who he is, not what he looks like.

The Hotel Inspector Returns: The Who’d a Thought it, Grafty Green, Kent (Channel 5 | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 1st August 2013)

Documentary series. Alex Polizzi returns to the Who’d a Thought It, which on her first visit resembled the Kent countryside’s answer to the Playboy mansion. Self-styled showman Joe Mallet had aimed to bring a taste of four-star city luxury to rural Kent, but his unique taste in decor, featuring cowhide bedspreads, four-man hot tubs and erotic artwork, had not proved to be to everyone’s liking. Alex made a number of improvements, but what will she find on her return visit?

Hebrides: Islands on the Edge (BBC2/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 1st August 2013)

Ewan McGregor narrates a landmark nature series focusing on the wildlife struggling to survive on the Hebridean Islands. In the final programme, a look at how the residents of the Hebrides learned to live side-by-side with their wild neighbours. Skye Ferryman Donnie MacDonald reveals that business can prosper when passengers can be treated to some on board entertainment in the form of white-tailed eagles hunting alongside the boat. Plus, how Andrew Abrahams is attempting to turn the Island of Colonsay into a nature reserve for bees, how the peatlands of Lewis and Innes Henderson inspire artist Alice Starmore, and the Coll fisherman who regularly has to steer his boat through a 100-strong group of basking sharks.

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 20/07/2013

Top Gear (BBC2/HD | 8pm to 9pm | Sunday 21st July 2013)

Motoring magazine. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May bring relief to flood-stricken areas of Britain by building a car that can turn into a hovercraft. After a bumpy start, the presenters demonstrate the brilliance of their creation with an eventful journey down the River Avon. Also in this show, Jeremy is on the track in the insane Mercedes SLS Black and the 739 horsepower SLS Electric, while Hollywood star Hugh Jackman is the star in the Reasonably Priced Car.

The Cycle Show (itv4 | 8pm to 9pm | Monday 22nd July 2013)

The cycling magazine show with regular presenter Graham Little including special guests and items and features on all aspects of bike riding.

Undercover Boss (Channel 4/HD | 9pm to 10pm | Monday 22nd July 2013)

Cuts of nearly 100 million pounds have forced Eleanor Kelly, the Chief Executive of central London’s Southwark Council, to think outside the box, so she’s going undercover in her own organisation. With 300,000 residents demanding round-the-clock services and pressure mounting as a result of an inquest into a tragic fire, the undercover CEO needs to discover if slashed budgets mean Southwark is failing its residents. But after years at the top, she’s shocked at what she finds: loyal council staff burdened by redundancies and cuts struggling with angry residents; hoarding tenants creating fire risks, while the public ignore the council’s efforts. So Eleanor is forced to consider if the council has been concentrating too hard on cuts and not enough on under-appreciated staff.

The Route Masters: Running London’s Roads: The Future (BBC2/HD | 9pm to 10pm | Tuesday 23rd July 2013)

A million more people than anticipated have settled in London in the last decade and Transport for London predicts that there will be a further two million by 2030. Michele Dix, TfL’s head of planning, sets about trying to get people out of cars and on to bikes and buses. A police Cycle Task Force has been set up to encourage cycling, but it also cracks down on cyclists jumping red lights at Elephant and Castle. Bernie drives the 343 bus route in South London, where passengers battle every day to board the city’s most overcrowded bus. To try to keep the roads moving, CCTV cameras crack down on rulebreakers, with Graham watching out for cars sitting in yellow box junctions for too long and fining them. Meanwhile, Chas from the Roads Policing Unit stakes out a notorious traffic jam which rogue motorists are trying to escape by going off-road, taking a shortcut across a grass verge. There is also a look at the secret supercomputer that controls many of the city’s traffic lights.

Hebrides: Islands on the Edge (BBC2/HD | 9pm to 10pm | Thursday 25th July 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.

The Hotel Inspector Returns: First in Last Out, Winchester (Channel 5 | 9pm to 10pm | Thursday 25th July 2013)

Documentary series in which Alex Polizzi returns to the scene of some of her biggest challenges. When Alex last visited the First in Last Out in Winchester, she found a struggling bed-and-breakfast of questionable cleanliness and cripplingly bad reviews. She was so appalled by the dodgy decor and a dirt-encrusted shower cubicle that she refused to stay the night. Three years on, will owner Jon Sweeney be able to supply a warmer welcome?

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

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 13/07/2013

Countryfile (BBC1/HD | 8pm to 9pm | Sunday 14th July 2013)

Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson head for the Shetlands, the most northerly inhabited place in the UK. Ellie meets the islanders farming seaweed to eat, tries her hand at an ancient Viking version of chess and goes in search of one of the UK’s rarest birds – the red necked phalarope. Adam gets up close to rare native Shetland cattle and sheep, then takes a twirl with a dancing pony. And Tom Heap reports on how a new approach to animal inspections is helping improve welfare on farms.

Top Gear (BBC2/HD | 8pm  to 9pm | Sunday 14th July 2013)

Motoring magazine. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May visit Spain, with Clarkson in a McLaren 12C Spider, Hammond driving a Ferrari 458 Spider and May using an Audi R8 V10 Spyder. Over the course of their travels the three presenters and their mid-range convertible supercars encounter mountain passes, ghost towns and an incredible abandoned airport, before building their own street circuit in the deserted developments of Madrid. Also in this show, Sherlock and Star Trek actor Benedict Cumberbatch is the star in the Reasonably Priced Car.

The Cycle Show (itv4 | 8pm to 9pm | Monday 15th July 2013)

The cycling magazine show with regular presenter Graham Little including special guests and items and features on all aspects of bike riding.

Undercover Boss (Channel4/HD | 9pm to 10pm | Monday 15th July 2013)

Company director Ray Pope steps out from his cosy office and into very unfamiliar territory by going undercover on the shopfloor of multi million pound car giant Hyundai. Having tripled car sales in only four years, the boss is worried that the business might be creaking under the strain. After years behind a desk, he’s finally getting his hands dirty, but unearths sales staff struggling to perform, mechanics so demoralised that they’re leaving the company, and valets frustrated at unachievable targets. And when the boss heads to the company’s largest operation, Tilbury docks, where they import 2,500 cars a week, he’s shocked to discover dozens of cars are going missing.

The Route Masters: Running London’s Roads:  Gateway to London. Episode 5 (BBC2/HD | 9pm to 10pm | Tuesday 16th July 2013)

In the last decade, Victoria Coach Station has been transformed. London’s only coach station has in effect become a new border, for thousands of migrants coming to Britain from Eastern Europe and elsewhere. Cheap coach fares have resulted in a 25 per cent increase in passengers in the last five years alone. So the Transport for London staff running the coach station must now work flat-out to cope with the demand. Customer service assistant Hayley, a former bodyguard and stuntwoman, has worked out her own special technique for charming the coach drivers. Jack speaks Polish, which helps when he has to deal with hundreds of Poles departing and arriving every day. And Sergeant Shaun Doyle is on patrol, coping with everything from a missing teenager who turns up at the coach station to illegal immigrants and stowaways. This is the story of how one of the oldest parts of London’s transport infrastructure has become the busiest, thanks to the way London has changed.

Hebrides: Islands on the Edge (BBC2/HD | 9pm to 10pm | Thursday 18th July 2013)

Ewan McGregor narrates a landmark nature series focusing on the wildlife struggling to survive on the Hebridean Islands. Cameras follow white-tailed eagles, harbour seals, hares, pine martens and short-eared owls as they struggle to raise their families whilst dealing with the biggest storm ever to hit the islands in living memory. And as the wild weather passes, the seas warm to welcome the arrival of Scotland’s ocean juggernauts, basking sharks.

The One Show (BBC1/HD | 7pm to 7:30pm | Friday 19th July 2013)

Larry Lamb and Lucy Siegle visit the seaside town of Oban to present a selection of some of the best reports from the One Show. Highlights include Mike Dilger’s search for killer whales off the coast of Scotland, a feature on the humble origins of the James Bond theme and the engineering secrets behind a new bridge over Nottingham’s railway station.

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