SATURDAY
St James’s Palace: The Secret Royal Residence
Channel 5, 8.35pm
This regal red-brick edifice, a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, is the most senior royal palace in London yet remains strangely overlooked. But it’s been witness to unprecedented royal events, including the imprisonment of Charles I in the days before he was beheaded in 1649, and a focal point for thousands of mourners as Diana, Princess of Wales, lay in state in the Chapel Royal ahead of her funeral in 1997.
SUNDAY
Oscars Live
ITV1, 10.15pm
Expect plenty of glitz and glamour as Hollywood’s finest sashay up the red carpet for Tinseltown’s biggest night of the year. The 96th Oscars, which is hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, marks the first time in almost 20 years that UK viewers can watch for free. While Ross King will be there for the arrivals on ITVX from 9.30pm, Jonathan Ross presents the main coverage. He’ll be joined by celebrity guests as the action unfolds.
MONDAY
Love Rat
Channel 5, 9pm
Poor Sally Lindsay falls prey to a sexy scammer in this psychological thriller. Divorcée Emma has a passionate fling with hotel owner Niko while holidaying on Cyprus – only to be rewarded with a broken heart and an empty bank account. Local police aren’t interested so, in a bid to recover her cash, Emma joins forces with ex-hubby Pete, played by Neil Morrissey.
TUESDAY
Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr
BBC1, 8pm
The fifth series of the interior design contest begins in Norfolk, where host Alan introduces 10 novices to their first task – converting a former convent into a B&B. The designers must demonstrate their signature style by transforming the former nuns’ cells into single occupancy rooms that are good enough to get people parting with their hard-earned cash to stay there. As always, there’s a life-changing contract up for grabs.
WEDNESDAY
Bring The Drama
BBC2, 9pm
We’re loving this show, which sees a likeable bunch of aspiring actors strive to win the chance of a professional acting career. Tonight, under the kindly gaze of firm-but-fair casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry and Bill Bailey – fast becoming our favourite ‘telly uncle’ – the hopefuls, including Luca, step into period drama for one of Downton Abbey’s most famous romantic scenes, with guidance from Ed Speleers (footman Jimmy).
THURSDAY
A Yorkshire Farm
Channel 5, 7pm
It’s not quite the candlelit meal that new farmer Kelvin Fletcher might have been expecting when he visits Robert Tomlinson’s rhubarb farm – they use the soft glow from a candle to grow their crop. But why? JB Gill travels to Norfolk where seafarer Ashley Mullenger is on a shellfish mission to keep whelks on our plates, while Rob and Dave Nicholson learn to plough 1930s-style with Shire horses.
FRIDAY
Comic Relief
BBC1/BBC2, from 7pm
When it comes to the charity he co-founded with Richard Curtis, Sir Lenny Henry has certainly put in a shift. But, after 39 years as the face of Comic Relief, tonight marks the final time he’ll host the annual Red Nose Day live fundraiser. And it promises to be a send-off to remember, with plenty of familiar faces popping up. Watch out for The Traitors: The Movie, Alan Partridge, and the chance to win an Aston Martin!