BBC

For many people who believe in diverse, multiracial societies, 2016 was a year of profound political setbacks. But, paradoxically, it may also go down as the year in which British television finally embraced real and permanent change in how it deals with diversity.

As we begin a new year, many influential voices are convinced that TV’s decision-makers are now determined to move towards a genuinely diverse workforce. They also hope to see big improvements in the on-screen ­representation of people from marginalised groups.

Amazing Spaces Snow Special

Channel 4, 8pm

In a festive special, George Clarke and Will Haride head to the Rocky Mountains to check out some snow-proofed structures, a state-of-the-art ski chalet and a snowmobile big enough to live in.

The Real Marigold on Tour: Florida

BBC Two, 9pm

In the first of two Christmas specials, Miriam Margolyes, Bobby George, Wayne Sleep and Rosemary Shrager reunite for a heartwarming adventure.

The Cook Who Changed Our Lives

BBC Two, 6.30pm

Presented by Nigella Lawson, this documentary is about 91-year-old Italian cook Anna Del Conte, influential in raising England's awareness of Italian cuisine.

Expect a combination of Italian recipes, archive footage of Del Conte and other culinary stars paying tribute to the food writer.

There are many people wanting to see the back of 2016, and what better way to start the beginning of the year than getting stuck into a new television series. 

Here are some of the best picks for the new year.

The commissions will explore scientific mysteries, reveal new discoveries and show extraordinary footage in an exciting selection of science programming.

The service, named BritBox, will bring a huge catalogue of British content to the United States in one ad-free subscription service.

The platform, which is set to rival providers like Netflix and Amazon in carrying British content across the Atlantic, will premiere shows including Anthony Horowitz-created BBC drama New Blood, and ITV’s historical epic Tutankhamun.

I found out about the RTS Futures Career's Fair on Twitter, and thought that even though travelling from Manchester to London for it specifically might be extreme, you never know who you'll meet at these events. I found everyone at the fair to be very friendly, and had no issues striking up conversations with other visitors; after all, we were all in the same boat.

Monday: David Blaine: Beyond Magic

Channel 4, 9pm

Following his critically acclaimed ratings for David Blaine: Real or Magic, Blaine returns with his most revealing performance yet. 

Magic meets documentary in the one-hour special, which has been two years in the making, as Blaine blows the minds of David Beckham, Johnny Depp and Patrick Stewart, along with others.

The four minutes of Planet Earth II footage will be available in Ultra HD and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) on compatible connected TVs from today until early next year.

Planet Earth II's footage follows a jaguar emerging from the shadows to stalk prey and the effects of rain dropping on tiny animals and their habitats, including a range of greens and a frog in a shade of red never before seen on a TV.

The experimental footage is an early but important step towards streaming high-quality Ultra HD programmes on BBC iPlayer in the future. 

“There’s a stretch of time from mid-November where I’ll be away for weeks at a time” he says.

I am meeting Rory in the upstairs bar of a pub just around the corner from the BBC in central London.

As I arrive Reid is just polishing off his lunch in the otherwise empty bar. He’s friendly, relaxed, and nothing at all like his famously starving predecessor Jeremy Clarkson.

Reid is one of the main presenters of the BBC’s new and improved Top Gear line up, joining Friends star Matt le Blanc and motoring journalist Chris Harris.