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What to watch on TV this week

What to watch on TV this week

Here’s all the very best entertainment on your TV this week across your favourite channels, including a close encounter with some gentle giants, a laugh-out-loud comedy showcase and an Easter classic

By Charlotte Briggs, Staff Writer

Kick off your shoes, grab some choccy sustenance and head straight to the sofa because the first bank holiday of the year is here. And we can’t think of a better way to spend the four-day Easter weekend than relaxing with a bumper packed schedule of telly. 

 

There’s a double helping of the much-missed Paul O’Grady, with the tribute The Life And Death Of Lily Savage on Good Friday followed on Easter Sunday by his cherished project Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure, which showcases the hard work of elephant conservationists in Thailand and Laos.

 

For some light viewing, get into the spirit of April Fools with funny man Eddie Kadi as he shares some laughs with his comedic chums in BBC 1Xtra’s Comedy Gala With Eddie Kadi And Friends.

 

On Easter Sunday there’s plenty of egg-cellent TV from the traditional Sunday services and Songs Of Praise to classic movies Easter Parade on BBC Two HD (CH 102) and Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory on ITV1 HD (CH 103).

 

It’s a huge weekend of sport too, including Super League action on Friday, the Boat Race on Saturday, a crucial Premier League clash in Manchester City v Arsenal on Sunday and the Irish Grand National on Monday. 

 

There’s so much good stuff on this week that we’ve compiled a list of the best TV shows to watch. Bookmark this page to keep up to date with the latest changes.

 

Wednesday 27 March

Pick of the day: My Big Gay Wedding With Tom Allen

9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the first same-sex wedding that took place after legalisation in England and Wales, comedian Tom Allen is pulling out all the stops for one lucky couple in this inspiring one-off programme. While planning their spectacular dream wedding with the help of some celebrity friends, Allen also reflects on his own personal journey of growing up gay and meets the extraordinary LGBTQ+ trailblazers who fought for marriage equality. 

 

What else to watch:

  • Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts – 8pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
  • Backstage With The London Philharmonic – 8pm, Sky Arts HD (CH 123)
  • Professor T – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
  • Naked Attraction – 10pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • Hightown – 10pm, Alibi HD (CH 114)

 

Thursday 28 March

Pick of the day: Big Mood

10pm + 10.35pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlin and It’s A Sin’s Lydia West play old friends Maggie and Eddie in this comedy series. A series of chaotic events start to make the pair question their friendship and life plans. Is sleeping with your old history teacher a good idea? And how do you stop your psychiatrist giving you worry dolls? With a refreshing approach to mental health, this is hilarious, heart-warming and – we think – soon to be a favourite in your household.

 

What else to watch:

  • The Dog House – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • The Apprentice – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Bruce Lee: A Life In Ten Pictures – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
  • Taskmaster – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • Whitstable Pearl – 9pm, Drama HD (CH 116)

 

Good Friday

Pick of the day: The Life And Death Of Lily Savage

9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Before the late Paul O’Grady became a household name as a TV presenter and animal rights campaigner, he found success with his glamorous alter ego Lily Savage. Now, O’Grady’s family and closest friends including Sir Ian McKellan and Alan Carr are telling the tale of the iconic drag queen. Set against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain, Clause 28 and the AIDS crisis, this inspiring programme captures how Savage took London’s underground gay scene and later mainstream TV by storm, all while enduring personal hardships and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.

 

What else to watch:

  • Gardeners’ World – 8pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
  • Travel Man: 48 Hours In Rovaniemi – 8.30pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
  • Beyond Paradise – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Wreck – 10.10pm + 11pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)
 

Saturday 30 March

Pick of the day: Gladiators: The Final

5.50pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Contenders, ready! Gladiators, ready! After weeks of intense competition where members of the public have taken on nail-biting challenges and bravely battled superhuman gladiators, everything comes down to one final epic showdown. Tune in to the grand finale to see if your favourite contestant will emerge triumphant above the rest and be crowned Gladiators Champion 2024.

 

What else to watch:

  • Michael McIntyre’s Big Show – 6.50pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway – 7pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
  • Hindenburg: The Cover Up – 7.30pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • The Weakest Link – 7.50pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • The Jonathan Ross Show – 9.35pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

 

Easter Sunday

Pick of the day: Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure

9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Late TV star Paul O’Grady shines a light on elephant conservation efforts across south-east Asia in this two-part programme filmed just a few months before his passing. O’Grady rolls up his sleeves to help rescue, rehabilitate and protect the biggest land mammals on Earth while also immersing himself in the local culture of Thailand and Laos.

 

What else to watch:

  • Easter Sunday Service From Canterbury Cathedral – 10am, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Urbi Et Orbi – 11am, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Songs Of Praise – 11.30am, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Gareth Malone’s Easter Passion: The Concert – 6pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
  • The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer – 7.40pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • This Town – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Passenger – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

 

Easter Monday

Pick of the day: BBC 1Xtra’s Comedy Gala With Eddie Kadi And Friends

11.40pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Looking for a laugh this April Fools’ Day? Well, award-winning comedian Eddie Kadi and all his funny friends are here to help with BBC Radio 1Xtra’s first ever comedy show, recorded live at east London’s iconic Hackney Empire. The laugh-out-loud line-up includes Babátúndé Aléshé, Gbemi Oladipo, Kane Brown, Kyrah Gray, Michael Odewale, Ola Labib, Slim and Thanyia Moore.

 

What else to watch:

  • Grand Indian Hotel – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures In Spain – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • This Town – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Passenger – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
  • Tish – 9pm, BBC Four HD (CH 108)

 

Tuesday 2 April

Pick of the day: Royal Autopsy

9pm, Sky HISTORY HD (CH 131)

Attention history buffs: Professor Alice Roberts and Home Office pathologist Brett Lockyer are examining more monarchs in the morgue in a second series of Royal Autopsy. The pair will be combining their historical and medical expertise with archival accounts and documents to unearth the truth behind the deaths of “The Party King” George IV, “Bloody Mary” Mary I, “The Usurper” Henry IV and “The Forgotten Queen” Anne.

 

What else to watch:

  • Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr – 8pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Catch Me A Killer – 9pm, Alibi HD (CH 114)
  • Night Coppers – 10pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • Wreck – 10pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)
  • Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable – 10pm, Dave HD (CH 127)
  • The Dropout – 10.40pm + 11.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

 

Wednesday 3 April

Pick of the day: Air Fryers: Sunday Lunch Made Easy

8pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)

Presenter Alexis Conran hosts this new series that shows even the most amateur chefs how to cook delicious meals using just one kitchen gadget: the air fryer, beloved by the likes of Oprah, Drew Barrymore and even chef Gordon Ramsay. Tune in for easy-to-follow recipes that’ll impress all your family and friends when Sunday lunchtime rolls around.

 

What else to watch:

  • Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts – 8pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
  • MasterChef – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Professor T – 9pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)
  • Mandy – 10pm + 10.15pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
  • Wreck – 10pm, BBC Three HD (CH 107)
  • Hightown – 10pm, Alibi HD (CH 114)

 

Thursday 4 April

Pick of the day: Murdoch Mysteries

9pm, Alibi HD (CH 114)

Prepare to see Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) as you’ve never seen him before in this one-off musical episode of the long-running Candian crime saga. After Murdoch takes a bullet to the head and slips into a coma, he awakens to a world where everyone from street urchins to flower vendors is part of a Technicolor musical. Despite the distraction, Murdoch’s soon back on the case to uncover the identity of his would-be killer.

 

What else to watch:

  • The Dog House – 8pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • The Apprentice – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • Robin Williams: A Life In Ten Pictures – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
  • Taskmaster – 9pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • Big Mood – 10pm + 10.35pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

 

Friday 5 April

Pick of the day: Avoidance

9.30pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

Despite his world crashing down in the first series, Jonathan (Romesh Ranganathan, Romantic Getaway) is back and better than ever. He’s transformed his body, he has a new hobby, he’s wearing a lot of Lycra and… he still has severe conflict-avoidance issues. He’s determined to win back his ex-partner Claire (Jessica Knappett, Drifters) but any chance of rekindling their fire is soon complicated by new love interests Brett (Matthew Lewis, Harry Potter) and Megan (Aisling Bea, Alice & Jack).

 

What else to watch:

  • Gardeners’ World – 8pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
  • Travel Man: 48 Hours In Prague – 8.30pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)
  • Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales – 9pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)
  • Beyond Paradise – 9pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
  • The Last Leg – 10pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

 

Pick of the week: The Boat Race

Saturday 30 March, 2pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

British sporting traditions don’t get much more traditional than the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, which was first held in 1829, and has been an annual event since 1856. Five years short of its bicentennial, it’s still going strong and remains hugely popular, with a quarter of a million spectators expected to line the banks of the Thames to cheer on the rowers. (Could the organisers boost it even further by rebranding it Boaty McBoatrace? We just hope they’re brave enough to try it someday.)

 

Cambridge have dominated recently, winning the past six women’s races and four of the last five men’s events, although the bookies are making Oxford the favourites to win both races in 2024. But whoever triumphs it’s always a great occasion marking one of the sporting spring’s high points. Let’s just hope for, as the song says, some jolly boating weather.

 

Pick of the week: Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory

12.25pm, Easter Sunday, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

While a new generation may see Timothée Chalamet’s face when they think of Willy Wonka, nothing compares to Gene Wilder’s sublime portrayal of the world’s most famous and eccentric chocolatier. The original 1971 screen adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s tale brings Charlie Bucket and four other children on the adventure of a lifetime to Wonka’s legendary chocolate factory. The catch? Well, we won’t spoil the magic for you. Be transported to a delicious world of pure imagination and don’t forget your golden ticket!

 

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