Book lovers are centre stage on Page Turners, First Dates Ireland returns, as do The Apprentice and Dragons Den, while TV presenter Alex Jones takes on a new role as a fertility assistant
Pick of the Day
Page Turners, 10.15pm, RTÉ One
Streaming on RTÉ Player
Book lovers – and we know you're out there in your droves - should be well up for a look at this new series.
It’s a literary review show featuring book clubs from across the country, with the members discussing both modern classics and current favourites.
In the first show, the groups discuss Maeve Binchy's Circle of Friends, Sean O'Driscoll's Heiress, Rebel, Vigilante, Bomber; The Extraordinary Life of Rose Dugdale, Marian Keyes' The Break, Shane Carthy's Dark Blue and Louise O'Neill's IDOL.
Don’t Miss
Marie Antionette, 9.00pm, BBC Two
Last week’s opening episode of this eight-parter (From The Favourite writer Deborah Davis) set the scene, but it’s not too late to get on board this entertaining period piece about the legendary queen of France.
Tonight, when Louis refuses to share his bed with her, Marie Antoinette realises that producing an heir will not be straightforward. She turns to Madame du Barry for help but a rivalry begins to form.
Mark Lawson Talks to Stephen King, 11.15pm, BBC Four
Preceded at 9pm by The Shawshank Redemption, here’s a repeat that’s worth a second look.
It’s an interview Mark Lawson undertook with renowned author Stephen King, known for influential horror novels such as Carrie, The Shining and The Tommyknockers.
His other popular works outside the genre include – of course - The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and Stand By Me.
Now there’s a fella who can spin a great yarn.
New or Returning Shows
First Dates Ireland, 9.00pm, RTÉ2
Streaming on RTÉ Player
Mateo and the gang return for season 8 of this dating and dining show.
Singletons include best friends and irrepressible personalities Aisling and Naomi. who are ready for an unforgettable double date.
Meanwhile, old school romantic and multi-instrumentalist Garry from Wexford meets line dancer and marathon runner Mary from Galway.
Also, there’s professional auto detailer Colm from Dublin, who accelerates from a standing start with petrol head and 'classy car girl' Sorcha from Donegal.
The Dog House, 8.00pm, Channel 4
Staff at Woodgreen animal charity set out to match their homeless dogs with prospective owners as this heart-tugger returns for a new run.
First up, deaf parents Hannah and Craig and their mischievous boys Oliver and Felix meet cheeky cockapoo puppy Percy.
Tiny Yorkie terrier pair Lola and Bailey show size doesn't matter when there are two of you - especially with the backing of Woodgreen's dog behaviour expert Sue.
The Apprentice, 9.00pm, BBC One
Multimillionaire Alan Sugar embarks on another quest to find someone capable of taking the commercial world by storm.
The Irish interest comes in the shape of Emma Browne and Kevin D’Arcy (above).
Under the watchful gaze of Karren Brady and - for this first programme only - Claude Littner, teams are tasked with selling and running bespoke tours on the Caribbean island of Antigua.
Cue some bickering on the beach amid woeful negotiations. Later, back in the boardroom, one candidate is sent packing.
Eco Eye, 8.00pm, RTÉ One
Streaming on RTÉ Player
The return of the programme featuring reports on the most pressing environmental issues of the day.
Anja Murray (above) visits a major ecological restoration project in Wild Nephin national park, investigating if it can become a much needed sanctuary for Ireland's disappearing wildlife.
Dragons Den, 8.00pm, BBC One
Evan Davis (below) presents the return of the long-running show in which budding entrepreneurs pitch ideas to multimillionaires Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett.
First up facing the Dragons are a young cancer survivor and her stylish pillbox alternative and two former high-school friends who believe they've spotted a gap in the skincare market.
A drag queen helps pitch a fitness class and the entrepreneurs behind a spiritual wellness business hope their aura will help entice a Dragon or two.
Alex Jones: Making Babies, 8.00pm, W
TV presenter Alex Jones (below) starts her training as a fertility assistant at King's Fertility, London, and is put straight to work caring for patients going through IVF treatment.
Silent Witness, 11.15pm, RTÉ One
Streaming on RTÉ Player
Season 26 recently started on BBC One, but here’s season 25 making its Irish debut.
The gritty crime drama set in the world of forensic pathology is back with a six-part story marking the return of Amanda Burton (below) as the show's original lead, Professor Sam Ryan.
The health secretary is assassinated during the launch of Sam's new company, prompting her to turn to the Lyell team for help.
But Nikki is unsure if her predecessor can be trusted, as she seems to know more than she's revealing.
