From thrilling new dramas and gritty documentaries through to glossy entertainment shows, reality binge-watches, returning series and all the best soaps, there’s always something to keep us glued to the small screen. If you’re wondering what to watch tonight, I’ve handpicked the best of the box, selected from all the traditional networks like BBC and ITV, as well as streamers like Netflix, Prime, Disney+ and Apple TV.
Tonight, a young woman with alopecia and a man who suffered nearly 50 percent burns in a terrible accident are treated a unique clinic in C4‘s new series Love My Face. There’s a thrilling return for the team in Leverage: Redemption, with a return from Noah Wyle, and a couple of St Bernards give the trainers a hard time in Bad Dog Academy.
See below for my top telly picks.
A young woman with severe alopecia and a man who suffered nearly 50 percent burns when his uncle set him on fire are among the patients in this uplifting new series. It’s not Harley Street or Hollywood, it’s a one-of-a-kind clinic in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, where world class facial surgeons treat people for free. Activist Jono Lancaster hosts as the clinic (complete with cute in-house dog) welcomes those who society treats differently because of the way they look. They can explore transformative treatments, while also being given emotional support from Jono who says: “I love my face and I want to use my experience to help others love theirs too.” In this episode, beauty therapist Mia, tells how she had lost most of her hair by the age of 16. She says: “One of my friends said ‘Oh my God, you look like an egg.’”
Builder Terry wants help after experiencing life-changing burns in 2007. Terry says: “My uncle with paranoid schizophrenia basically set me on fire. I was sitting at my dining room table reading Auto Trader. He burst through the door with a petrol can and a lighter. He poured petrol on his own head. I tried to talk him down, he threw petrol towards me. As he went towards my partner, I jumped up and grabbed him – he dropped the petrol can. I could hear the spark and there was a fireball. I dived off the balcony on the second floor. It was like a scene out of RoboCop. I thought I wasn’t going to make it.”
It’s a thrilling return for the Scheme Team with this third season, which promises high-stakes heists, international intrigue and new challenges. The team puts themselves against a power broker who is stealing clean water and turning it into dirty money. There’s also a fight against a mayor who has become the judge and jury of his small town. They must outrun a mark who has finally caught up with them mid-con, out-hustle a pool hustler with a side business in international extortion, and bring down an industrialist exploiting child labour.
All this while dodging an intricate plan of vengeance from a past enemy and working through the fallout of their new personal relationships. Original cast members including Beth Riesgraf, Gina Bellman, Christian Kane and Aldis Hodge are back – although Aldis is in a smaller role as apparently he had to duck out and film another show. And watch out for returning cast member Noah Wyle, back to reprise his role.
Naughty mutts are sent to this bad dog school, which is actually a stunning stately home where experts and trainers give them – and their owners – serious help. Cute fluffball Dougie may look super cute, but he has actually been branded a danger to society. He’s bitten several passers-by, including an 80-year-old lady. If Dougie bites again, the authorities will put him down – he’s been given an ASBO (anti social behaviour order) and has to wear a muzzle for two years.
Meanwhile host Nick Grimshaw is nearly knocked off his feet when Sam arrives with her two massive St Bernards, Bodie and Bailey. Sam got them because she loved the 90s movie Beethoven, but it hasn’t played out as she imagined – the pair are a one-stop demolition squad. She says: “It’s like living with two wild grizzly bears. Every day is chaotic. I don’t know what I was thinking.” Also, Michelle hoped an English sheepdog puppy would comfort her widowed dad. But relations between man and pooch have broken down.
When Aaron asks John who he’ll be inviting to their wedding, John is awkward to be put on the spot. On the back foot, John tries to explain his lack of family and friends. Jacob and Kammy butt heads over Sarah. Jacob agrees to race Kammy on dirt bikes despite Charity and Sam’s protestations. While Jacob’s confident of his imminent victory, Charity’s concerned for his safety and suggests putting a training plan in place in order to maximise his chances.
Avani attempts to avoid Priya as she seeks solace in the laundrette. Yolande tries to get Avani to open up. Nicola warns Zack to keep away from Barney, but he ignores her pleas. Nicola enlists the help of Tommy and Joel who antagonise Barney during his training session, but believing Zack is to blame, Barney flees. Zack rushes after him. Jean attempts to reach out to Nigel, but he continues to remain quiet about his dementia diagnosis and dismisses her concerns.
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