Programme Information

Best – His Mother's Son

Unplaced

Day and time to be confirmed BBC TWO

• www.bbc.co.uk/headroom
• Feature (Interview with Michelle Fairley)
• Feature (Interview with Terry Cafolla)

Michelle Fairley stars as Ann, George Best’s alcoholic mother

Best – His Mother's Son is a fact-based drama that tells the remarkable but little-known story of George Best's relationship with his alcoholic mother. It's a poignant tale that foreshadows the very public transformation of one of Britain's most glamorous stars into one of its most notorious alcoholics.

The film concentrates on the period between 1966 and 1973, when Manchester United went from victory in Europe to relegation to the Second Division, George Best went from superstardom to retirement aged just 26, and his mother went from teetotaller to alcoholic.

Best – His Mother's Son stars Michelle Fairley as George's mother, Ann (A Short Stay In Switzerland, The Street, Ahead Of The Class, The Others), and Tom Payne (Waterloo Road) as George. Lorcan Cranitch (Cracker, Omagh, Rome) takes on the role of Dickie Best.

The script is written by one of Northern Ireland's leading dramatists, Terry Cafolla, who was nominated for a Bafta for Holy Cross. It is produced and directed by Colin Barr, who made the Emmy award-winning drama, Maxwell, and 10 Days To War, which recently won an RTS Award.

The drama begins in 1966 when 19-year-old George Best, who plays for Manchester United, is riding high on the crest of footballing stardom. He is scoring goals left, right and centre and, off the field, girls are throwing themselves at his feet. Meanwhile, at home in Belfast, his family is living in the same terraced house that George grew up in, but there's one big difference – the golden boy has gone. George's mum, Ann, feels the absence fiercely.

In George's place, there is a growing sense that the family is becoming public property. Every time George scores a goal, they are besieged by the press. Every time he steps out of line, they are ambushed by a Belfast public that regards George as its own son.

This is the story of how an ordinary, loving, close-knit family deals with the extraordinary phenomenon of celebrity in an age where there were no precedents.

At first, armed with their natural wit, humour and realism, the family seem insulated from the corrosive effects of celebrity. But, when the hitherto teetotal Ann takes her first sip of alcohol, the destiny of this robust and happy family is changed for ever...

The film is aired with the support of Headroom, the BBC's mental health initiative. The Headroom website, (bbc.co.uk/headroom), provides information and advice for anyone worried about their drinking.

The cast also features Laura Donnelly as Barbara Best; Lisa Hogg as Carol Best; Catherine Quinn as Grace Best; Amy Quinn as Julie Best; Des McAleer as Matt Busby; Michele Forbes as Mrs Fullaway; and Bronagh Taggart as Ruby Emerson.

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Manish Bhasin, Mark Lawrenson and Martin Keown look ahead to the weekend's football action as the 2008/09 Premier League season enters the finishing straight.

Champions Manchester United host Tottenham at Old Trafford in the early evening kick-off. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has a good record against United although it was Sir Alex Ferguson's side who prevailed when the sides met in the Football League Cup final in March. Liverpool visit Hull, having been held to a surprise 2-2 draw when the sides met at Anfield earlier this season. Chelsea make the trip across London to play West Ham, who are now managed by former Blues hero Gianfranco Zola.

North of the border, it's Scottish Cup semi-final weekend, with Rangers meeting St Mirren today and Falkirk playing Dunfermline tomorrow.

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Tonight's The Night

Saturday 25 April

6.20-7.20pm BBC ONE

Tonight's The Night for John Barrowman as the entertainment continues

John Barrowman, the ultimate all-round entertainer, joins more celebrities and helps grant more wishes to unsuspecting members of the studio audience as the series continues. The second episode features The Saturdays, Mick Hucknall and the cast of Jersey Boys.

The Stagefright challenge returns with another mystery celebrity and some audience members who least expect to find themselves in the spotlight.

It's the paramedics versus the call centre workers in Workplace Wonders and the Jersey Boys perform with a new cast member. The Tonight's The Night dancers also return to join John in big production numbers.

Tonight's The Night is also simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC's High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.

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Robin Hood – Let The Games Commence Ep 5/13

Saturday 25 April

7.20-8.05pm BBC ONE

• www.bbc.co.uk/robinhood
• Press pack

Gisborne (Richard Armitage) returns triumphant … for a while

A beautiful and aristocratic woman, Isabella, gallops into the forest, hotly pursued by sinister men on horseback, as the drama continues. Just as they are about to pounce, Robin Hood rescues her, but not before she's shown herself to be no push-over. There is clearly more to her than meets the eye, but is Robin smitten? And is he right to take her at face value and give her the benefit of the gang's protection?

Elsewhere, Gisborne returns triumphant from the court of Prince John. Armed with a formidable troop of elite soldiers and instructions from his new royal master to kill Robin Hood, Gisborne is contemptuous of the Sheriff – he doesn't need the patronage of the mere Sheriff of Nottingham, who he reminds is still in Prince John's bad books for debts unpaid.

Before long, skirmishes break out throughout the forest as Gisborne and his men battle with the hooded heroes. When Little John is separated from the others, he finds himself going undercover with Bertha of Bath; the larger-than-life but questionable promoter of a cohort of gladiators who are on their way to perform in Nottingham. But has Little John bitten off more than he can chew when he poses as a gladiator?

Back in the forest it seems like Gisborne could finally have Hood in his clutches, but at the moment of capture, Isabella reveals that she is his sister and Robin gets away. Gisborne is incensed with Isabella for fraternising with the enemy, but she pleads innocence and throws herself upon his mercy. As a humiliated Gisborne returns to Nottingham Castle to face the Sheriff's wrath, it becomes clear that all is not well between Gisborne and his little sister...

Isabella is played by Lara Pulver; Robin Hood by Jonas Armstrong; Guy of Gisborne by Richard Armitage; the Sheriff of Nottingham by Keith Allen; Little John by Gordon Kennedy; and Bertha of Bath by Denise Black.

Robin Hood is also simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC's High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.

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A furious Adam tenders his resignation, citing his concerns about Jordan in his letter to the board, as the medical drama continues. However, Jordan reveals he will counter Adam's claims by telling the board he is emotionally unfit to practice and has come to work under the influence of alcohol. Adam, thinking he is defeated, is forced to step back from resuscitation when his patient, Margaret, is rushed in. He then comes to the rescue when Jordan freezes in the middle of life-saving treatment.

Meanwhile, Curtis is reluctant to testify against Tony, despite witnessing the devastation that Tony's drug trade has caused. However, when he asks Alice to marry him, she only agrees if he will testify, despite knowing that Tony will be out for revenge.

Jessica is discharged with baby Harry and has a shock when Maureen arrives. Jessica is suspicious but allows her back home. Her mother-in-law then tells her that Sean is due to call. All is not what it seems...

Adam is played by Tristan Gemmill, Jordan by Michael French, Curtis by Abdul Salis, Alice by Sam Grey, Jessica by Gillian Kearney and Maureen by Jane Lapotaire.

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Gary Lineker presents highlights from today's seven Premier League fixtures, which included reigning champions Manchester United hosting Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has a good record against United and his side held the champions to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane in December. However, Sir Alex Ferguson's men have beaten Tottenham in both domestic Cup competitions this season and have never lost at home to them in the Premier League.

Liverpool travelled to Hull City, who held them to a surprise 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier in the season, even taking a 2-0 lead against Rafa Benitez's side before Steven Gerrard, not for the first time, came to the Reds' rescue. Chelsea crossed London to face West Ham United, who are now managed by former Blues hero Gianfranco Zola.

Bolton Wanderers hosted Aston Villa; there were six goals when the sides met in December, with Villa prevailing 4-2. Stoke City made the trip to Craven Cottage to play Fulham, while Everton were aiming to do the double over Manchester City. Sunderland travelled to West Bromwich Albion, having enjoyed a 4-0 win, their biggest of the season, when the two sides met at the Stadium of Light in December.

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After having her investigation into Arthur Frobisher cut short, Ellen learns that one of her FBI handlers, Randall Harrison, has died of an apparent drug overdose, as the award-winning legal drama continues. Despite the official story that his death was accidental, Ellen isn't convinced and, suspecting Patty, hires her own private investigator.

While the man at the centre of the conspiracy makes sure that Ellen can never connect him to David Connor's death, Patty and Phil prepare for a magazine feature that is being written about them. Meanwhile, as Claire and Daniel lay the groundwork for a takeover of UNR, Ellen runs into Phil coming out of a downtown hotel with his girlfriend, Ana Mercado.

Plotting her elevation to the head of UNR, Claire meets with Kendrick's second in command, Mitch McCullen, to tell him that the board has lost confidence in their chief and that he is the likely successor. However, to undercut McCullen, she then alerts Kendrick of the impending takeover.

Elsewhere, when he is interviewed for the magazine article, Tom closes ranks around Patty and Phil, and suggests that Ellen do the same. Although Ellen heeds Tom's advice, after her private eye gets compromising photos of Phil and Ana, she makes sure that Patty gets them, too.

As Ellen presses her investigator to tie Frobisher to David's murder, the photos and her own investigation make the extent of Phil's involvement with Ana clear. After figuring out how Garrety and Kendrick relayed information in their scheme, Patty makes sure that the photos of Phil make their way to the press – effectively scuppering his chances at being named Secretary of Energy.

Ellen Parsons is played by Rose Byrne, Patty Hewes by Glenn Close, Claire Maddox by Marcia Gay Harden, Daniel Purcell by William Hurt, Mitch McCullen by Mark Lamura, Walter Kendrick by John Doman and Tom Shayes by Tate Donovan.

CI2

Syed shows up at home to apologise to his father, Masood, in today's visit to the Square.

Meanwhile, Phil gets angry when he learns that Ben and Jay have invited Shirley for dinner. He thinks Heather spilt the beans and demands to see her.

Later, Whitney storms off when she discovers something hidden in Todd's wallet.

Syed is played by Marc Elliot; Masood by Nitin Ganatra; Phil by Steve McFadden; Ben by Charlie Jones; Jay by Jamie Borthwick; Shirley by Linda Henry; Heather by Cheryl Fergison; Whitney by Shona McGarty; and Todd by Ashley Kumar.

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DI Alex Drake (Keeley Hawes) and DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister) are in pursuit of a car thief

DCI Gene Hunt, DI Alex Drake, DS Ray Carling and DC Chris Skelton are in hot pursuit of major car thief Jed Wicklow as the new series of the police drama set in the Eighties continues. Gene is determined to catch Wicklow, but the thief's driving becomes more erratic and the chase ends in tragedy.

Gene stands accused of death by dangerous driving. However, Alex is adamant there was something wrong with Jed at the wheel and sets out to prove the crash wasn't Gene's fault.

Jed was a Romany and tensions are running high when his community discover what's happened. A volunteer, Dr Battleford, tries to diffuse the situation but Gene is instantly suspicious of his motives.

The post mortem shows a high level of sedatives in Jed's system. Now dealing with a murder investigation, Gene and the team return to the Romany camp, where they uncover a large quantity of sleeping pills.

As the investigation takes a new direction, Gene is invited by Supermac into the inner sanctum of the ancient order of the Masons. Gene soon realises how deep the corruption runs, but will he succumb? Alex suspects that the only man she trusts in this world may have gone rotten, but could Gene just be playing a careful game?

Alex is still receiving messages about the future from a mysterious, haunting stranger, who appears to be offering her a way home. However, Alex can't help but wonder if he really is the key to getting back to the future.

DCI Gene Hunt is played by Philip Glenister, DI Alex Drake by Keeley Hawes, DS Ray Carling by Dean Andrews, DC Chris Skelton by Marshall Lancaster, Dr Battleford by Joseph Millson and Supermac by Roger Allam.

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James Bond, Napoleon and mini-cab drivers are just some of the subjects lampooned by Britain's best-loved British-Iranian comedian as The Omid Djalili Show continues on BBC One. Stuffed full of sketches, songs and stand-up, the series sees the popular comedian bring a cornucopia of colourful characters to life and take a uniquely adult look at contemporary issues including race, religion, football and lad culture.

Tonight, Omid's journey through history continues with his highly original portrayal of Henry VIII. With the departure of Catherine of Aragon, the King is looking for fresh blood. Spotting Anne Boleyn embroidering quietly under a tree, the tinsel-tongued Tudor sets out to woo her.

French history also comes under the microscope with Omid's take on Napoleon Bonaparte. The diminutive Emperor has conquered all of Europe and turns to his next ambition – to be a catwalk model ... but woe betide anyone who suggests height may be an issue.

Next, Omid steps into the inventive shoes of James Bond's gadget man, Q. Showing 007 around his customised Aston Martin DB7, Q is keen to point out the innovative windscreen-wiper and central-locking systems. "Is everything ok at home, Q?" asks the bemused secret agent.

Straightforward stand-up is also on the agenda as Omid's musings cover the British love of queuing and football chants. And, finally, mini-cab drivers and London cabbies have a musical stand-off (The Knowledge versus sat nav) in song and dance spectacular Minicab – The Musical.

FW

It's the South-West heat in the search to find the Great British Menu and two Michelin-starred chefs, Nathan Outlaw (Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, Cornwall) and Shaun Rankin (Bohemia Bar & Restaurant, Jersey), battle it out for a place in the final.

Nathan has based his starter recipe on a simple homely dish of duck egg and soldiers, with a Michelin-starred twist, of course. He wants the best possible eggs and duck meat to make his dish a winner. He visits a local duck supplier in Cornwall to select what he believes to be the winning ingredients for his starter recipe.

Shaun is a proud champion of the produce available to him on the island and could think of nothing more fitting for his dessert than treacle tart with Jersey clotted cream and raspberry ripple ice cream. He visits one of Jersey's 29 dairy farmers and helps to milk the 200-strong herd. Here, he learns about the unique qualities of the famed Jersey cow and what makes their milk so creamy.

Former winner Mark Hix is on hand this week to offer advice and constructive criticism to the South-West competitors.

At the end of the week, judges Oliver Payton, Matthew Fort and Prue Leith decide which chef will make it through to the next round.

CI2

Stripey almost ruins Timmy's attempts at boat-making

There's more top animated action from the newest CBeebies star, Timmy. Nestling in the gently rolling hills is Timmy's nursery school, cosily housed in some old farm buildings. Complete with messy play area, story corner and garden, this is the perfect place for a young lamb to start finding his place in the world.

The class are making boats but Timmy has been paired with a very sneezy Stripey, who keeps ruining his efforts. When Stripey accidentally breaks Otus's boat, Timmy is forced to give his own to the little owl. But Stripey's sneezing soon helps the pair, pushing their new paper-hat boat to the finish line.

FW

Shirley hears a drunken Phil suggest to Tracey the possibility of them getting together, in today's visit to Albert Square.

Heather, meanwhile, has an asthma attack out on the street but is unable to find her inhaler, and Masood finds out that Syed has been at Janine's house – but jumps to conclusions.

Elsewhere, Lucy is horrible to Whitney about what happened on her date with Todd.

Shirley is played by Linda Henry, Phil by Steve McFadden, Heather by Cheryl Fergison, Masood by Nitin Ganatra, Syed by Marc Elliot, Janine by Charlie Brooks, Lucy by Melissa Suffield and Whitney by Shona McGarty.

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Maddy (Nadine Lewington) vows to become a good doctor

Maddy finds drugs left behind by Tom, in tonight's episode of the medical drama. After clashing with an over-confident student, she decides to up her game and become a good doctor. Ric, however, is hard on her because of her previous relationship with Tom, and won't give her any praise – no matter how hard she tries.

Lalaine, meanwhile, hears that their mother has broken her hip and has to go home. Mark tells Lalaine she must tell Daisha that one of her children in the Philippines died a month ago. When she does, Daisha decides to let Lalaine take baby Joe back to the Philippines.

Elsewhere, the manslaughter charges against Annalese are dropped, just as the civil case against the Trust begins. Connie talks to Annalese and Michael's lawyer, who agrees that they should settle so that all charges are dropped. However, this means Annalese will lose her job and her name won't be cleared, but Michael can't bring himself to tell her.

Maddy is played by Nadine Lewington, Ric by Hugh Quarshie, Lalaine by Rhoda Montemayor, Mark by Robert Powell, Daisha by Rebecca Grant, Annalese by Anna-Louise Plowman, Connie by Amanda Mealing and Michael by Hari Dhillon.

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Monica's brother, Edgar, is leading the celebrations for his 60th rock 'n' roll-style birthday, but events take a tragic turn when he collapses, suffering a fatal heart attack, in the penultimate episode of Debbie Horsfield's uplifting and moving drama.

Monica is distraught to lose her brother and his death leads to the revelation that he was Ethel's brother, too – but Ethel hadn't spoken to her siblings in 20 years, due to a secret family rift. Ethel promptly takes over the funeral arrangements, despite Monica's protestations that a conventional ceremony wouldn't have been what Edgar wanted.

Meanwhile, cracks are beginning to show in Layla and Michael's relationship as Michael gradually realises what he has lost. In order to secure her position, Layla begins a charm offensive on Michael's boys, inviting Fred and Kyle over for dinner to play happy families.

Quickly realising that she won't get anywhere with Kyle, Layla turns her focus to Fred, who is readily captivated by her flirtatious attentions. Layla's insensitivity towards Kyle prompts Michael to proudly defend his eldest son – and, possibly for the first time, he really begins to understand him.

Monica is named as the executor of Edgar's will, officially putting her in charge of the funeral arrangements – but between Edgar's dangerously eccentric dying wish, and Ethel's determination to take charge of events, it is uncertain what form the funeral will take.

Jake's feelings towards Esther are becoming more clear, but Esther is confused as well as flattered by his behaviour and her natural reaction is to back away. Edgar's funeral is the catalyst for several shocking revelations and marks the surprising start of a blossoming new relationship...

Monica is played by Heather Tobias, Ethel by Annette Badland, Layla by Sarah Alexander, Michael by Neil Pearson, Fred by Jamie Birtwistle, Kyle by Richard Fleeshman, Jake by Bryan Dick and Esther by Sarah Lancashire.

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BBC Headroom's campaign tackling the psychological issues surrounding conditions such as anorexia, bulimia and obesity concludes on screen tonight as Desperately Hungry Housewives shows that it's not just teenagers who suffer from eating disorders, but increasing numbers of older women, too.

In addition to the campaign's three documentaries, Headroom – the BBC's health and well-being initiative – provides a raft of advice and support about eating disorders on the Headroom website, distributes information to doctor's surgeries around the country and provides an action line to help those affected by the issues raised.

In Desperately Hungry Housewives, Jane, Zoe, Tracey and Giorgia talk frankly and movingly about how anorexia and bulimia have affected their lives and families. With seemingly successful and settled lives, these women are battling with food behind closed doors as they struggle with the fallout from eating disorders. Fifty-four-year-old Jane has suffered from anorexia and bulimia for more than 30 years and is trying to keep her weight at a healthier level; 36-year-old Tracey is desperate to stop her cycle of binging and vomiting; Zoe, 36, is in recovery from severe anorexia but still struggles with unhealthy thoughts about food; and Giorgia would like to lose weight after having a baby without spiralling back into full blown anorexia.

"One day I'd like to be able to think that I could eat birthday cake and enjoy those sorts of experiences with the boys, and with the family, feel normal and not get stressed out about it," says Giorgia. "But, at the moment, I know that it's not something I'd be able to allow myself to do and that's just something that I have to accept."

Advice, wellbeing guides and webcasts relating to eating disorders can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/headroom and an action line – 08000 933 193 – is available to offer callers advice about where to get support if they, or someone they know, is suffering from an eating disorder.

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The search for Britain's best young speaker reaches the semi-final stages tonight, as the five remaining participants face their toughest challenge yet. Featuring 14- to 18-year-olds, The Speaker sees tough-talking teens, class jokers and shy, sensitive types go head to head as they learn to talk publicly and passionately about the things that matter to them.

In tonight's episode, judges Jo Brand, John Amaechi and Jeremy Stockwell mentor the candidates in the art of inspiration, as they're asked to deliver a speech powerful enough to inspire a nation. Performance coach Jeremy shows how inspiration can come from physical sources such as breathing, Jo demonstrates how bringing a touch of comedy to a speech can engage an audience and basketball-player-turned-motivational speaker John explores how song lyrics can inspire speeches.

The five hopefuls must write a speech about a subject that inspires them and then deliver it – not only to an audience at London's City Hall, but also via big screens in major city centres around the country. The pressure is really on as, with subjects as diverse as Christmas and disabled sport, the teenagers must prove that they are capable of finding the words and passion to move and inspire a vast audience.

With excellent performances from all five candidates, the judges face the tough decision of which three contestants will go through to the final to embark on a life-changing trip to Malawi and the chance to be crowned The Speaker.

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Don (John Hamm) has flashbacks to his former life

While still in Southern California, Don recalls a long-ago meeting with Anna, the wife of the real Don Draper, as the drama continues. When she begs him to reveal her husband's fate, Don confesses all, telling her that he died in combat.

Back in the present day, Don visits Anna in California. One of her piano students is playing In The Hall Of The Mountain King and, after the boy has gone, Anna asks Don if he is in trouble. While sipping beer on Anna's front porch, which, she reminds him, he paid for, Don says: "I've ruined everything – my family, my wife, my kids."

Back in the offices of Sterling Cooper, Peggy brainstorms with Ken and Sal about the Popsicle campaign. Sal and Peggy recall their mothers' ritual of breaking popsicles in half for the kids to share. Peggy presents the Popsicle campaign – "Take it. Break it. Share it. Love it." – and really impresses the company's representatives. This gives Peggy an opening and she talks to Roger about moving into Freddy's old office.

Meanwhile, Bertram's sister, Alice, visits him to discuss the proposed sale of Sterling Cooper. She finds the terms generous, but Bertram fears the merger will leave him feeling "as useful as the Queen of England". The next day, Bertram, Alice and Roger meet to vote on the merger. Don's small share of the company makes his absence irrelevant, according to Bertram. The partners agree to sell.

Don is played by Jon Hamm; Anna by Melinda Page Hamilton; Peggy by Elisabeth Moss; Ken by Aaron Staton; Sal by Bryan Batt; Roger by John Slattery; Bertram Cooper by Robert Morse; and Alice by Mary Anne McGarry.

LK

It's time to spring-clean the nursery, but all Timmy wants to do is to go outside and play, as the CBeebies' pre-school series from the makers of Shaun The Sheep continues.

Timmy rushes his chores but gets himself into trouble by making more of a mess and is sent to sit on the naughty stump. He finally learns how to finish his jobs properly and joins the others in their play.

Only on CBeebies, Timmy Time is Aardman's first pre-school series. It combines the studio's world-class "stop motion" techniques with the colourful simplicity of classic pre-school animation.

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Steph’s (Denise Welch) day takes a dramatic turn

Steph returns to Waterloo Road from hiding in the country with Kim's daughter, Grace, as the drama about a Rochdale-based comprehensive school continues. She faces a suspicious Rachel, who blames Steph for a pupil's apparently disruptive behaviour.

Steph's day takes a dramatic turn when she later discovers the same pupil in a life-threatening situation, but can her actions redeem her in Rachel's eyes?

Meanwhile, Donte is struggling with Chlo's decision to put their baby up for adoption so that she can pursue her dream of going to university. A concerned Kim mediates, urging Chlo to involve Donte and ask Tom for advice, but Chlo seems determined to proceed – no matter what. Upset by the distance between them, Chlo tries again to talk Donte round by assuring him that they'll be great parents one day, just not now, but Donte is devastated.

On marking Rose's mock A-level exam, Tom is surprised and delighted when he realises she has passed. He rushes to give her the good news, but then insensitively points out how far she has come from being just another sink estate, alcoholic, drop-out mum. Rose leaves and Tom is left cursing his own lack of tact. He turns up at Rose's house that evening determined to make amends. Rose is touched – there's definitely a growing warmth and tenderness between them.

Steph is played by Denise Welch, Rachel by Eva Pope, Donte by Adam Thomas, Chlo by Katie Griffiths, Kim by Angela Griffin, Tom by Jason Done and Rose by Elaine Symons.

SM2

It’s crunch time for the judges as The Speaker reaches a thrilling conclusion

The search to find Britain's best young speaker reaches its grand finale tonight. Together, the three finalists have seen off thousands of other contenders. They've undertaken months of challenges and speeches with expert guidance from their mentors, Kate Silverton, Deborah Meaden, Alastair Campbell and Earl Spencer, and faced the scrutiny of the series' judges, Jo Brand, John Amaechi and Jeremy Stockwell. In last night's semi-final they addressed the nation to win their place in final. Now, they face a life-changing trip to Malawi with Unicef to research and prepare their speeches for the final showdown.

Following some words of advice from Unicef Ambassador Ewan McGregor, the final three travel to Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, and each of them is assigned a different aspect of children's rights for their speech – the right to water, the right to education and the right to survive. They have five days to investigate and research their topics.

During the course of their visit they meet children whose lives have been changed by a school built in brick, rather than just under the trees; a 13-year-old girl living with HIV; and discover the difference a proper well can make to village life.

Once back in London, they have a few days to collect their thoughts and prepare their speeches, before they journey to St John's Smith Square to make the speech of a lifetime. The four mentors are all back for the final episode to sit on the judging panel alongside Jo, Jeremy and John – a truly daunting prospect. But who will be crowned Britain's Best Young Speaker 2009?

FW

The story of how Britain became self-sufficient in bread-making wheat after the Second World War is told tonight, in the penultimate episode of Mud, Sweat And Tractors.

Charting Britain's 20th-century revolution in food production, this four-part series tells the story of man's relationship with the land and examines its impact on the lives of farmers and consumers.

Through the home movie archives of three families from the East of England – the Cresswells in Northumberland; the Latham family in Essex; and the Coopers in Suffolk – the story of how British wheat farming evolved is revealed. Moving from horse power to machine power the programme charts how the farmers used science and genetics to transform their yield – and the rural landscape – with some very controversial outcomes for the countryside.

Their home movies reveal the way they have survived as farmers in a harsh economic climate – the Cresswells became organic; the Coopers adopted environmentally friendly farming practices with the help of subsidies; and the Lathams forged a ground-breaking relationship to sell British wheat to a supermarket chain.

Mud, Sweat And Tractors is part of a season of programmes on BBC Four exploring how food gets from the fields to the kitchen table. It documents the revolution this process has undergone in Britain over the past 100 years and examines how the countryside has changed as a result. Other programmes in the season include: Who Killed The Honeybee?; Farm To Pharm; and Dorset Days – A Year In The Life Of Longhorn Jim.

CD3

It’s bath-time for Timmy after his game of football

After a game of football, a muddy Timmy is determined not to have a bath – and manages to get out of it at every opportunity, as the CBeebies' pre-school series from the makers of Shaun The Sheep continues. Timmy doesn't care that his grubbiness is upsetting his friends until his teddy bear gets dirty, too – and he has to admit that it's not so bad being clean.

Stylised, bright and colourful, this animated series features stories presented with charm, humour and bags of fun. Timmy's nursery is set in a cosy farm building in gently rolling hills and is the perfect place for a young lamb to start finding his place in the world.

Only on CBeebies, Timmy Time is Aardman's first pre-school series. Specially created for two- to five-year-olds, it combines the studio's world-class "stop motion" techniques with the colourful simplicity of classic pre-school animation.

FW

Sketches detailing unusual uses for unearthed Egyptian mummies and Emperor Nero's cruel choice of candles are included in this week's edition of the comedy history series hosted by a talking rat, who guides viewers through more funny and fascinating facts from the Viking, Stuart, Roman and Egyptian eras.

An ad for Witchfinders Direct provides a comic portrayal of how women were accused of witchcraft during the 17th century, while a sketch on Charles I's execution in 1649 reveals that the monarch wore two shirts at the time of his death – as he did not want the weather to make him shiver, which the crowd could have mistaken for fear. And in Historical Wife Swap, problems arise when jovial Restoration family the Merrys swap with dour Puritan family the Miserables.

An Egyptian explains the mummy-making process in a witty song and the series also reveals the bizarre uses found for the mummies dug up from tombs in the 19th century.

The programme is rounded off with a selection of the Vicious Vikings' strange beliefs and details the Roman Emperor Nero's horrid human alternative to candles.

Horrible Histories boasts some of Britain's finest comedy talent, including writers Steve Punt, Jon Holmes, Ben Ward and Giles Pilbrow. The series stars Sarah Hadland, Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe Douglas, Matthew Baynton and Ben Willbond. Meera Syal guest stars as the Fairy Tale narrator and John Eccleston is the puppeteer for the Horrible Histories Rat.

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Masood (Nitin Ganatra) argues with Zainab

Meanwhile, Masood and Zainab argue about Syed. Zainab is quick to forgive her son but Masood is still struggling to forget all the trouble he has caused them.

Billy, about to turn 50, receives a phone call from the Witness Care Unit about Jase's murder trial.

Heather is played by Cheryl Fergison; Whitney by Shona McGarty; Masood by Nitin Ganatra; Zainab by Nina Wadia; Syed by Marc Elliot; and Billy by Perry Fenwick.

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When Michael announces he's off to see a therapist, Susan is immediately worried there's something terribly wrong, as the comedy continues. Ben is convinced a father-son chat will sort out the problem but Susan's not so sure and heads straight to see the therapist, Dr Twelvetree.

When neither Ben nor Susan discover anything about Michael's mental state, they change tactics. While snooping around Michael's room, they find no evidence that he has any problems ... that is until Michael comes in and appears to be having a conversation with himself.

Ben and Susan hate the fact that they're being kept in the dark, so go to find out Twelvetree's diagnosis, sneaking past the receptionist into his office to read Michael's file. Can they really go through with this invasion of privacy? And it seems all this is happening while they may have a bigger issue to worry about...

Meanwhile, Alfie has woman trouble. When the two women in his life come face to face, he's left with a big decision. Janey offers some words of wisdom but it might be too late...

Michael is played by Gabriel Thomson, Susan by Zoë Wanamaker, Ben by Robert Lindsay, Alfie by Rhodri Meilir and Janey by Daniela Denby-Ashe.

PPR

Professor Lesley Regan tackles the ever-challenging world of children's products tonight, as she continues to conduct real-life experiments and employ her own inimitable brand of interrogation by putting products under the microscope – in order to get to the scientific truth behind gimmicks.

From cheese strings to educational toys, formula milk to classical CDs, Professor Regan attempts to wade through the litany of products that use parental guilt as a marketing ploy.

Firstly, she discovers that children's meals – from snacks to lunchboxes – are much more complicated than they seem. Brightly packaged foods that sometimes look like they have style over substance really do live up to their health claims while other things that parents assume are healthy, such as a glass of juice, can have their disadvantages.

Professor Regan goes behind the scenes at Kellogg's to quiz their top nutritionist about claims their cereal could improve children's concentration at school, and puts her own brain under the microscope to discover if listening to Mozart can make children more intelligent (the Mozart effect).

She also looks at one of the biggest scientific marketing campaigns in history – the launch of formula milk – and investigates the health properties of breast versus formula milk.

Finally, Professor Regan challenges some of the world's largest toy manufacturers, from Lego to the Early Learning Centre, to compete for the title of ultimate educational toy. Along the way, she discovers why a cardboard box can be an ideal learning tool and reveals why educational children's laptops are not always as good as they seem.

VAA

Extreme sportsman Ed Leigh moves into a kennel with 33 male foxhounds, while former Lara Croft model Lucy Clarkson experiences life as a sheepdog on a working sheep farm, as the series following eight intrepid volunteers as they try to learn more about animals continues. With the help of canine experts and wildlife expert Terry Nutkins, they learn to sleep, eat and communicate like a dog while learning more about the animal than they ever imagined.

Both Ed and Lucy are faced with different challenges. While Ed embraces his life as a foxhound, Lucy finds the dogs take longer to accept her into the pack. Both human dogs are being monitored on CCTV for their own safety and to see how well they are communicating with the other dogs, but it turns out that it is not the sheepdogs Lucy is communicating with but her boyfriend, as she has smuggled a mobile phone onto the farm.

Ed adjusts well to his new role as a dog, even finding that he is welcomed as one of the foxhounds. Lucy, on the other hand, finds it more difficult – despite mastering the art of herding sheep like a sheepdog.

Time will tell if Ed discovers that a dog's life is for him, or if Lucy will last the distance.

Packed full of information, this programme shows that living life as an animal can teach plenty about life as a human, while instilling a new-found respect for animals.

GD

There's more top animated action from CBeebies' newest star, Timmy, when, during a music lesson, he decides he wants to play the drum. When the drum is given to Yabba, and a triangle to Timmy, Timmy tries to get the drum for himself...

Timmy Time is Aardman's first pre-school series, specially created for two- to five-year-olds. It combines the studio's world-class "stop motion" techniques with the colourful simplicity of classic pre-school animation. Timmy's nursery world is stylised, bright and colourful and the stories are presented with charm, humour and bags of fun.

FW

Heather's health is better but hospital tests reveal shocking news for her, in the week's last visit to Albert Square.

Billy has a birthday party at the Vic but he is not in the mood. Elsewhere, Janine discovers that Syed has a girlfriend.

Heather is played by Cheryl Fergison; Billy by Perry Fenwick; Janine by Charlie Brooks; and Syed by Marc Elliot.

KS3

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Reggie Perrin Ep 2/6

Friday 1 May

9.30-10.00pm BBC ONE

Reggie’s (Martin Clunes) plans are thwarted

Reggie's frustration rises further as his hopes for some quality time with Nicola are thwarted, as the modern-day update of the classic British sitcom The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin, starring Martin Clunes, continues.

Nicola's dad turns up for breakfast and Reggie's mother turns up unannounced just when he was hoping for a rare romantic evening at home. Reggie also finds himself unable to get along with his work colleagues and takes a step too far with Jasmine, Groomtech's new head of balms and lubricants.

This new series is written by Simon Nye, the writer behind Men Behaving Badly, and David Nobbs, the writer and creator of the original Seventies show.

The cast is led by Martin Clunes as Reggie Perrin; Fay Ripley plays Nicola Perrin; Kerry Howard plays Vicky; Jim Howick plays Anthony; Nick Mohammed plays Steve; Neil Stuke plays Chris Jackson; Wendy Craig plays Marion; Lucy Liemann plays Jasmine Strauss; Justin Edwards plays Monty; and Geoffrey Whitehead plays William.

Reggie Perrin is also simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC's High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.

IV

Stewart Lee joins Dave Gorman for a touch of Genius

Comedian Stewart Lee joins host Dave Gorman, as the show that searches for ideas with more than a hint of genius about them concludes.

The selection this week is as bizarre as ever and includes swimming lanes instead of cycling lanes; virtual-reality headsets for chickens; funny faces on car airbags to defuse tension; and "socks reunited" – a website for reuniting lost socks.

There can only be one winner, though, and the final decision of who is crowned Genius lies with Stewart. One of the inventors will be named winner and declared genius, taking home the Genius trophy – and an immense sense of self-fulfilment.

SM4

The cornerstone of a weekend of programming celebrating blues music, Blues Britannia charts the story of the British love affair with the blues from the Fifties to the early Seventies.

Narrated by Nigel Planer, contributors include Keith Richards and Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones); Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness (Manfred Mann); Chris Dreja (The Yardbirds); Phil May (The Pretty Things); John Mayall (The Bluesbreakers); Jack Bruce (Cream); Mick Fleetwood and Bob Brunning (Fleetwood Mac); Ian Anderson and Mick Abrahams (Jethro Tull); Dick Taylor (The Pretty Things); and jazz trombonist Chris Barber.

Structured in three parts, the first – Born Under A Bad Sign – focuses on the arrival of American blues in Britain in the late Fifties, and the first performances here of such legends as Muddy Waters and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. A young generation of British teenagers embraced the intensity, authenticity and depth of this black folk music, and some of these educated white boys even dared to think that they could learn to play – and feel – the blues...

Sittin' On Top Of The World charts the birth of the first British blues boom in the early Sixties, spearheaded by the Rolling Stones. In taking their own version of the blues to young white audiences worldwide, groups like The Stones, The Yardbirds, Manfred Mann, The Animals and The Pretty Things not only succeeded in selling the blues back to America, but they also helped reinvigorate the careers of their older, American heroes.

Crossroads looks at the second blues boom of the mid-to-late Sixties. This was the golden age of star players such as guitarists Eric Clapton and Peter Green, and the international dominance of their bands (Cream and Fleetwood Mac). British blues had become big business but, down at the crossroads, the signposts now pointed the way towards progressive rock, hard rock and jazz rock. The blues were about to be subsumed in a very heady Seventies mix.

A prequel to the recent Prog Rock Britannia, Blues Britannia is an in-depth look at what this music meant to a generation looking for an antidote to their experiences of living in post-war suburban Britain.

This weekend of programming continues with documentaries and concerts including Blues At The BBC, Blues On Later...With Jools Holland, and new films on Peter Green and Bobby Bland.

SH3

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As part of BBC Four's weekend of programming celebrating blues music continues, Blues At The BBC follows Blues Britannia with a collection of stunning performances from the BBC archives.

Originally recorded for shows including the The Beat Room and A Whole Scene Going from the Sixties, The Old Grey Whistle Test in the Seventies and The Late Show in the Nineties, some of the finest British and American blues acts have played at the BBC's studios over the last half century.

From the seminal slide guitar of Son House, the British R&B of The Kinks, the unmistakable electric sound of BB King and Buddy Guy, to blues legends such as Eric Clapton and John Lee Hooker, Blues At The BBC features classic tracks and some less-familiar songs from the likes of Freddie King, Delaney & Bonnie and Long John Baldry.

SH3

There's a brand new pedal go-kart in the playground, and all the animals are desperate to have a go – not least Timmy. But his eagerness behind the wheel soon leads him into trouble and he reverses into a very smelly compost heap! After cleaning the go-kart, Timmy starts to understand the importance of waiting his turn.

Stylised, bright and colourful, this animated series from the makers of Shaun The Sheep features stories presented with charm, humour and bags of fun. Timmy's nursery is set in a cosy farm building in gently rolling hills. It's the perfect place for a young lamb to start finding his place in the world.

Only on CBeebies, Timmy Time is Aardman's first pre-school series. Specially created for two- to five-year-olds, it combines the studio's world-class "stop motion" techniques with the colourful simplicity of classic pre-school animation.

FW