It's that time of year again, when sports rule the screen. With Wimbledon, Formula One and, of course the World Cup dominating, we have the run down of where to catch the best of sport. But, fear not, there's lots of choice for the non-fans too, with the return of US drama This is Us, an 80s pop culture road trip and even a cheeky Nando's.
Wimbledon 2018
Monday: BBC One, from 11am BBC Two, 1.45pm
It’s time to whip out the strawberries and cream, for the most quintessentially British sporting event of the year has arrived. Though somewhat overshadowed by the World Cup, there’s still plenty of action in store for tennis fanatics. This year sees the hotly anticipated return of Serena Williams, after the birth of her first child. There’s also a new kid on the block, Yorkshireman Kyle Edmund, who is set to steal Andy Murray’s crown as Britain’s greatest hope. There will also be a whole host of familiar faces both on and off the court.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Tuesday: BBC Two, 9.30pm
Stretching over 34 acres and featuring nearly every kind of shrub and flower, Jo Wiley and Joe Swift lead this year’s coverage of the show. The theme this year is Lifestyle Garden, designed to inspired every kind of gardener from nervous novice to green fingered goddess. Among the 11 show gardens, Countryfile celebrates its 30th birthday with a special space, showcasing the best of the British landscape.
This Is Us series 2
Wednesday: More4, 9pm
When it burst onto screens last year, this complex family drama stole the hearts of audiences the world over. The story of unconventional siblings Kate, Kevin and their adopted black brother Randall became a smash hit and now returns for a second series.
We pick up with the “triplets” turning 37, a pivotal moment in their lives as it is the same age that their father Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) was when he died. Jack’s death has been looming in fans minds since it was first hinted at in the opening series and this season is set for a big reveal as to what happened to him and why. Alongside this there are flashbacks to the siblings growing up in the 1980s, with Randall struggling with being a black child adopted into a white family.
Nando’s: a Peri-Peri Big Success
Thursday: Channel 5, 9pm
It’s the franchise that launched a thousand memes, leaving non-British people questioning, what exactly is a “cheeky Nando’s”? This documentary, though not quite clearing up that mystery, does give an insight into a chain of restaurants who have never closed a branch, despite some of its contemporaries failing. Take an inside look at the chain that Ed Sheeran has crooned about and how from humble beginnings it went on to open 400 branches.
Smashing Hits! The 80s Pop Map of Britain and Ireland
Friday: BBC Four, 10pm
Follow 1980s pop sensations Midge Ure (Vienna) and Kim Appleby (of Mel and Kim) as they embark on that most British of endeavours, a road trip around the country, aided by a good old fashioned map. The aim of their trip is to plot out which towns and cities gave us the best of 80s pop music. This episode explores London’s new romantic movement, where they hear Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet reminiscing. Then it’s on up to Sheffield to catch up with ABC, Heaven17 and Human League and investigating electronic music innovators.
Formula 1 British Grand Prix Qualifying Live: 2018
Saturday: Channel 4, 12.55pm
Presenter Steve Jones is joined by Susie Wolff , David Coulthard, Mark Webber, and Eddie Jordan for the build-up and live coverage of the qualifying session at Silverstone, with drivers battling for pole position at the 10th round of the season.
