This week's top TV: 16 - 22 January

This week's top TV: 16 - 22 January

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Monday, 16th January 2017

This week's top picks include new drama series Apple Tree Yard, a pet show that gets suspect in Midsomer Murders and a documentary that takes Idris Elba kickboxing around the globe.

Monday: Pointless

BBC One, 5:15pm


Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman. (Credit: BBC)

It's the 1,000th episode of Pointless! This time the hosts do a switcheroo, so Richard Osman takes centre stage and Alexander Armstrong is at the desk with much needed back-up.

Past contestants, including the pair who won a £24,750 prize and the winners of the first edition in 2009, will be back.


Tuesday: Idris Elba: Fighter

Discovery, 10pm

Idris Elba will undertake the physically and mentally demanding experience of training to become a professional kickboxer.

Shot in Britain, Cuba, Japan, South Africa and Thailand, Elba will eventually compete against a seasoned fighter. With mentoring from former world champion and coaches, he will travel the globe to incorporate various fitness regimens to increase his chances in the main event.


Wednesday: Midsomer Murders

ITV, 8pm


Midsomer Murders (Credit: ITV)

An estate agent found dead with his body covered in live rabbits? Anything is possible in Midsomer Murders

Barnaby and Winter end up unearthing some sinister going ons at the local pet show and as a result, things start to come together.


Thursday: Jack Dee's Inauguration HelpDesk

BBC Two, 10pm


(Credit: BBC)

On Thursday, Jack Dee is re-opening his HelpDesk, this time tackling the public’s worries about the inauguration of President Trump.

He is joined by fellow agony aunts and uncles Romesh Ranganathan, Gabby Logan, Phil Wang and Sara Pascoe. As usual, the panel don’t know what questions they will be asked by audience members until the show begins.


Friday: Tina and Bobby

ITV, 9pm


Bobby and Tina. (Credit: ITV)

This three-part drama looks at the love story of Tina Dean and Bobby Moore - the childhood sweethearts from Essex who became one of the most famous couples of their era.

Bobby (Lorne MacFadyen) leads England to World Cup glory and Tina (Michelle Keegan) quickly finds herself in the spotlight. She soon realises she will have to share Bobby with the world of football.


Saturday: Taboo

BBC One, 9.15pm


Tom Hardy as James Keziah Delaney in Taboo (Credit: BBC)

Three weeks in, we still have no idea what's going on in Taboo, but we're still absolutely gripped.

The programme is a period piece set at some point in the past, featuring Tom Hardy as a man who has been to Africa, which is notable for some reason. He is also a potential cannibal, who owns, or may not own, a large chunk of North America. 

It doesn't matter that the plot details are confusing. Taboo's mastery of suspense, stellar acting and a brilliant script pull us in every week.


Sunday: Apple Tree Yard

BBC One, 9pm


Costley (Ben Chaplin) and Yvonne Carmichael (Emily Watson). (Credit: BBC/Kudos/Nick Briggs)

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Louise Doughty, Apple Tree Yard tells the story of Dr Yvonne Carmichael (Emily Watson), a law-abiding wife and mother dealing with the consequences of a momentary decision that takes out of her depth.

When Yvonne is approached by handsome stranger Mark Costley (Ben Chaplin) she soon finds herself taking risks that she would have never dreamt of.

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This week's top picks include new drama series Apple Tree Yard, a pet show that gets suspect in Midsomer Murders and a documentary that takes Idris Elba kickboxing around the globe.