Michael Palin: Into Iraq

Tuesday

Channel 5, 9.00pm

Michael Palin heads to Iraq for the first time, as he embarks on a 1000-mile odyssey traversing the course of the great Tigris river from its source in eastern Turkey to the Persian gulf.

Driven by an urge to meet the people of the vast but young and troubled country, Michael discovers what life is like for the 40 million people living in Iraq today. He also learns about the country’s ancient history as Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilisation.

Cunk on Earth

Tuesday

BBC Two, 10.00pm

Having taken on Britain, Christmas and Other Humans, Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) turns her dim wit and limited attention to nothing less than the history of humankind for a new mockumentary series.

She begins her travels in search of man's first moments, heading down caves and up mountains, as well as consulting experts to learn how the earliest societies were formed.

Andor

Wednesday

Disney+

Exploring a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, Andor sees Diego Luna star as rebel Cassian Andor who is part of a burgeoning uprising against the Empire. In an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue, Cassian embarks on a path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero.  

The series also stars Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller and Genevieve O’Reilly.

Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker

Wednesday

Channel 4, 8pm

Comedian Mel Giedroyc returns to host the carpentry contest seeking to uncover Britain’s best woodworker as a workshop nestled in the ancient woodlands of Wales’ Glanusk Estate.

Ten woodworking enthusiasts battle it out to create epic projects combining fine craftmanship with cutting-edge design. In order to progress through the competition, the woodworkers must impress the judges: entrepreneur and woodworking expert Sophie Sellu and design academic Tom Dyckhoff.

Strictly Come Dancing

Friday & Saturday

BBC One, 7.00pm

Having been postponed as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on the 8 September, the 20th edition of Strictly will now start with the pre-recorded launch show on Friday before the first live show airs on Saturday.

This means that the 14 celebrity contestants will both pair up with their professional partners and perform their first live dance this weekend. Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli's now permanent replacement Anton Du Beke will return to judge.

Ghosts

Friday

BBC One, 8.50pm

Button House is open for business in the new series of the hit haunted house share sitcom from The Horrible Histories troupe.

Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe) and Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) are welcoming their first guests into their bijoux B&B but, fearing bad reviews, Alison turns to their typically pesky, ghostly cohabitants for help. Meanwhile, failed poet Thomas (Mathew Baynton) is overjoyed to find out that he has a fan club in the Plaguers who live in the cellar.