Andrew Trimble explores Ulster-Scots roots in For Ulster and Ireland, Stalked tells the back story that led to Irish stalking legislation being introduced, while Rick Stein's new series Food Stories starts in Cumbria . . .
Pick of the Day
Andrew Trimble: For Ulster and Ireland, 9.35pm, RTÉ One
Streaming on RTÉ Player
For years, the Ulster and Ireland rugby star, Andrew Trimble, pulled on the green jersey of Ireland and the red and white of Ulster with equal pride and passion, and no sense of conflict.
Now, through a series of encounters, he explores his Ulster-Scots roots and asks whether and how it's possible for different cultures, traditions, loyalties and identities to co-exist peacefully on this island, as they always have in his life.
Andrew Trimble always knew he had Ulster-Scots roots, but, for years, was too busy in what he calls "the rugby bubble" to excavate them.
Growing up in Northern Ireland, where society was already deeply divided along political and religious fault lines, he was also suspicious of anyone who tried to box him into any one tribal corner.
His sense of identity was more complex and personal than that.
Since hanging up his boots in 2018, however, he has been asking himself that most fundamental of questions: who am I?
Married with a young family, he has reinvented himself as a successful tech entrepreneur, media sports pundit and as the co-host of a podcast with his friend, the former Munster and Ireland player, turned musician, Barry Murphy.
New or Returning Shows
Stalked, 9.00pm, Virgin Media One
Here's a brand-new, one-off documentary telling the back story that led to Irish stalking legislation being introduced in November 2023.
Through first-hand accounts, the film paints a raw and unfiltered picture of the psychological and emotional toll endured by those who have faced relentless stalking.
Featuring insights from Minister for Justice Helen McEntee (above) and leading psychologist Dr Ronan McIvor, it delves into the haunting world of stalking, bringing to light the deeply personal stories of survivors Eve McDowell, Una Ring, and Jarlath Rice.
The lack of stalking-specific legislation in Ireland deeply affected all three contributors. Eve McDowell and Una Ring, survivors turned activists, courageously championed the urgent need for stalking-specific legislation to protect victims.
Rick Stein's Food Stories, 6.30pm, BBC Two
Chef/restauranter Rick Stein begins his food tour of the UK in the Lake District, enjoying a traditional mutton hotpot with sheep farmer and author James Rebanks.
He also pays homage to comedy legend Stan Laurel before braving Morecambe Bay’s treacherous mud flats to meet a shrimp fisherman and discover an old favourite, potted shrimps.
Back home in Padstow, Rick is joined by his son Jack to cook his mum’s shepherd’s pie.
The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth, 9.00pm, BBC Two
As Nasa prepares Space Shuttle Columbia for its 28th mission, excitement and trepidation build amongst the astronauts and their families as they count down to launch.
This opening episode hears from the seven astronauts - a mixture of veterans and rookies - and their families as they train for an awe-inspiring journey of a lifetime.
Don’t Miss
True Detective: Night Country, 9.00pm, Sky Atlantic
Streaming on NOW
Season 4 reaches its penultimate stage and I still haven’t a breeze what’s going on here. Well, other than knowing I would never emigrate to Alaska.
This week, when the long winter night falls in Ennis, Alaska, the eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station vanish without a trace.
To solve the case, Detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) must confront the darkness they carry in themselves and dig into the haunted truths buried under the eternal ice.
Curb Your Enthusiasm, 9.00pm, Sky Comedy
Streaming on NOW
Last week’s Season 12 opener was a fine start, with Larry being as Larry as ever while commiting a social faux pas thanks to a dog’s unfortunately placed posterior.
Still in Atlanta, this week Larry finds himself stuck at a rental home with a questionable lawn ornament. Meanwhile Jeff pays the price for taking Larry’s advice for Susie’s birthday gift.
Panorama, 8.30pm, BBC One
This week’s episode is called Alzheimer's: A Turning Point?
Two new drugs have shown, for the first time, that the relentless progression of Alzheimer's can be slowed down.
With exclusive access to the UK trials, Fergus Walsh follows patients who have been on the drugs and asks if this is a turning point that could lead to the transformation of the condition.
Silent Witness, 9.00pm, BBC One
The latest two-parter sees the team is called to Kings Cross station museum, where they discover the bodies of eight victims entombed below.
With the knowledge that a prolific serial killer was operating in London nearly 20 years ago, Nikki and the team know this will be a case like no other
Born from the Same Stranger, 9.00pm, UTV
Davina McCall (below) narrates a look at the impact that donor-conceived people searching for their genetic identity has on the parents who raised them.
THis week, Amanda has put off searching until now because she's worried about the impact on her parents, while Adam's parents talk openly and honestly about why they were told to keep sperm-donation a secret, - but are 100% behind his search for answers.
New to Stream
My Friend Misty, Sky Kids & NOW
Executive produced by Fearne Cotton, the second season of the animated and live-action hybrid about the colourful and magical Misty, voiced by Daisy Haggard.
Misty aims to help children navigate everyday situations by teaching them brilliant tips to stay calm and strategies that will help them move forward.
