There's a revisit to The Royle Family: Down the Back of the Sofa, Classic Movies focuses on The Story of Brighton Rock, while Gordon, Gino and Fred's Road Trip makes its way to Spain . . .
Pick of the Day
The Royle Family: Down the Back of the Sofa, 9.00pm, Gold
This is a refreshed version of the 2010 documentary featuring the core cast of the cult British sitcom, now including interviews with celebrity fans such as Diane Morgan and Rosie Jones.
The original doc featured the only interview with Caroline Aherne (above) and Craig Cash together. Aherne died six years later.
Even if you saw the original, and especially if you're new to this groundbreaking comedy, this is well worth a look.
Don’t Miss
Classic Movies: The Story of Brighton Rock, 8.00pm, Sky Arts
Streaming on NOW
Another British gem goes under the microscope in this very entertaining series.
This week, the team take a look at the story behind one of British film’s greatest crime films, the film noir inspired Brighton Rock.
Starring a young Richard Attenborough (above) as violent gangster Pinkie Brown, the 1948 adaptation of the Graham Greene novel follows Pinkie as he attempts to cover his tracks following his murder of a journalist
As with another Graham Greene adaptation, The Third Man, the film deals with Roman Catholic concepts governing the nature of sin and redemption.
Also: at the time of its release, Brighton Rock caused an uproar over its then very graphic depictions of violence.
The Lovers, 9.00pm, Sky Atlantic
Streaming on NOW
The romcom series that’s set in Belfast and stars Rosin Gallagher and Johnny Flynn continues.
Seamus and Janet meet in Belfast and after a glorious night of laughter and sexual tension Janet makes a suggestion: - they should have an affair!
Cheap Irish Homes, 7.00pm, RTÉ One
Streaming on RTÉ Player
This week sees Maggie Molloy and Kieran McCarthy (below) head to county Kerry to meet 25-year-old first-time buyer Megan, who has been desperately looking for a property since January 2022.
She just wants somewhere to call her own within an easy-enoughy commute to and fro from her job base in Tralee, with some outside space for her dog Luna.
Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs, 8.30pm, Virgin Media One
The final season of the late Paul O’Grady’s series continues.
At Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the presenter helps babysit a group of spaniel puppies, and tries to resist taking one home with him.
He also meets a doberman pup with bowed legs who needs to get her biting under control before she can start her physio regime.
New or Returning Shows
Safe Home, 10.30pm, RTÉ2
Here’s yet another Australian series.
The four-parter follows the story of Phoebe Rook, a young communications specialist.
She leaves her job at a prominent law firm in Melbourne to work at a community legal centre.
That centre specialises in family violence that is being threatened with the withdrawal of funding.
And when Phoebe makes a terrible mistake, a client's life is put at risk.
Gordon, Gino and Fred's Road Trip, 9.00pm, Virgin Media One
Season 4 of this foodie/travel show sees Gordon Ramsay, Gino D'Acampo and Fred Sirieix set off on another culinary adventure.
This time they’re heading to Spain to immerse themselves in the best culture and cuisine the country has to offer.
Their first stop is sunny Andalusia, where they sell seafood and tasting tapas in Malaga, then go to the ancient town of Ronda, before visiting Jerez to sample sherry
New to Stream
Thursday’s Widows, Netflix
Here’s a new Mexican series.
Teresa finds her husband and his two best friends dead in the lavish community where they live. As the truth comes to light, so will dark secrets.
Wilderness, Prime Video
This British thriller is based on the novel of the same name by BE Jones and it stars Jenna Coleman and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
It's all about a dream holiday that becomes a nightmare for a young British couple who seemingly have it all, as heartbreak turns into fury and revenge.
Ending Today
Don't Exclude Me, 9.00pm, BBC Two
Marie Gentles continues to help staff and pupils at Beacon Hill Academy in Dudley, West Midlands.
She meets Jayliyah, a Year 10 pupil who's been clashing over the school's behaviour policy and is at risk of permanent exclusion.
Working with Jayliyah, her mum Gemma, and the school, can Marie turn things around before it's too late.
