Paxman: Putting Up With Parkinson’s

Tuesday

ITV, 9pm

Since his formal diagnosis with Parkinson’s 18 months ago, Jeremy Paxman allows cameras into his life for the very first time to reflect on how the disease is impacting him.

In this one-hour documentary, Paxman speaks to other high-profile people living with the disease, meets Jane Asher, the President of Parkinson’s UK, attends an English National Ballet therapy dance class, and learns to play bowls. He also meets the experts who are at the leading edge of research and observes a brain dissection.

Ralph & Katie

Wednesday

BBC One, 9pm

This A-word spin-off follows the first year of the young couple Ralph (Leon Harrop) and Katie’s (Sarah Gordy) marriage. As both have Down's syndrome, the pair must navigate the likes of tricky support workers and new-found independence alongside all the other domestic challenges that come with the first year of matrimony.

Head On: Rugby Dementia and Me

Wednesday

BBC Two, 9pm

In 2003, Steve Thompson played a crucial role in England’s Ruby World Cup triumph, throwing the line-out that lead to Johnny Wilkinson’s last-ditch drop goal. It’s one of the most memorable endings to a game in rugby history, but Steve, now retired and aged 42, cannot remember it.

At the end of 2020, his life was turned upside down by a diagnosis of early onset dementia. In this documentary, Thompson and his family attempt to come to terms with the condition, as he reveals the devastating mental and physical impact that his career as a professional rugby player has had on his health, family and day-to-day life.

The Bear

Wednesday

Disney+

Already a hit series in the States, The Bear follows fine-dining chef Carmy, played by the ‘internet’s new boyfriend’, Jeremy Allen White (Shameless).

Having forged a successful career in the high-end restaurant industry, Carmy is forced to return to Chicago to take over the family sandwich shop following the death of his brother. As he fights to transform the restaurant and himself, his chaotic crew of diamonds in the rough soon reveal themselves as his chosen family.

Unbreakable

Thursday

BBC One, 8pm

Comedian Rob Beckett brings his comedy chops and hilarious observations as he hosts the brand-new entertainment format Unbreakable. The series sees six celebrity couples put through their paces to test the strength of their relationships through a series of mental, physical and emotional challenges.

The couples will be judged under the watchful eyes of two relationship experts, the psychotherapist and president of Relate, Anjula Mutanda, and the nation’s favourite agony aunt, Maria McErlane, who will encourage them to open up about life, love and relationships. Find out more about the celebrity couples taking part here.