1. London Spy

Available on BBC iPlayer

The show ended in revelatory fashion this week on BBC 2. Written by Tom Rob Smith, it tells the story of Danny, played by Ben Whishaw (James Bond), who falls in love with a mysterious man, Alex (Edward Holcroft – Kingsman: The Secret Service, Wolf Hall.) After Alex disappears Danny begins to look into the life of his partner, revealing a twisted tale of murder, betrayal and espionage. A fantastic supporting cast including Jim Broadbent and Charlotte Rampling enhance this tense thriller.

 

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2. Toast of London

Available on All 4

Having recently returned for its third season, Matt Berry’s successful comedy Toast of London follows the highs and lows of a mediocre actor Steven Toast.  Hilarious and unpredictable, the show is sure to be a hit with fans of The IT Crowd and House of Fools. The first two series are already available on All 4, and the third season is being added as it airs.

 

3. Reggie Yates’ Extreme UK: Gay and Under Attack

Available on BBC iPlayer

Reggie Yates is still a relatively new face in documentary making, but since his first series, Reggie Yates: Extreme South Africa, he has been praised for his honest and insightful films. Despite having presented shows like The Voice and Release the Hounds and acted in Doctor Who, Yates has really found his stride with his documentary making, with the Radio Times praising his “quiet, reasoned conversations … and his articulate expressions of the issues he encounters.” This latest installment sees Reggie tackle issues of homophobia within minority groups in the UK, talking to young gays and transsexuals, and revealing how the most vicious persecution often comes from within their own communities and even within their own family. He looks at why so few men from minority backgrounds can be seen at Gay Pride events, as well as capturing genuinely wonderful and touching moments in the lives of these young people.

 

4. The Royal Variety Show

Available on ITV Hub

The annual TV spectacular was back on our screens last week, with standup comic Jack Whitehall hosting the eclectic event. With performances from the likes of One Direction, Elton John, Ricky Martin, and The Killers’ Brandon Flowers and stand up from Mock the Week regulars Romesh Ranganathan and Chris Ramsey, the show had something for all the family. As if all of that was not enough, hit West End shows Mary Poppins, The Play That Goes Wrong  and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats also put on performances at the event. This great Royal tradition captures the best of the British variety show.