Brendan Gleeson narrates a new three-parter The Irish Civil War, there's the semi-final of Strictly Come Dancing, Strike returns for a fifth season, and the final of MasterChef: The Professionals . . .
Pick of the Day
The Irish Civil War, 9.30pm, RTÉ One
Streaming on RTÉ Player
Here's the latest documentary looking atr the events of a century ago that shaped modern Ireland, this time telling the epic and often challenging story of the origins, conflict and legacy of the civil war that took place in Ireland in 1922 and 1923.
Narrated by Brendan Gleeson, the series features extensive film footage, interviews with leading academics, archive interviews with contemporary participants and witnesses and first-hand witness accounts read by actors.
It all combines to tell one of the most controversial chapters in Irish history.
Don’t Miss
Strictly Come Dancing, 7.15pm, BBC One
Delayed a day due to yesterday’s World Cup action, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman (below) present the semi-final of the pro-celebrity contest.
This where Fleur, Hamza, Helen, Molly and Will must master two brand new routines to win the approval of judges and viewers alike and secure a place in next week's grand final.
Branson, 9.00pm, Sky Documentaries
Streaming on NOW
This second of three episodes chronicles Virgin Atlantic’s battle with British Airways, ending in a libel suit win for Richard Branson (below).
From outsider to wealthy capitalist, Branson continues to push for world records and promotional attention for his company, setting off on a nail-biting Pacific Ocean balloon voyage.
He then announces plans to develop a spaceflight company to take commercial passengers into space, beginning a decade long pursuit.
New or Returning Shows
Strike, 9.00pm, BBC One
It’s the fifth season of the crime thriller based on books by JK Rowling, starring Tom Burke as Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned private detective operating out of a tiny office in London.
As the new run begins, Strike is hired by a woman to find her mother, who went missing in 1974 when a serial killer was at large, leading to decades of speculation that she was another of his victims.
While searching through the missing woman's belongings, Robin (Holliday Grainger) finds an anonymous and crude threatening letter.
Predators, 7.00pm, Sky Nature
Streaming on NOW
In this new nature series narrated by actor Tom Hardy (below), five apex predators face the ultimate test to survive as their rapidly changing world impacts both their own lives and that of the wild kingdoms they rule.
Those at the top are now being challenged. Territories are being redrawn and new relationships formed
In the southern plains of Africa’s Serengeti, a notorious brotherhood of cheetahs – Luka and Kovu – hold their hard-fought territory.
But when a raging bushfire destroys their prized hunting ground and drives them into exile, they must draw on all their cunning and camaraderie to survive and secure a new home.
The Capture, 11.30pm, BBC Four
Another chance to see this drama series starring Holliday Grainger and Callum Turner.
Soldier Shaun Emery has his conviction for murder overturned because of flawed evidence, and returns home to Britain a free man.
But when damning CCTV footage of him comes to light, he ends up the subject of another investigation.
Newly promoted detective Rachel Carey is assigned to the case, and quickly learns the truth is not as simple as it appears.
Ending Today
MasterChef: The Professionals, 6.15pm, BBC One
It’s all up for grabs as the three remaining chefs battle it out in the final.
They have just three hours to prepare a three-course menu of their own devising to impress judges Anna Haugh, Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace (above).
They’ll be looking to surpass all the culinary ability, technique and knowledge they have demonstrated to so far and impressing on whole new scale.
Film Noir, 9.00pm, Sky Arts
Streaming on NOW
The final episode of this excellent series is subtitled Styles of Noir (1944-1958).
As Hollywood reached the end of World War II and entered into the post-war era, Film Noir would develop and expand, breaking off from some of its earliest roots and instilling itself in cinema tropes right up to present day.
The success of Double Indemnity, particularly Barbara Stanwyck’s unforgettable femme fatale Phyllis Dietrichson would make the "Bad Girl" film a renowned staple.
Famous examples including Rita Hayworth in Gilda (1946), Lana Turner in The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946), Ava Gardner in The Killers (1946), and Jane Greer in Out of the Past (1947).
The classic era would eventually come to an end, roughly marked by the troubled production and release of Orson Welles’ (above) Touch of Evil (1958).
Sunday Cinema
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, 10.30pm, BBC One
Okay, we've all seen it a dozen times. But it's such a comfy watch, with a great cast that includes Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Dev Patel.
Seven English pensioners looking for a fresh start are drawn to an advert for a hotel in the Indian city of Jaipur, and plan to spend their retirement there.
They arrive to find the building dilapidated but are won over by the enthusiastic young manager, and each embarks on their own adventures in the city.
Family Flick
Miracle on 34th Street, 4.25pm, Channel 4
Remake of the 1947 family drama, with Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Mara Wilson and Dylan McDermott.
A woman raises her six-year-old daughter to believe that Santa Claus does not exist, but they both have a change of heart after meeting a department store Father Christmas who claims to be the man himself.
When the kindly fellow is accused of being a charlatan, his new friends engage a lawyer to prove his true identity.
