Tuesday 01 Dec 2009
Programme Information
Network TV BBC Week 19: 9-15 May
Transmission details in the Network TV Programme Information 7-day version are not updated after publication. For updates, please see individual day pages.
Network TV BBC Week 19: Unplaced
BBC TWO Unplaced Week 19
The Birth Of British Music – Henry Purcell:
The Londoner
Ep 1/4
Conductor and broadcaster Charles Hazlewood explores the development of British music through the lives and work of Henry Purcell, George Frideric Handel, Joseph Haydn and Felix Mendelssohn, in this major series for BBC Two.
In this first programme, Charles discovers how Purcell created music that has set a benchmark for generations of British composers ever since. Charles investigates what life would have been like for a composer in 17th-century London through a wide range of Purcell's music – from his often-overlooked tavern songs to his glorious sacred music and his pioneering stage works such as Dido and Aeneas.
With historian Leo Hollis, Charles walks the London streets that Purcell would have known and discovers how the composer captured the sounds of the time through a rich mixture of the poetry of the palaces and courts and the vibrant language spoken on the streets.
Contributors include: Sir John Tomlinson (bass); Elin Manahan Thomas (soprano); James O'Donnell (organist and master of the choristers of Westminster Abbey); Andrew Gant (organist, choirmaster and composer at Her Majesty's Chapel Royal); Dr Sandra Tuppen (curator of music manuscripts, British Library); Dominic Gwynn and Martin Goetze (organ builders); and The Band Of The Grenadier Guards.
LH
Incredible Human Journey Ep 1/5
In the ultimate travel story, Dr Alice Roberts crosses the globe to find out how our ancestors colonised the planet.
On her journey, Alice examines bones, stones and the latest scientific theories to discover how one small group of people left Africa, their descendents crossing deserts, oceans and mountains, surviving an Ice Age and overcoming the Neanderthals to populate every part of the world. On the way, she examines how our skin colour and other distinctive features evolved across each of the continents to produce the global diversity of peoples today.
In the first episode, Alice treks into the remote wilderness of the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia to find the spot where the earliest-known remains of our species were discovered. Travelling across the continent, Alice learns how the Click language, the design of our bodies and ancient hunter-gatherer skills may have contributed to our successful survival and migration across Africa.
In Cape Town, Alice meets geneticist Raj Ramesar who tells her of the astonishing discovery that every single person who isn't African is descended from one single group of people who left Africa around 70,000 years ago.
But how did they do it? With only stone-age tools, it seems impossible that one small group of our ancestors could have made the crossing – either over hundreds of miles of desert or across the Red Sea – to leave Africa. So Alice must turn to leading experts and the latest scientific research to discover the route that they may have taken.
VAA
The bubble has burst on the Great British assumption that our home is our safest investment. After more than a year of falling prices, Kate Silverton and Justin Rowlatt present Propertywatch, a four-part series that takes the temperature of the housing market in the UK today. From a converted mill building in central Manchester, Kate and Justin track the latest statistics and sort out property fact from fiction. Experts and guests join them to add their insight, expertise and strong views about the housing market.
Andrew Verity and Naga Munchetty go on the road to reveal how the changing tides of the property market around the UK are affecting our lives and our obsession with bricks and mortar. The team also meet the winners and losers of the property price rollercoaster and hear from people who have found ingenious ways to get the best out of the frozen market.
As recovery is all about consumer confidence, Propertywatch also gauges the mood of the nation in a series of interactive online mood maps, which will gather and display comments showing how people feel about the property market across the country. In addition, the online content available at bbc.co.uk/propertywatch provides quizzes, features, an interactive Land Registry map tracking price falls and stories exclusive to the web.
The first programme, Are We Near The Bottom Yet?, asks how much further the market will fall and looks at when recovery is likely. It also looks at the impact of the current uncertainty for buyers and sellers. While Kate and Justin test the latest statistics for signs of green shoots, Andrew and Naga meet people with very different hopes for the housing market.
Alison from Oxfordshire is delighted by the fall in prices as she can now afford the home of her dreams. Sara from Watford, meanwhile, has cancelled her wedding because she and her fiancé can't afford to live together until they've sold their flats. The programme also introduces two potential first-time buyers, whose attempts to get on the property ladder are charted throughout the series.
FS
Buyers, sellers and those struggling to pay their mortgage are offered advice on how to make the right decisions in a paralysed housing market, in the second programme in BBC Two's new property series.
Andrew Verity meets the buyers who believe they are getting bargains and the sellers who are battling the falling market, including Paula, who's hoping to snap up a bargain flat in central London at an auction house; and Sara from Worcester, who has given up trying to raise a deposit and is looking into self-building on a scrap yard.
In Manchester, Kate Silverton and Justin Rowlatt meet some of the real winners in this market: the mortgage-holders with low-interest tracker rates. They ask what they should be doing with the extra cash.
FS
The very British obsession with property ownership is examined as the BBC Two series assessing the state of the market continues. The programme asks whether this recession has changed our relationship with our homes for good.
Kate Silverton and Justin Rowlatt meet those who bought at the peak of the market to find out whether they now have any regrets. Andrew catches up with George, who made more than £500,000 selling his council flat in Hackney two years ago. He invested the proceeds in buy-to-let properties in Kent at the very worst time.
The programme also looks at renting and hears the pros and cons of the rental market. Justin meets some "rent surfers"; people who sold at the top of the market and, instead of buying, have decided to rent through the downturn. They're now riding the wave of the property crash living in an area in which they could never afford to buy. The programme also hears from those who have exported the British property dream to the hills of Provence, and asks whether they've also transported a very British "boom and bust" mentality.
FS
Kate Silverton and Justin Rowlatt look to the future and ask what the recovery in house prices will be like, in the last programme of the series assessing the state of the property market in the UK. The programme asks why Britain is prone to boom and bust and considers the role of easily available credit, volatile interest rates and politics.
Businessman Roy in Leicestershire describes the heady days of easy credit that helped him soar up the property ladder, ending up with an imposing Old Rectory, which he's now selling for £2.2m. In North London, property developer Damian says the market for his £6m high-end properties isn't entirely dead – but his future business plan is counting on another boom. And with the building industry at a standstill, Andrew Verity considers whether we're facing a future housing shortage that could fuel inflation.
The programme also finds out what happened to the first-time buyers featured at the beginning of the week and discovers whether they've bought a property or not. The series concludes with an interactive film featuring the best stories viewers have sent in over the week.
FS
BBC FOUR Unplaced Week 19
Flight Of The Conchords – A Good Opportunity
Hapless music-comedy duo Bret and Jemaine are back on BBC Four for the second series of the Emmy-nominated hit comedy Flight Of The Conchords.
Under the management of the optimistic but inept Murray, the musicians from New Zealand continue their quest for success with their digi-folk band in New York, with support from their one superfan, Mel.
After rejecting Murray for spending too much time with another band, Bret and Jemaine have success managing themselves and land a deal to record an ad jingle. Dave shares his "double-down" deal strategy with the boys to help them negotiate with Martin Clark, the agency's President and CEO, played by special guest Greg Proops.
Flight Of The Conchords is written by James Bobin, Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie.
Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie star with Rhys Darby as Murray, Kristen Schaal as Mel and Arj Barker as Dave.
BR3/LH2
Network TV BBC Week 19: Saturday 9 May 2009
BBC ONE Saturday 9 May 2009
Manish Bhasin is joined by Mark Lawrenson and Lee Dixon to look ahead to the weekend fixtures.
All eyes are on the Premier League, with key games at both ends of the table. Arsenal meet Chelsea in a rerun of the FA Cup semi-final, while Manchester City hope to upset local rivals United and their title challenge. The relegation battle continues at the bottom with Blackburn meeting Portsmouth at Ewood Park while Hull and Stoke, both of whom were promoted last season, go head-to-head at the KC Stadium.
And there is a look back at the Champions League semi-finals, where Arsenal met Manchester United and Chelsea took on Barcelona.
NA
Formula 1 – Spanish Grand Prix: Qualifying
After an eventful first four races, the 2009 Formula 1 season moves to Europe. The first stop is Barcelona, where Jake Humphrey is on hand to present live coverage of qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya.
Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen put in a blistering final lap in qualifying to earn pole position in last year's race, which he went on to win in comfortable fashion. And with the circuit known for its difficulty in overtaking, a good performance in today's qualifying will be crucial for the leading contenders in this year's championship.
SB4
Clare Balding hosts live coverage from Belle Vue as Wakefield meet Wigan for a place in rugby league's Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Twenty years ago, Wigan were dominating this competition, winning eight times in a row between 1988 and 1995. Since then, however, they have lifted the trophy just once and their slow start to the current Super League season does not hold out much promise of success. The Wildcats beat Wigan in their opening game of the 2009 league campaign but they have to go back many years since they last won the Challenge Cup. That was way back in 1963 when their opponents in the final were none other than Wigan.
SB4
Robin Hood – Too Hot To Handle Ep 7/12
The heat-wave is becoming unbearable and a drought is taking its terrible toll on the good folk of Locksley, as the drama continues. As the last drop of water is consumed, Robin, Tuck and the gang know they must find water fast or everyone will perish.
At Locksley Manor, Isabella is flirting shamelessly with Prince John. A disapproving Gisborne looks on – he's still agitating about the promise to make him Sheriff. True to form, Prince John is putting his own needs first and reveals his latest devious plot to woo the people. Give them what they want – provide them with water and then they will love him. But, first, the despotic Prince has made sure he controls the "nectar of life" and has siphoned off all the local water supplies.
But Prince John starts to suspect that Isabella is in cahoots with Robin Hood and sets out to trap her. Then he commands her brother, Gisborne, to see if she is in liege with the outlaw. If she is, she's a traitor and Gisborne must show his devotion to his master and no mercy to her.
Meanwhile, Kate makes a wonderful discovery – hidden barrels of Prince John's water. The outlaws waste no time in seizing it and giving it to the needy. But Prince John soon arrives and the consequences are dire.
Isabella sends a message to Robin saying she has valuable information for him but can she be trusted?
Robin Hood is played by Jonas Armstrong; Tuck by David Harewood; Isabella by Lara Pulver; Prince John by Toby Stephens; Guy of Gisborne by Richard Armitage; and Kate by Joanne Froggatt.
Robin Hood is also simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC's High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.
CD
Tonight's The Night
Wishes keep coming true on Saturday night when the ultimate showman, John Barrowman, presides over an hour of celebrity, entertainment and wish fulfilment.
The Workplace Wonders compete – and this week it's the plumbers versus the teachers. Special guest star Alesha Dixon makes one special girl's dream come true, and the cast of Mamma Mia! sees a new member in its ranks when someone realises a long-held ambition.
As ever, there is plenty of sparkle and showbiz as the Tonight's The Night dancers join John in big production numbers and any member of the audience could find themselves centre stage.
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.
SM4
Curtis discovers that Tony has been released and convinces Alice that they have to leave Holby that night, as the medical drama continues. A reluctant Alice agrees, but she is determined to finish her last shift. However, unbeknown to Alice, danger may be much closer than she thinks. Later, a horrified Curtis receives a video message which chills him to the core.
Meanwhile, it's the first day of the new regime for Jordan and Adam. But, when Adam is called away, Jordan can't resist temptation and treats a patient in resusicitation without supervision. Adam is furious.
Curtis is played by Abdul Salis; Alice by Sam Grey; Jordan by Michael French; and Adam by Tristan Gemmill.
KS3
Gary Lineker introduces all the goals and highlights from today's Premier League fixtures.
Liverpool, who were at West Ham, were the only one of the "Big Four" clubs in action today – with the relegation battle set to take centre stage. Portsmouth visited Blackburn, having won a 3-2 thriller against Rovers at Fratton Park earlier this season to give Tony Adams his first win as Pompey manager. Adams didn't last long but those three points now look incredibly precious as the relegation fight reaches its crucial stages. Hull and Stoke, both of whom were promoted from the Championship last season, did battle at the KC Stadium, while Sunderland were looking to help their cause with a win at Bolton and West Brom faced a visit from Steve Bruce's Wigan.
Meanwhile, further up the table were a couple of matches that would have a bearing on who might qualify for next season's Europa League, with Everton entertaining Tottenham and Aston Villa travelling to Fulham.
NA
BBC THREE Saturday 9 May 2009
Kasabian At Radio 1's Big Weekend
BBC Radio 1 DJs Edith Bowman and Reggie Yates introduce this performance from Kasabian, recorded earlier today at Radio 1's Big Weekend at Swindon's Lydiard Park in front of a crowd of 20,000. The programme also features highlights from the day, including performances from Doves and The Saturdays.
Now in its ninth year and the UK's largest free music festival, Radio 1's Big Weekend takes place in areas of the UK that don't normally see such huge music events and all tickets are free.
A truly multi-platform experience, in addition to the BBC Three coverage, the two-day event is broadcast on Radio 1, with a major interactive presence online at bbc.co.uk/radio1 and many live performances available to watch on demand. Extended performances can also be seen, via the Red Button, on digital TV during the weekend.
TM
Network TV BBC Week 19: Sunday 10 May 2009
BBC ONE Sunday 10 May 2009
Formula 1 – Spanish Grand Prix
Jake Humphrey presents live coverage of the Spanish Grand Prix from the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.
Kimi Raikkonen won the race for a second time last year and, with the teams still coming to terms with how to deal with the new rule changes, this year's race looks tantalisingly open.
The success of Jenson Button and Brawn GP so far has turned Formula 1 on its head and the 29-year-old will be looking to become the first British winner of the race since Damon Hill won here in 1994.
SB4
Gently and Bacchus investigate the murder of a young woman, as Peter Flannery's police drama set in 1964 continues. The girl was a "Fox" – a waitress working at Rakes, the first hostess club in Newcastle, which is run by smooth American Patrick Donovan and his wife, Helen, an ex-Fox herself.
Like many regular Rakes punters, Joe Bishop keeps it secret from his religious wife, Margaret, who leads the locals in a protest against the club.
Gently and Bacchus find themselves investigating a sexually charged murder that taps into their, and society's, attitudes towards sex in the early Sixties.
George Gently is played by Martin Shaw, John Bacchus by Lee Ingleby, Patrick Donovan by Brendan Coyle, Helen Donovan by Clare Calbraith, Joe Bishop by Mark Williams and Margaret Bishop by Tracey Wilkinson.
PPR
Jailed Daniel Purcell refuses to continue helping with the UNR lawsuit, as the American legal drama concludes. Ellen calls on the trial judge to arrange a bribe that she intends to use to get Patty Hewes arrested, but she fails to see that all the players in the case are working behind the scenes to save themselves and ensure that she alone takes the fall.
Unaware that NYPD detective and Kendrick henchman Rick Messer has been ordered by Wes Krulik to kill her, Ellen co-operates with him as he claims to have evidence that indentifies her fiancé's killer.
After Patty presses Finn Garrety to reveal how he, Kendrick and Dave Pell ran their market manipulation scheme, Ellen tells FBI Agent Werner that her boss has no choice but to offer the bribe if she wants to win her lawsuit.
As Ellen looks to draw her into the government's trap, Patty secretly meets with Pell to arrange a deal that guarantees she will get incriminating evidence against Kendrick, and that Ellen will be the one charged with bribery. Then, while pretending to bring the cash to bribe the judge to Ellen, Patty is stabbed by a vengeful Garrety.
Finally, after getting Patty to admit that she tried to have her killed, Ellen attempts to bribe the judge, only to be arrested by Werner. In a tense finale, Werner, Kendrick, Pell and Ellen find themselves drawn into a complex web.
Daniel Purcell is played by William Hurt, Ellen Parsons by Rose Byrne, Patty Hewes by Glenn Close, Walter Kendrick by John Doman, Rick Messer by David Costabile, Wes Krulik by Timothy Olyphant, Finn Garrety by Kevin Corrigan, Dave Pell by Clarke Peters and Agent Werner by Glenn Kessler.
CI2
BBC TWO Sunday 10 May 2009
Rishi Persad is in Gloucestershire to present full coverage of the Badminton Horse Trials three-day event, including highlights of yesterday's cross country phase and live coverage of today's show-jumping.
It's the 60th year of the famous event, and a star-studded line-up is set to compete – including world champion Zara Phillips and Toytown, who are back in three-day competition after the injury that kept them out of last year's Olympics.
They are joined by several members of the GB team that won bronze in Beijing, including William Fox-Pitt and Mary King, both previous winners of the prestigious Badminton trophy.
Despite the strong British presence, perhaps the biggest draw is the return of three-time winner Mark Todd from New Zealand, a legend of the sport, who retired after the Sydney Olympics in 2000 only to make a comeback in 2008. Todd is making his first appearance at Badminton for nine years.
NA
Clare Balding introduces live coverage of the Challenge Cup fifth-round tie between holders St Helens and Catalans Dragons.
Saints are looking to win the Challenge Cup for a fourth consecutive time and will be strong favourites to beat the French side, who staged a stunning fight back to see off Bradford 40-38 in the fourth round.
St Helens coach Mick Potter, who was previously in charge of Catalans, will not underestimate his former side, who have enjoyed several upsets in their short history – including reaching the Challenge Cup final two years ago, where they were beaten 30-8 by St Helens.
The draw for the quarter-finals will be shown live following today's match.
SB4
Adrian Chiles is joined by Lee Dixon and Alan Hansen for highlights of today's two big Premier League matches: Manchester United versus Manchester City and Arsenal versus Chelsea.
Looking to complete the double over their local rivals, Manchester United will be focused on taking another step towards a third successive league title. Wayne Rooney scored the winner, his 100th club goal, when the sides met in November. Former United favourite Mark Hughes will be leading City into a Manchester derby at Old Trafford for the first time.
Meanwhile, at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal entertained Chelsea in a repeat of last month's FA Cup semi-final. Arsenal came from behind to beat Chelsea in the league at Stamford Bridge earlier this season and the Blues have fared miserably against fellow "Big Four" sides this season, earning just one point so far out of a possible 15.
NA
BBC THREE Sunday 10 May 2009
BBC Sport presents highlights from the Spanish Grand Prix, which took place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona earlier today.
SB4
The Prodigy And Franz Ferdinand At Radio 1's Big Weekend
BBC Radio 1 DJs Edith Bowman and Reggie Yates introduce headline performances from The Prodigy and Franz Ferdinand, recorded earlier today at the Big Weekend at Swindon's Lydiard Park. The programme also features highlights from other artists performing at the festival, including Lily Allen and Gossip.
Radio 1's Big Weekend is the UK's largest free music festival with more than 50 acts performing across four stages – including the BBC Introducing Stage, which showcases up-and-coming bands.
A truly multi-platform experience, in addition to the BBC Three coverage, the two-day event is broadcast on Radio 1, with a major interactive presence online at www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 and many live performances available to watch on demand. Digital viewers can see extended performances via the Red Button throughout the weekend.
TM
Network TV BBC Week 19: Monday 11 May 2009
BBC ONE Monday 11 May 2009
CBBC launches Tronji, an exciting new TV series and interactive website.
Tronji is a world, parallel to the real world, populated with brilliant landscapes and wonderful, obscure characters all thoroughly happy with their crazy world. The most important of these is the Great Eek, who oversees all Tronji activity, and brother and sister Tronji I and Tronji O.
However, disaster strikes when a catastrophic "wobble" happens and the world of Tronji fragments – colour and happiness drain away and Tronji I becomes stranded in People World, creating chaos.
Only children can enter Tronji and use their own special skills to help restore colour and happiness and reunite Tronji I with his sister, Tronji O.
In each episode, a different trio of children is transported into Tronji to solve problems and restore happiness to a fragmented, colourless piece of the world.
TD
A drunken Phil falls down the stairs and cuts his head, in today's first visit of the week to Albert Square. He's taken to hospital, where he tells Peggy that she is the cause of all his troubles.
Tanya, meanwhile, has a dinner date with Dr Jenkins but Max shows up at the restaurant to spy on them.
Elsewhere, Charlie gives Stacey some money to pay the electricity bill but she pockets the cash herself.
Phil is played by Steve McFadden, Peggy by Barbara Windsor, Tanya by Jo Joyner, Dr Jenkins by Adam Croasdell, Max by Jake Wood, Charlie by Derek Martin and Stacey by Lacey Turner.
KS3
When a blast from the past, Jackie Queen, shows up at CID, DCI Gene Hunt is far from pleased, as the Eighties police drama continues. He is even less delighted when the nosy journalist from Manchester announces she is pregnant and that he is the father.
However, telling Gene about the baby is not Jackie's only reason for visiting. Her 16-year-old niece, Rachel, has run away and Jackie needs Gene's help. She fears Rachel has been lured into the seedy underbelly of the capital, and is desperate to know if she's okay.
When Gene, DI Alex Drake, DS Ray Carling and DC Chris Skelton stake out the coach station, with Jackie in tow, they see young girls who have travelled down from Manchester being picked up by a sleazy-looking man. As Jackie's fears for Rachel grow, Gene becomes determined to find out the fate of the teenage runaways.
WPC Shaz Granger goes undercover and the investigation soon points the team to Ralph Jarvis. On the surface, Ralph appears to be a legitimate businessman, but Gene and Alex smell a rat and are convinced he's responsible for the disappearance of many of the girls.
The investigation soon slows down, however, when it's met with resistance from within the force – someone is protecting Ralph. And when the team discovers "Supermac" has connections to the suspect, it appears their boss may be involved.
The loyalty of the whole team is soon put to the test as they struggle to accept that Supermac could be anything other than a good copper. Gene knows they have to put a stop to it, but could it all be too little too late?
Jackie Queen is played by Ruth Millar, DCI Gene Hunt by Philip Glenister, Rachel by Kirsty-Leigh Porter, DI Alex Drake by Keeley Hawes, DS Ray Carling by Dean Andrews, DC Chris Skelton by Marshall Lancaster, WPC Shaz Granger by Montserrat Lombard, Ralph Jarvis by John Bowe and Supermac by Roger Allam.
PPR
Omid Djalili continues to bring to life a cornucopia of colourful characters and take a uniquely grown-up, comedic look at contemporary issues such as race, religion and football.
Tonight, Omid's characters include Giggles Levine, an entertainer for Starrylight Cruises with an unexpectedly offensive act, and intrepid TV reporter Clive Wallace, who poses as a radical Anglican to go undercover just outside Chelmsford.
Polish plumber Andrejz returns to give assistance to another satisfied customer as, fortified by his usual cup of tea with eight sugars, he fixes not only a radiator but a husband in a coma. "In Poland, I am a leading neuro-pathologist but, here, pay as plumber much better," he explains.
Omid's unique portrayal of Henry VIII continues as the smooth-talking Tudor agrees to a blind date with prospective suitor Ann of Cleaves. "The paintbrush never lies," Cromwell says, showing Henry a small portrait. But it clearly does ...
Look Eastwards' Gordon Farahani is also on hand to promote some more television gold from the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia's Got Talent – where a ventriloquist in a burka gets three instant crosses from the judges. Omid's stand-up routine takes in Prince Charles, Barack Obama and Papua New Guinea.
FW
BBC TWO Monday 11 May 2009
Representing the North West this week is former champion of the North, Nigel Haworth (Northcote Manor, Blackburn), who defends his title against Aiden Byrne (The Church Green, Lymm, Cheshire), as the culinary challenge continues.
Nigel reached the final in last year's competition but did not make it through the public vote. This year, however, he's determined to make it all the way to the banquet and his menu includes: Goosnargh duck pie, ham and scratchings; Muncaster crab, tossed salad with eggs and English mustard mayonnaise; Lonk lamb Lancashire hot pot, pickled red cabbage, tangled garden carrots and leeks; and, for dessert, summer fruit pudding with a cornet of Kirkham's cheese ice-cream.
For his cheese ice-cream, Nigel has only one cheese in mind – Lancashire, a traditional cheese which has been made in the region since the 13th century. The Kirkham family has been hand-crafting award-winning Lancashire cheeses for over a quarter of a century and Nigel goes to see the cheese being made.
Aiden, meanwhile, who won a Michelin star at the tender age of 22, would love the honour of representing his region at the home-coming banquet. His menu includes: chilled broad bean soup with black olive oil and goats' cheese; poached rainbow trout with asparagus mayonnaise and morels; Cumbrian veal with lobster and Cox's orange pippin apple; and, for dessert, lemon sponge with poached rhubarb, raspberries and lemon yoghurt.
For his fish course, Aiden decides to visit a fishery in Cumbria. He usually uses wild rainbow trout, but wants to see if there is any difference in taste. Before Aiden can sample the trout, he first has to catch one. Luckily, for this challenge, he has the expertise and advice of an angler and fishing instructor, who has been fishing for over 40 years. He gives Aiden a lesson in fishing and fish farming.
Former Great British Menu champion Marcus Wareing is in the kitchen throughout the week to offer advice and support, before the chefs have to face the judges on Friday.
CI2
Sylar continues his unusual partnership and begins to have an unexpected identity crisis, as the epic American drama continues. Hiro and Ando take measures to bring down Building 26, while Matt's new-found fatherhood changes his priorities.
Elsewhere, Nathan sets a plan in motion to right the wrongs of his government operation.
Zachary Quinto plays Sylar, Masi Oka plays Hiro, James Kyson Lee plays Ando, Greg Grunberg plays Matt and Adrian Pasdar plays Nathan.
RN
Nathan faces off against Sylar to keep him from meeting the President, as the epic American drama concludes. Sylar has his own plans for his new partner. Meanwhile, Hiro learns that there are repercussions to regaining his ability. Elsewhere, Matt is forced to go to extraordinary lengths to protect his future with his family.
Adrian Pasdar plays Nathan, Zachary Quinto plays Sylar, Masi Oka plays Hiro and Greg Grunberg plays Matt. Michael Dorn guest stars as the President.
RN
Sobotka reprimands his nephew, Nick, for stealing the cameras and orders him to bring the cargo back, as the second season of this critically acclaimed series continues.
McNulty is on a self-assigned moral mission to identify his floater but his old partner, Bunk, says they have more pressing matters at hand – to find Omar to testify against a Barksdale trigger man in one of last year's murders. To placate Valcheck, Burrell asks Daniels to lead the detail investigating Sobotka, and Daniels agrees. McNulty – on his second moral mission of the season – begins courting his estranged wife, promising a new day and a new Jimmy McNulty. Still holding on to a shred of hope, McNulty signs a separation agreement.
Sobotka is played by Chris Bauer, Nick by Pablo Schreiber, McNulty by Dominic West, Bunk by Wendell Pierce, Omar by Michael K Williams, Burrell by Frankie R Faison and Daniels by Lance Reddick.
RN
BBC THREE Monday 11 May 2009
Ideal Ep 1/6
Johnny Vegas returns as ultimate slacker Moz, in the multi-award-winning Ideal. A new series means new beginnings, and Moz attempts to give up dealing "weed" and promises new girlfriend Jenny that he will get a proper job. However, he soon finds himself dragged into a criminal underworld of shootings, human trafficking and the mysterious "Red Bag".
In the first episode, Jenny is in a coma and seems to the see the world as one big song-and-dance routine in a series of dream sequences, and Moz receives a string of visitors – all of whom believe they can snap her out of it.
With a cast including Sinead Matthews, Mick Miller and a special guest appearance from Andrew-Lee Potts, plus a cutting edge soundtrack, Ideal combines hilarious characters with the tension of a psycho-drama.
CI2
BBC FOUR Monday 11 May 2009
Sylvia Plath is one of the most popular and influential poets of recent history, but her poetry is often overshadowed by her life – the story of her marriage to Ted Hughes, her mental health problems and her tragic suicide at the age of 30. A rich and important area of her work that is often overlooked is the wealth of landscape poetry, which she wrote throughout her life – some of which was written about the Yorkshire moors.
Poet and author Owen Sheers continues this enlightening series, in which he explores six great works of poetry set in the British landscape. He looks at the rich seam of Plath's poetry, written during and after the time she spent in West Yorkshire – culminating in a poem called Wuthering Heights. It takes its title from Emily Brontë, but the content and style are entirely Plath's own remarkable vision of the forbidding Pennine landscape.
Sheers visits the dramatic country around Heptonstall, where the newly married writer came to meet her in-laws. It's a world of gothic architecture and fog-soaked landscapes where the locals have a passion for ghost stories that connect directly with tales that were told in the kitchen of the Brontë parsonage.
His journey eventually leads out onto the high moors and the spectacular ruin known as Top Withens. Here, amongst the wind and sheep, "where the grass is beating its head distractedly", Plath found the material for some of her most impressive writing.
Sheers retraces Plath's literary footpath over the Moors with the help of fellow poet and Plath admirer Jo Shapcott.
KA
Qatar is said to be the world's richest country, and competitive debating is said to be a training ground for future world leaders. So when the Qatari Emiress charged two recent Oxford graduates with creating the country's first national debate team and taking them to the world championships, the stakes were high. Tonight's Storyville documentary follows the journey of five ambitious teenagers as they are initiated into the cut-throat subculture of competitive high-school debate.
Training in London, Doha and New York, they learn more about the world as they hone their debating skills.
The teenagers are charismatic and cultured, with strong views and immense curiosity. Only 20 per cent of Qatar's residents are Qatari, and the team reflects this. Tina is Iranian and has lived in Canada; Vartan is Syrian-Armenian and has lived in Qatar most of his life; Fatima is an energetic girl from Northern Iraq; Ayesha is a bubbly tomboy from Pakistan; and Talal, a good-natured military trainee, is half-Lebanese, half-Qatari.
Alex Just, their coach, was president of the Oxford Union, and he is determined to prepare them for victory – despite the fact that they've only been debating for six months.
Will the team overcome their inexperience and hold their own against the English, Singaporeans and Australians, all with years of practice at reducing lesser teams to tears? And how will they deal with America and what will they make of Team Israel?
At stake in their minds is the chance to demonstrate to the rest of the world their skills as modern, free-thinking Middle-Easterners. Quirky and endearing, engaging and informative, the film offers an entertaining window onto the rapidly growing global culture of the Arab world and its relation with the West.
BR/LS2
CBEEBIES Monday 11 May 2009
It's gardening time at the nursery today, as Harriet hands out seeds to Timmy and his friends and shows them all how to grow plants, as Aardman's first pre-school animation series concludes.
Everyone grows healthy green plants except for Timmy, who only has a wispy little shoot in his plant pot. He sings to it and wraps it in a football scarf but it's still wispy. Even Timmy is surprised when he sees what he's grown.
Only on CBeebies, Timmy Time combines the Aardman studio's world-class "stop-motion" style with the colourful simplicity of classic pre-school animation, presented with charm, humour and bags of fun.
FW
Network TV BBC Week 19: Tuesday 12 May 2009
BBC ONE Tuesday 12 May 2009
Tanya hasn't heard from Dr Jenkins since their dinner date in tonight's visit to Albert Square. But she is left with food for thought when Jane questions whether Max may have something to do with it.
Bradley, meanwhile, is ecstatic when Sydney shows that she cares. But what is she hiding?
Peggy and a distressed Ben are desperate to help Phil, if only he would let them, and Dotty continues Nick's evil plan, leading Dot to question her sanity.
Tanya is played by Jo Joyner; Dr Jenkins by Adam Croasdell; Jane by Laurie Brett; Max by Jake Wood; Bradley by Charlie Clements; Sydney by Nina Toussaint-White; Peggy by Barbara Windsor; Ben by Charlie Jones; Phil by Steve McFadden; Dotty by Molly Conlin; Nick by John Altman; and Dot by June Brown.
KS3
Maddy has an interview for new a job and wants to impress, as the medical drama continues. But her sister, Hannah, arrives with a friend from prison. Chantelle has been stabbed and is hiding outside. Maddy treats her but is reprimanded by Ric for breaking guidelines.
Michael can't make contact with Annalese and Donna tries to comfort him.
Meanwhile, Elliot is concerned about Ben's cardiac problem. The test results seem okay but Elliot secretly arranges for more.
Maddy is played by Nadine Lewington; Hannah by Claudia Renton; Chantelle by Toyah Frantzen; Ric by Hugh Quarshie; Michael by Hari Dhillon; Elliot by Paul Bradley; and Donna by Jaye Jacobs.
IJ
BBC TWO Tuesday 12 May 2009
Michael Portillo investigates what makes ordinary people commit extreme acts of violence, in the final Horizon of the series, and explores the fine line between control and aggression.
Michael looks at the environmental and psychological factors that can cause an individual to snap and to lose their self-control. He explores a much darker side of people's nature and asks if anyone can be driven to deliberately kill. In a thought-provoking and sometimes uncomfortable journey, Michael discovers that each of us could be inherently more violent than we think.
Michael learns what it's like to inflict pain as he takes part in the Tinku, an annual violence ritual in the Bolivian Andes. To find out if violence is addictive he meets an ex-football hooligan, who lived for his Saturday fights, and a former child soldier from war-torn Sudan, who tells a harrowing story of brainwashing, torture and regret.
In a personal challenge, Michael is pushed to his limits in an extreme sleep-deprivation test that pits him against two crying babies. After 36 hours without sleep, he spends a pressurised day working in a professional kitchen as Professor Jane Ireland tries to find out if Michael's passive personality can be broken down to unearth a violent core.
Most surprisingly of all, he meets with Professor Peter Smith to observe one of the most violent groups in society, a group biologically incapable of controlling their aggressive instincts – ordinary three-year-olds. Michael learns how socialisation and learned experiences change the make-up of the brain and help us to control our behaviour as we age.
But what does it take for ordinary people to inflict pain in everyday situations? In a fascinating psychological study, Michael watches a replication of one of the most controversial studies in history, the Milgram study. Will participants be willing to administer a seemingly lethal electric shock to someone they think is an innocent bystander?
VAA
Ziggy loses his prized Camaro to drug dealers, who aren't buying his alibis about not paying up, as the drama continues. Unable to dump the homicide investigation on other police agencies, Col Rawls measures Bunk for the blame, if the cases go unsolved. Weak product in the pit has Bodie getting heat from fiends and slingers alike.
Homicide detectives hand out grand jury summonses to stevedores involved in the homicide case. And port police officer Beadie Russell works the lingering affections of an old boyfriend – also a stevedore – to find out how cargo disappears from the docks.
Inside they are clamouring to have the ongoing homicide investigation folded into the investigation of Frank Sobotka and his band of union brothers.
James Ransone is Ziggy; John Doman is Rawls; Wendell Pierce is Bunk; and JD Williams is Bodie.
RN
BBC THREE Tuesday 12 May 2009
Snow Patrol At Radio 1's Big Weekend
BBC Radio 1 DJs Edith Bowman and Reggie Yates present highlights of Snow Patrol's headline set from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Swindon, which took place last weekend at Lydiard Park. The programme also features performances from Doves, Florence And The Machine and Dizzee Rascal.
Radio 1's Big Weekend is the largest free music event in the UK, with 40,000 fans passing through the gates and more than 50 acts performing.
Additional festival content can be found at bbc.co.uk/iplayer.
TM
Paddy O'Connell and Sarah Cawood co-host the 1st Eurovision Semi-Final live from Moscow. Eighteen countries compete in tonight's show, and UK viewers have the opportunity to vote in this evening's televote.
Eurovision stalwart Paddy provides his own particular irreverent and knowledgeable commentary on the evening's proceedings, while Sarah goes backstage with this year's UK act, Jade. Other acts from the competing nations will also be guests during the evening. Tonight's show also includes a preview of Thursday's second semi-final.
Viewers can email their comments about tonight's show direct to Paddy in his commentary booth at eurobooth@bbc.co.uk.
JD/PA
Network TV BBC Week 19: Wednesday 13 May 2009
BBC ONE Wednesday 13 May 2009
Still reeling from losing daughter Grace, Kim struggles to keep things together as organiser of the school fundraising day, in the penultimate episode of the drama about a Rochdale-based comprehensive.
A surprise visit from her ex, Andrew, could either bring Kim the support she needs or just raise further questions about her conduct in Rwanda. Andrew confronts her about acting so impulsively, an argument that turns personal as they fight over the dregs of their relationship.
Meanwhile, Rose and Candice prepare a menu for the relief day, using cheap meat which is past its sell-by-date. Having given it the once-over and taken off the labels, they think no one will be any the wiser, but when a mystery illness strikes the school, the dodgy dealings in the canteen come under suspicion.
Elsewhere, Marley shows up with Ralph's money and demands that he and Flick should be allowed to see each other again. Enraged, Ralph attacks Marley, who is reluctant to call the police, but Flick insists. Ralph is arrested and Marley reassures Flick that she can stay at his house. As they collect her things they run into a broken Ralph, who begs her to stay, forcing her to make a choice.
Kim is played by Angela Griffin, Andrew by Jamie Glover, Rose by Elaine Symons, Candice by Kay Purcell, Marley by Luke Bailey, Ralph by Malcolm Scates and Flick by Sadie Pickering.
SM2
BBC TWO Wednesday 13 May 2009
Trying to let go of police work and return to his marriage, McNulty gives up on identifying his Jane Doe (unidentified female) as the second season of the American crime drama continues.
In their investigation of Sobotka, the detectives discover a pattern and explain the connection to Daniels, but he still won't take on the murders. Meanwhile, Sobotka tries to play a political game on behalf of his union. Nick gets the chemicals that Vondas asked for and, as payment, accepts money and drugs packaged for sale.
D'Angelo wants to live life outside of Barksdale's umbrella, forcing Bell to bring in outside help.
Dominic West plays McNulty, Chris Bauer plays Sobotka, Lance Reddick plays Daniels, Paul Ben-Victor plays Vondas, Wood Harris plays Barksdale, Larry Gilliard Jr plays D'Angelo and Idris Elba plays Bell.
RN
Network TV BBC Week 19: Thursday 14 May 2009
BBC ONE Thursday 14 May 2009
Strange Egyptian beauty secrets, a Saxon musical instrument made from pigs and details about William the Conqueror's shambolic funeral form a selection of the fascinating and funny facts featured in this week's edition of the historical comedy sketch series.
Adverts for Pharaoh Fashion magazine and Mouse Fresh Max show how Egyptians stayed up to date by wearing wax cones in their hair and sheep wool wigs and how they kept their breath fresh by putting half a hot dead mouse in their mouths.
Bob Hale romps through the origins of man in two minutes in the Stone Age Report and the series imagines a dinner party between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.
Meera Syal reads the Saxon version of Goldilocks And The Three Bears and Saxon King Ethelred the Unready reveals some of the ordeals he created to detect if a person is guilty, including ordeal by cake.
A Georgian doctor reports for duty in Historical Hospital, prescribing an unpalatable cure consisting of urine, ground woodlice, sugar and nutmeg.
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.
VT
Nick continues to manipulate his mother but Dot puts her confusion down to being overtired, in tonight's visit to Albert Square.
Meanwhile, Syd meets Bradley for lunch but she's behaving strangely and asks him not to call her again, saying she can't deal with a relationship right now.
Elsewhere, Ronnie moves into Jack's flat as they start their new life together.
Dot is played by June Brown; Nick by John Altman; Syd by Nina Toussaint-White; Bradley by Charlie Clements; Ronnie by Samantha Janus; Jack by Scott Maslen; and Roxy by Rita Simons.
KS3
BBC THREE Thursday 14 May 2009
Lily Allen At Radio 1's Big Weekend
BBC Radio 1 DJs Edith Bowman and Reggie Yates present highlights of Lily Allen's set at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Swindon, which took place last weekend at Lydiard Park. The programme also features highlights from other artists performing at the festival including Ne-Yo, The Prodigy and The Enemy.
Lily performs in front of a 20,000-strong crowd, all lucky free ticket holders. Radio 1's Big Weekend is the largest free music event in the UK, with more than 50 acts performing across the weekend.
Additional festival content can be found at bbc.co.uk/iplayer.
TM
Paddy O'Connell and Sarah Cawood co-host the 2nd Eurovision Semi-Final live from Moscow, where 19 countries compete in tonight's event, including Ireland.
Paddy provides the commentary while Sarah is backstage with some of the qualifiers from Tuesday's semi-final. The United Kingdom's act, Jade, is backstage with Sarah, and the programme features an exclusive look at Jade's week in Moscow.
Viewers can email their comments about tonight's show direct to Paddy in his commentary booth at eurobooth@bbc.co.uk.
JD/PA
Network TV BBC Week 19: Friday 15 May 2009
BBC ONE Friday 15 May 2009
Stacey steals Max's house keys and waits for him in his bed, in the final visit of the week to Albert Square. A concerned Jean draws her own conclusions about the cause of Stacey's behaviour.
Stacey is played by Lacey Turner, Max by Jake Wood and Jean by Gillian Wright.
KS3
Reggie Perrin Ep 4/6
Reggie becomes increasingly frustrated with his life, as the comedy written by Men Behaving Badly creator Simon Nye and David Nobbs, the writer of the original Seventies show, continues.
Reggie's wife, Nicola, seems to prefer spending time with anyone but him. When he goes to Helsinki on a business trip with the beautiful Jasmine, Reggie's marriage to Nicola faces its biggest test. And Reggie's overbearing boss, Chris, has his eye on him.
Reggie Perrin is played by Martin Clunes, Nicola Perrin by Fay Ripley, Jasmine Strauss by Lucy Liemann and Chris Jackson by Neil Stuke.
Reggie Perrin is simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC's High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.
IV
BBC FOUR Friday 15 May 2009
Marking the 350th anniversary of Henry Purcell's birth is this new production of Dido & Aeneas, a short operatic masterpiece, which brings together The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet, directed by Wayne McGregor, the Royal Ballet's resident choreographer.
British mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly sings the role of Dido and American baritone Lucas Meachum is Aeneas. In the pit is the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment conducted by the period instrument pioneer Christopher Hogwood. The opera is introduced by Charles Hazlewood.
CF2
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