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What's on? Top TV and streaming tips for Wednesday

Judy Garland
Judy Garland

Griff Rhys Jones stars in Murder on the Blackpool Express, there's Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure, Five Bedrooms returns for a fourth run, and Judy Garland documentary Sid & Judy.

Pick of the Day

Sid & Judy, 10.30pm, TG4

Judy Garland fans – and we know you're out there in numbers – will lap this up. But it’s worth a watch for anyone with even the vaguest notion of the legendary singer and actress.

This is a really good Showtime documentary exploring Garland’s unfortunately short life, with a particular insight from her third husband Sid Luft helping to paint a picture of who she really was.

It’s voiced over by John Hamm (as Luft), and features the likes of Fred Astaire, Count Basie and George Cukor.

Don't Miss

Murder on the Blackpool Express, 9.00pm, BBC Two

Here’s a feature-length comedy about a crime writer (Griff Rhys Jones) who takes a group of his adoring fans on a coach tour of locations from his books.

The bus is soon leaving a string of bodies in its wake, and the passengers are faced with the possibility of a murderer in their midst.

The cast includes Johnny Vegas, Nigel Havers and the late Una Stubbs.

An Englishman Abroad, 10.10pm, BBC Four

Here’s a chance to see Alan Bennet’s 1983 drama, starring Alan Bates, Coral Browne and Charles Gray.

A woman is shocked to find a mysterious Englishman standing in her dressing room, and assumes he must be from the embassy - but there is more to the shady character than meets the eye.

A Star Is Born, 9.35pm, RTÉ One

Oscar-winning drama, starring Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, who also directed, and Sam Elliott, that’s had more remakes than Madonna.

Following a gig, fading music star Jackson Maine happens upon Ally, a nightclub singer-songwriter.

Their instant chemistry leads to a tempestuous romance as he helps her on the road to stardom. However, Jackson's alcoholism has explosive repercussions as her career blossoms.

New or Returning Shows

Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure, 9.00pm, UTV/ITV1

Former Ab Fab star Joanna Lumley returns once more to her birthplace, India, in search of a kitchen cupboard staple once known as 'black gold'.

Starting in the majestic ancient city of Hampi, she's invited to a dazzling Hindu festival by a local rock climber.

Then it's onwards to the lush backwaters of Kerala, where she meets a great grandmother who teaches the oldest martial art in the world and spends the night in a magical houseboat inspired by the old spice traders.

Five Bedrooms, 10.00pm, RTÉ2

It’s season four of this Australian dramedy which tells the story of five people at different times of their lives.

Harry almost pulls off the celebration of a lifetime at Manju's 70th, until Ainsley accidentally reveals last year's secret baby negotiations, causing Manju to promptly declare war on her son.

The Lionesses: A League of Their Own Special, 9.00pm, Sky Max

Streaming on NOW

With the Women's World Cup just around the corner, Jill Scott guides comedians Maisie Adam and Katherine Ryan through what it takes to be a world-beating Lioness.

New to Stream

The Secret of Hillsong, Disney+

This is a four-part documentary series, based on the explosive original reporting on the megachurch’s scandals by Vanity Fair journalists Alex French and Dan Adler.

The series features interviews with two former pastors, Carl and Laura Lentz, since their public ousting from the church - which for years counted musicians, actors, athletes and other celebrities among its flock.

The documentary also features poignant conversations with many of the congregants navigating the still-unfolding global reckoning, with the church facing further revelations.

Featuring fresh reporting and analysis from journalists, historians and policymakers, the series goes beyond the sensational headlines and behind the velvet rope to examine the church's long pattern of covering up misconduct to protect itself.

Charleen and Ellie’s Football Fever, RTÉ Player

Join two of Ireland's top influencers and Hold My Drink podcasters Charleen Murphy and Ellie Kelly as they embark on a journey to support the Girls in Green ahead of the Women’s World Cup.

The newbie soccer enthusiasts may be clueless when it comes to the offside rule and corner kicks, but that won't stop them from diving in headfirst and immersing themselves into The Beautiful Game in this RTÉ Player Original.

First up, Charleen and Ellie get a football education from coach Pearl Slattery - but the only way to understand the rules is to have a kick around. Players Alex Kavanagh and Amanda McQuillan test the duo’s soccer skills, with inevitable results.

Ending Today

Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig, 9.00pm, Channel 4

As the series concludes, Sandi Toksvig and sketch comedian Doon Mackichan visit Donegal to see what it has to offer.

Their first stop is at Tuath na Mara which boasts access to a secluded sandy cove, perfect for outdoor swimming enthusiast Doon.

Sandi shares a personal confession and the pair go for an icy dip in the North Atlantic.

Next, the duo stay at the eco-resort Lough Mardal Lodge where they meet miniature cows and share stories of Mongolian princesses.

They end their adventure in the countryside just north of Donegal Bay where they stay in Candlewick Cottage in which Doon serenades Sandi with improvised comedy tunes on the piano.

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