TV Tonight: From Trainspotting to Space Travel and Spy Thrills
This evening's television lineup offers a remarkable journey from British railways to outer space, alongside gripping drama and competitive creativity. The schedule presents an eclectic mix of programming designed to captivate audiences across multiple channels.
Mission to Space With Francis Bourgeois
6.50pm, Channel 4
Can a dedicated trainspotter transform into a potential astronaut? That's the compelling question at the heart of Mission to Space With Francis Bourgeois, where the internet's beloved railway enthusiast pursues his childhood fantasy of space travel. With invaluable guidance from celebrated British astronaut Tim Peake, Bourgeois embarks on an extraordinary pilgrimage to NASA's Space Center in Houston, Texas.
This surprisingly poignant two-part documentary captures Bourgeois' genuine emotional journey as he experiences astronaut training simulations, including a memorable moment involving a sick bag that becomes unexpectedly moving television. The programme beautifully illustrates how passion can transcend boundaries, whether those boundaries are railway tracks or Earth's atmosphere.
The Great Pottery Throw Down
7.50pm, Channel 4
The ceramic competition enters its specialized Raku week, honouring the ancient Japanese pottery technique historically used for crafting ceremonial tea bowls. Under the watchful eye of host Siobhán McSweeney, contestants face the delicate challenge of creating animal parent-and-child structures before confronting a demanding sculpting spot test from a guest master sculptor. The pressure mounts as artists work against time and technical constraints.
Call the Midwife
8pm, BBC One
Medical drama continues in Poplar as midwife Joyce (played by Renee Bailey) transfers to St Cuthbert's antenatal clinic, encountering a single mother with a rare blood type complicated by placenta praevia. Meanwhile, nurse Rosalind (Natalie Quarry) becomes intrigued by a patient's cousin exhibiting unusual behaviour. In a community storyline, Blue Peter inspires the Turner children and local residents to create a historical time capsule for future generations.
The Night Manager
9pm, BBC One
The espionage thriller reaches its penultimate episode with intense character confrontations taking centre stage. Multiple cast members share significant scenes with Tom Hiddleston's maverick spy Jonathan Pine, who strategically manipulates the emotions of those connected to arms dealer Richard Roper. Hugh Laurie delivers a compelling performance as Roper descends into menacing villainy, creating palpable tension as the narrative approaches its climax.
After the Flood
9pm, ITV1
The crime drama intensifies with another body discovered on Benson property, raising questions about potential connections between victims who share unusual post-mortem characteristics. Detective Constable Jo Marshall (Sophie Rundell) and newly transferred Detective Sergeant Sam Bradley (Jill Halfpenny) investigate while workplace rumours about Marshall's personal life spread uncontrollably.
Four Kings
10.05pm, Channel 4
This documentary series chronicling the careers of British boxing legends Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank Sr and Lennox Lewis reaches the early 1990s. The episode examines how American promoter Don King ushered in an era of Faustian bargains, bringing financial rewards alongside personal costs. The boxers themselves provide candid, emotionally charged reflections on this transformative period.
Film Choice: The Blob
2.25am, Talking Pictures TV
For late-night viewers, this 1958 B-movie classic presents an extraterrestrial threat in the form of a carnivorous amoeba-like organism that crash-lands on Earth and consumes everything in its path while expanding into a massive gelatinous mass. The film holds historical significance as Steve McQueen's first leading role and has earned praise from astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who commended its alien concept from a scientific perspective.
Live Sport Coverage
Football fans can enjoy Premier League action throughout the day with Newcastle versus Aston Villa at 1pm on Sky Sports Main Event, followed by Arsenal against Manchester United at 4pm. Everton faces Leeds at 6.30pm on Monday. Meanwhile, BBC Two broadcasts the World Indoor Bowls Championships open singles final at 2.30pm.
