This week, things are heating up in the Euros, Centre Court and – for a young Alan Carr – Thatcher-era Midlands.
Bake Off: The Professionals
Monday
Channel 4, 8.00pm
Join Ellie Taylor (Ted Lasso) and Bake Off royalty Liam Charles as the search for Britain’s best patisserie team reaches its climax.
The three duos left in the final will need to impress judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden with afternoon tea and a banquet (yes, banquet). The feast is intended to be a celebration of the ‘best of British’, one capable of feeding 120 people no less. Let’s hope contestants don’t crack under the pressure like a meringue, or one of many other contrived similes.
Semi-finals and final, UEFA Euro 2024 (Men’s)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday
ITV1, 6.30pm (8.00pm kick-off)
After Saturday saw England win on penalties, Southgate’s squad are through to the Euros semi-finals. On Wednesday, England will play Netherlands at BVB Stadion Dortmund. Whichever team emerges triumphant will then go up against either France or Spain, who go head-to-head on Tuesday.
In the last week of the Euros, can England go without a wobble? Or has that drinks cooler not seen the last of Harry Kane?
Vikings: Valhalla
Netflix
Thursday
The sequel show to Vikings is back for a third and final outing. Expect more beards, shirtless men and speeches about honour in Scandinavian accents.
So far, Vikings: Valhalla has taken viewers across the sea from Norway to England, with trips to Constantinople and the Rus along the way. Swords have crossed and religions have clashed, but it still isn’t enough for Leif Erikson (Sam Corlett). The immaculately groomed warrior wants to set sail for the west, to “find the land I believe is out there”.
England v Republic of Ireland, UEFA Euro 2025 (Women’s)
Friday
ITV1, 7.30pm (8.00pm kick-off)
The Lionesses face off against the Republic of Ireland women’s team in a Euro qualifier held at Norwich City’s Carrow Road. In the April reverse fixture, held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, England came out on top, with a decisive 2-0 win.
Now, England fans will keep their fingers crossed in hopes that lightning strikes twice.
Changing Ends
Saturday
ITV1, 9.00pm
Alan Carr’s autobiographical sitcom returns for a second series. In 1980s Northampton, the bullies are as vicious as ever.
Still trying to find his place in the world, young Alan (played by Oliver Savell) has his work cut out in the first two episodes, being shown as a double bill. In the first episode, the Midlands native gets a crash course in fake IDs, before changing tack in episode two to investigate a string of knicker thefts.
Wimbledon Men’s Final
Sunday
BBC One, 2.00pm
Players have served, rallied and grunted their way through the past week. Now, the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world comes to a head.
This year’s Wimbledon has already had its fair share of fireworks. From Andrey Rublev hitting himself repeatedly with his racket to umpires chastising the crowd for their champagne etiquette, there’s never a dull moment at SW19. Djokovic hopes to emerge from the quintessentially British mayhem with his 25th major trophy.
