Television viewers are in for a treat this evening with a major detective drama revival, a blockbuster soap crossover, and a deep dive into a grisly historical mystery. The BBC leads the charge with the long-awaited return of a beloved investigative duo.
A Fresh Face for a Classic Detective
At 8.30pm on BBC One, the popular detective series Lynley makes its return. This polished reboot of the 2000s show, which is based on the novels by Elizabeth George, sees Leo Suter stepping into the role of the well-bred Detective Inspector Tommy Lynley. Suter, known for Sanditon and Vikings: Valhalla, takes over the character's mantle.
He is partnered with working-class Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, played by Sofia Barclay. Havers is initially dismissive of her new colleague, viewing him as a "fresh-faced city boy who doesn't know his arse from his elbow". The episode follows this chalk-and-cheese pairing as they tackle their first murder case together, posing the question of whether their contrasting styles will forge an effective dream team.
Soap Collisions and Factual Investigations
Earlier in the evening, ITV1 hosts a dramatic 'super soap crossover' at 8pm titled Corriedale. In this explosive special, the worlds of Emmerdale and Coronation Street collide. The narrative involves Carl from Coronation Street drink-driving with Debbie as a passenger, while Emmerdale's Lisa and Betsy speed recklessly nearby. Their paths fatefully cross during a stormy night, leading to a major crash on the road between Hotton and Weatherfield. Fans can expect high tension, with iconic characters like Aaron and Charity Dingle deeply involved in the aftermath.
Meanwhile, Channel 4 offers a documentary at 8pm titled Protein: Everything You Need to Know. Presented by Gemma Atkinson, the film examines the modern consumer obsession with protein, questioning the scientific validity behind its addition to everything from pizza to alcoholic drinks.
Quiz Finals and Victorian Murder Mysteries
Over on BBC Two at 8.30pm, the second round of University Challenge concludes. Hosted by Amol Rajan, the quiz sees Churchill College, Cambridge compete against Merton College, Oxford for the last remaining place in the quarter-finals.
The evening continues on BBC Two at 9pm with historian Lucy Worsley and Lucy Worsley's Victorian Murder Club. In this distinctive true-crime series, Worsley attempts to solve the chilling case of the Victorian Thames Torso Murderer. The investigation begins with the discovery of a lower torso in the river in 1887, followed by other body parts found across London locations including Temple, Battersea, and Regent's Canal. Worsley assembles an expert team to piece together the evidence and uncover the identities of both the killer and the victims.
Finally, Channel 5 at 9pm brings back the documentary series Murder Suspect No 1. This episode follows Lancashire police from the initial 999 call after a man is beaten to death in a basement squat. The film promises significant twists as detectives work to determine if the arrested man is the true culprit or a second victim in the complex case.
