Saturday
Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey
Channel 4, 8.35pm
Following treatment for breast cancer, Julia is back on the road – this time returning to Ireland, where she was born. This special sees her exploring the landscape, culture and history, taking in the Wicklow mountains, Donegal’s beaches, Dublin’s streets and the hills of Connemara. But this avid walker won’t just be trekking across Ireland; she’ll also be kayaking and surfing as well as eating and tree-hugging along the way.
Sunday
Beat The Chasers: Celebrity Special
ITV1, 7.55pm
Bradley Walsh presides as another team of celebs hope to better the show’s own Sinister Six: The Sinnerman, The Beast, The Governess, The Menace, The Vixen and The Dark Destroyer. Keeping the comic book metaphor rolling, who are the mighty Avengers assembling in the hope of raising money for charity? Step forward impressionist Rory Bremner, singer Dana, footballer Carlton Cole and Steps’ Claire Richards! Excelsior!
Monday
The Reckoning
BBC1, 9pm
Steve Coogan has said that the decision to play Jimmy Savile wasn’t one he took lightly, and we can see why. We were unable to preview this factual drama before going to press, but the involvement of four survivors of Savile’s abuse, each of whom delivers their testimony on-screen, plus the research that writer Neil McKay (The Moorside, Appropriate Adult) poured into his scripts, suggests its heart is in the right place.
Tuesday
Don’t Look Down For SU2C
Channel 4, 9.30pm
The physical demands of, say, Strictly are put into perspective as Paddy McGuinness leads a team mastering the perilous art of highwire walking, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer. Joining Paddy are Love Island’s Chris Hughes, comic Fats Timbo, Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, French footie ace David Ginola, Corrie’s Beverley Callard, TikTok star GK Barry, footballer Anton Ferdinand, cyclist Victoria Pendleton and biking adventurer Charley Boorman.
Wednesday
Jay Blades: The Midlands Through Time
Channel 5, 9pm
The charismatic host of The Repair Shop follows up his series on the East End with a look at the region that’s been his home since 2015. And there’s a lot to get into, with the Midlands being at the heart of Britain’s industrial history. Tonight Jay visits the Wedgwood porcelain and fine china factory in Stoke-on-Trent, and also pops over to Ironbridge to hear the story of Abraham Darby, the father of mass-produced iron.
Thursday
Pride Of Britain Awards
ITV1, 8pm
Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo invite more everyday heroes to step forward as they host the heartwarming awards ceremony, with categories including Child/Teenager of Courage, Outstanding Bravery, and Lifetime Achievement. This year there’s also a special award marking the Windrush generation’s contribution to Britain, with representatives sharing their stories with guests including HRH The Prince of Wales.
Friday
Barbara Knox At 90
ITV1, 9pm
She first set foot on the cobbles of Coronation Street back in 1964 as nightclub siren Rita Littlewood, before becoming a regular from 1972 until today. But for someone who’s been a fixture on our screens for so long, little is known about the notoriously private Barbara Knox – until now. As she turns an incredible 90, Bradley Walsh finds out about her years on the show and her youth, and we hear from adoring co-stars past and present.