Tonight's television brings a gripping real-life police drama to screens, as Channel 4's acclaimed documentary series 24 Hours in Police Custody delivers an exclusive look inside a major international crime bust. The episode, titled The Secret Network, focuses on the groundbreaking operation that brought down the EncroChat encrypted phone network, a service used by organised criminals across the globe.
Inside the EncroChat Takedown
The documentary provides unprecedented access to the covert investigation led by Bedfordshire Police, which began in earnest in 2020. The action kicks off at a house in Luton, where the tension escalates rapidly as a hooded individual produces a shotgun from a rucksack and fires the weapon. The police team's breakthrough came from successfully hacking messages sent in the lead-up to the shooting, a digital forensic coup that launched a widespread hunt for all those involved in the criminal network.
Tonight's TV Highlights
Elsewhere on the schedule, BBC One's school drama Waterloo Road returns with new behavioural manager Nicky Walters, played by Kym Marsh, facing immediate challenges. Her first day is complicated when police catch year 10 pupils dealing drugs. Meanwhile, teacher Darius, portrayed by comedian Jon Richardson, hatches a plan involving a sniffer dog that promises to cause significant chaos.
Over on BBC Two, Rick Stein's Australia sees the chef exploring the Central Coast north of Sydney. His journey includes a bush walk and the creation of a traditional "chop picnic" featuring roasted kangaroo and bacon, before he crosses the Hawkesbury River to sample venison from deer considered pests in the region.
Further Evening Viewing
Channel 5 offers light-hearted mystery with The Good Ship Murder, where detective-crooner Jack (Shayne Ward) and first officer Kate (Catherine Tyldesley) investigate a death at sea following a dubious wellness guru's seminar. On U&Alibi, the psychological thriller Dark Winds takes a surreal turn in its latest episode, following Lieutenant Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) into a dreamscape filled with Native American mythology after he is tranquillised.
For comedy fans, Live at the Apollo on BBC Two features host Desiree Burch and comedians Suzi Ruffell and Finlay Christie. Sports viewers can tune into ITV1 for the EFL Cup semi-final first leg between Newcastle United and Manchester City, with Chelsea versus Arsenal following on Wednesday on Sky Sports.
