Does Euro 2012 leave you sidelined? If so, you’ve 12 straight days of it to avoid before there’s a break in the football. John Byrne has some telly-viewing options that may keep you occupied while others are lapping up the action from Poland and the Ukraine.
Friday June 8
Today’s games: Poland v Greece and Russia v Czech Republic
Alan Carr Summertime Spectacular (Friday, Channel 4)
Alan Carr has been left in charge of Channel 4 HQ and is set to throw the mother of all summer parties. A stack of celebrity guests join him for this two-hour extravaganza that includes sketches, entertaining and ridiculous games, plus a host of top musical performances and audience participation in the studio. Alan's guests include David Walliams, Justin Bieber, The Saturdays, the cast of Made in Chelsea, Amy Macdonald, Carol Vorderman, Paddy McGuinness, Dr Christian Jessen and Rizzle Kicks.
Saturday June 9
Today’s games: Netherlands v Denmark and Germany v Portugal
The Big Money Game (RTÉ One)
Brian Ormond and Sinead Kennedy are the new presenters of the National Lottery's Big Money Game as the hugely popular show returns for the summer. The Big Money Game features a number of exciting games with some twists built in along the way. In tension-filled Safe Cracker, cash prizes of up to €25,000 can be won as players aim to find three keys to unlock the safe. The player to reveal the third key will go forward to the Big Money Game and be in with a chance of winning the top prize of €250,000.
Sunday June 10
Today’s games: Spain v Italy and Rep of Ireland v Croatia
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (BBC ONE)
Now here’s an ‘arresting’ alternative 90 minutes to the Ireland game! Old wounds are reopened when Lynley investigates the disturbing death of his godson more than a decade after he disappeared. Lynley is drawn into the case, leading him first to Rome and then headlong into the middle of a new murder inquiry.
Monday June 11
Today’s games: France v England and Ukraine v Sweden
Gok Cooks Chinese (Channel 4)
Gok Wan demystifies dim sum with a how-to guide to conjuring up an amazing feast at home. There's chicken and leak dim sum - made of minced chicken, ginger, and finely chopped leak in wanton wrappers. There's also salt pork ribs and black beans dim sum, squid with cucumber salad, a guide to Chinese teas, and prawn and scallop moneybag dumplings.
Tuesday June 12
Today’s games: Greece v Czech Republic and Poland v Russia
Grey’s Anatomy (RTÉ Two)
It’s the eighth season finale, and as usual you can expect tears and farewells on Shonda Rhimes’ relationship-based medical drama. Faced with a life threatening situation, the doctors must fight to stay alive while trying to save the lives of their peers; Bailey and Ben make a decision regarding their relationship; and Teddy is presented with a tempting offer. Meanwhile, Richard plans a special
Wednesday June 13
Today’s games: Denmark v Portugal and Netherlands v Germany
Bedlam (Sky Living)
The spooky tales continue. Cass is training hard in the Bedlam pool, under the supervision of boyfriend Dom. But when she meets Kiera in the bar, they end up back in the pool afterhours with Max and Ellie. But when Ellie has a vision of a woman being forced under water, it becomes clear that Cass is at the mercy of whatever’s under the water.
Thursday June 14
Today’s games: Italy v Croata and Spain v Rep of Ireland
Call the Midwife (BBC ONE)
A welcome repeat of the 1950s’ drama continues. As Jenny Lee settles into her role, Nonnatus House gains a new resident, Chummy, a welcome pair of hands to help with the busy caseload. Sister Evangelina, in a case of inverted snobbery, has little patience with her or with her desire to become a missionary. Meanwhile, Jenny has a chance late-night encounter with Mary, a 15-year-old Irish girl who’s pregnant, desperate and terrified.
Friday June 15
Today’s games: Ukraine v France and Sweden v England
The Million Pound Drop Live (Channel 4)
Davina McCall’s back with ten brand new shows over five consecutive weekends as new pairs of players will be taking on the Drop in an attempt to win big, and once again there will be some celebrity duos playing live in the hope of bagging some serious cash for their chosen charities - starting with Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer in this edition.
Saturday June 16
Today’s games: Greece v Russia and Czech Rep v Poland
Primeval (UTV)
Back for a new season (already debuted on UK satellite channel Watch), this hugely enjoyable sci-fi drama resumes one year after the death of Johnson and the disappearance of three key ARC personnel (Danny, Connor and Abby), while the British government has lost faith in Lester’s abilities to run such a dangerous and expensive operation on his own. They place the ARC in the hands of a public/private partnership, part-owned by the government, and partly by entrepreneurial scientist Philip Burton.
Sunday June 17
Today’s games: Portugal v Netherlands and Denmark v Germany
Franc's DIY Brides (RTÉ One)
With a limited budget and a guest list of 80, All Ireland gaelic football winner Denis Bastik and his fiancé Jody Hannon have enlisted Franc’s help in this final episode to mentor them as they roll up their sleeves to put together their dream wedding. With only four months to go and with very busy schedules, the couple must find time to pick a dress, make their invites, decorate the venue and find flowers for December 29th.
Monday June 18
Croatia v Spain and Italy v Rep of Ireland
Deja Vu (Sky Movies Sci-Fi & Horror)
Fancy watching a movie this Monday? This time-meddling detective action yarn stars Denzel Washington as an investigator in a new US government department that has the power to go back in time. When a ferry explodes during the New Orleans Mardi Gras, Washington teams up with Val Kilmer to track down the perpetrator before the event even occurs.
Tuesday June 19
Today’s games: England v Ukraine and Sweden v France
Revenge (RTÉ Two)
This new US drama promises to be engrossing. Emily Thorne, (Brothers & Sisters’ Emily Van Camp) is the newest arrival in the Hamptons. By all appearances, she's a friendly and sophisticated girl next door type - but with a dark family history, Emily is anything but what she seems. Seventeen years ago, Emily's father was framed for a crime by neighbours he trusted, and sentenced to life. Emily never saw her father again, and spent her childhood consumed by rage, loss and betrayal. Now she's returning - under an assumed identity - with one goal: you guessed it, revenge.
Wednesday June 20
No football! Until tomorrow, that is . . .
