MasterChef: The Professionals BBC2, Tuesday-Thursday
There’s a new chef in town as the 2014 search for MasterChef’s professional champion gets under way. Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing replaces Michel Roux Jr, who flounced from the kitchen in March stating the BBC didn’t understand “the realities of today’s commercial world” (which scurrilous people translated as they weren’t paying him enough). Gregg Wallace is still there, of course. He loves his food and has plenty of time spare after his very short stint on Strictly.
The Passing Bells BBC1 7pm, Monday-Friday
In the lead up to Remembrance Sunday, which will have added poignancy given this year’s centenary commemorations of the First World War, this early evening BBC drama stripped across the week tells of two young men as they head off to war. They share many similarities but one difference, one is British, the other German, significant in 1914 but which the series subtly suggests should never have been the case.
Trollied Sky One, 8.30pm, Monday
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the supermarket… Aware that critics like me were beginning to question whether the best before date had expired on this sitcom, particularly after the departure of Jane Horrocks, the Valco value supermarket in Warrington is freshening up its shelves with some new faces. Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Tompkinson, both from good comedy backgrounds, join the cast as two more hapless staff members to cause store manager Gavin (Jason Watkins) stress.
Make Leicester British Channel 4, 9pm, Monday
The East Midlands city of Leicester will not be targeted by UKIP at the next general election. It’s one of Britain’s most ethnically-diverse cities, with the 2011 census revealing white Britons are no longer the majority there. In a follow-up to 2012’s award-winning Make Bradford British, this documentary brings together eight residents, four of them British citizens and four recent migrants from Eastern Europe and Africa, to spend time together and discuss the hot topic of the moment.
The Apprentice BBC1, 9pm, Wednesday
It was ironic that the winning team were treated with a trip to Iceland on Wednesday as back in the boardroom there was a volcano erupting. After the night of the pointed finger, in which Lord Sugar got so carried away I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that he had to be restrained from firing Nick and Karren as well, there are only 12 contestants left competing for his £250,000 business partnership. This week’s episode is like a spin-off of Coach Trip as the candidates display their “skills” in the tourist industry.
Great Continental Railway Journeys BBC2, 9pm, Wednesday
It’s a constant worry which will run out first destinations to visit in Bradshaw’s 1913 Continental Railway Guide or different combinations of luminous shirts and blazers in Michael Portillo’s wardrobe. He’s packed another couple of pearlers for his trip to a land that could do with a bit of colour Russia. Michael journeys between Tula and St Petersburg and appears to have a more pleasant trip than when I made the same journey a year ago. But then I haven’t Portillo’s panache.
Broadmoor STV, 9pm, Wednesday
“It’s very easy to see somebody as either the perpetrator or the victim. It’s much more difficult to understand that somebody might be both.” Wise words from Dr Amlan Basu, clinical director at Broadmoor, the most famous high-security hospital in the world. For the first time in its 150-year history, the Berkshire unit is opening its doors to the outside world. Often mistaken for a prison, it has treated some of this country’s most severely mentally disordered patients, including Peter Sutcliffe, Ronnie Kray and Charles Bronson.
Peaky Blinders BBC2, 9pm, Thursday
Even by Peaky Blinders’ standards, which are set gorier than most other dramas on TV, it’s a bloody conclusion to series two. It’s Derby Day and Tommy is at Epsom to carry out the mission given to him by Major Campbell the assassination of a high-ranking member of the military establishment. But Tommy is also planning to turn the situation to his advantage by bringing his gang to the racecourse and striking a blow at gang boss Sabini. But Tommy’s adversaries have secret plans of their own.
The X Factor STV, 8pm, Saturday
“We’ve got rid of the useless people,” Simon Cowell told us at the beginning of last Saturday’s episode. But two hours later I think the dwindling number of viewers still tuning in to this year’s sub-standard competition were left with sore ears and a definite feeling there’s a few more weeks to go before we can seriously suggest that. This weekend the remaining finalists are being asked to trawl through the back catalogue of their favourite boyband or girlband to perform one of their greatest hits.
Gareth’s All Star Choir BBC1, 9pm, Monday
Following on from the needle and thread of the Great British Sewing Bee now it’s time for Pudsey Bear to turn his attention to the pitches and vocal transitions of The Choir, with a little help from Gareth Malone and an assembly of celebrities.
Over two episodes Gareth will be trying to tame their untrained voices into a choir capable of singing on this year’s Children in Need single.
Lending their voices are, among others, actresses Alison Steadman and Linda Robson, Strictly Come Dancing’s Queen of Mean, Craig Revel-Horwood, Countryfile’s John Craven, comedian Jo Brand, footballer Farbrice Muamba and presenter Mel Giedroyc.
And just in case Mel’s attachment has got you wondering, yes there is a Great British Bake Off Children in Need special in the pipeline as well.
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