There's more Sally Rooney, a big night for Ukraine, The Repair Shop Jubilee Special, new comedy Abbott Elementary, and Mike Leigh's classic satire Abigail's Party, starring the great Alison Steadman . . .
Pick of the Day
Conversations with Friends, 9.35pm, RTÉ One
The latest Sally Rooney adaptation continues – and it’s fair to say that it hasn’t managed to capture the public imagination as much as Normal People did during lockdown.
As Frances and Nick grow closer things become tense between Bobbi and Frances, as Bobbi senses a change in her friend.
Meanwhile, a visit from Melissa's agent raises tensions in the villa.
In episode 6 at 10.10pm, the action move back to Ireland, where tensions remain unresolved with Bobbi, while Frances visits her mother, but a bout of terrible pain leads her to be rushed to hospital.
Don’t Miss
Marú inár Measc, 9.45pm, TG4
The four-part true crime documentary series continues, and this week recalls the brutal murders of Jack and Thomas Blaine in 2013.
On July 10th that year Castlebar woke up to the tragic news around the town that brothers Thomas and Jack Blaine, who were well-known around the town, had been brutally murdered.
Alan Cawley was convicted of their murder in 2017.
The elderly brothers lived a quiet and simple life, cared for by the community surrounding them and the tragic ending of their lives meant that the whole community of Castlebar grieved together.
This documentary includes interviews with the brothers’ family and those who cared for Jack and Thomas, and give deeply personal accounts as to how this brutal and horrific murder impacted them and changed the landscape of Castlebar.
The Repair Shop Jubilee Special, 8.00pm, BBC One
The jubilee jamboree continues with this one-off special episode where the experts restore four treasured heirlooms, each - of course - with a royal connection.
Amongst the items is an unfinished Pearly Suit belonging to a woman's late father, who was a Pearly King, and a hand-painted commemorative plate made to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887.
I still have my copy of the Sex Pistols’ God Save the Queen from her Silver Jubilee year of 1977. I wonder does that count as a royal heirloom?
The Great British Sewing Bee, 9.00pm, BBC One
Music week brings three different musical and sartorial genres to the Sewing Bee.
Sara Pascoe (below, centre) kicks off the week with a pattern for the parka coat, which was adopted by Mod culture in the 1960s.
With its classic fishtail vent and complex zip opening and hood, this is a feat of engineering.
Country music is the inspiration for the Transformation challenge, as the sewers take old denim and turn it into stage gear worthy of Dolly Parton.
Finally, the Made to Measure is in homage to David Bowie and his many incarnations, which the sewers pay tribute to with Bowie-inspired outfits fitted to a model.
Davy's Toughest Team, 10.45pm, RTÉ One
Davy Fitzgerald visits each of the seven young men in their home environments so he can truly get a sense of the realities of their lives and the elements that might be holding them back from achieving their potential and making progress in their lives.
DNA Family Secrets, 9.00pm, BBC Two
38-year-old Clare was always told that her father was a British soldier stationed in Belfast during the Troubles. Now, Clare wants to solve the mystery of his identity.
Leigh only discovered that he might have a secret sister after his mum passed away. He now wonders if his sister is still alive.
It was only when Jenna and Ryan were pregnant that they realised they both carry a genetic mutation that could be deadly if passed on to their kids. They’re hoping that DNA testing can help.
New or Returning Shows
World Cup Qualifier: Scotland v Ukraine, 7.00pm, Sky Sports Main Event/ 7.20pm, Virgin Media Two
Delayed due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, their national football team will hope to give their embattled country something to celebrate.
They face-off tonight against Scotland for a place in next Sunday’s play-off finals against Wales. The winners of that game gets to play in the first-ever World Cup to be held just before Christmas, in Qatar.
Ukraine might have some chance of overcoming the Scots, but Wales look the strongest of the three sides chasing the last European slot.
Abigail’s Party, 10.00pm, BBC Four
Here’s a chance to see Mike Leigh’s classic dramedy from the 1970s, starring a young Alison Steadman in her breakthrough role as an upwardly mobile woman.
Written and directed by Leigh, the story follows the often cringey events of a party held in a suburban house. It’s a satire on the aspirations and tastes of the new middle class that emerged in Britain in the 1970s.
As the night wears on, the guests become increasingly inebriated and indiscreet, paving the way for shocking revelations and home truths that, despite changing tastes and fashions, remain relevant.
It’s also a good laugh. Highly recommended.
New to Stream
Abbott Elementary, Disney+
Disney continues its gradual ascent through the streaming ranks with this workplace comedy.
It follows a group of dedicated, passionate teachers - and a slightly tone-deaf principal - as they navigate the Philadelphia public school system.
Despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life, and though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do – even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.
Written by and starring Quinta Brunson, most recently seen on the Emmy-nominated HBO series (shown here on Sky and NOW), A Black Lady Sketch Show.
Ending Today
Inside No 9, 9.00pm, BBC Two
The black comedy anthology starring Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith concludes.
Quirky as ever, this is an animated episode looking at the impact the Wise Owl public information films from the 1970s had on young people.
It’s told through the eyes of Ronnie, who has spent his entire life trying to do the right thing.
