Tonight's television schedule offers a delightful escape and high-stakes entertainment, from the sun-drenched French coast to the glittering Strictly ballroom.
Sandi's Riviera Railway Journey
Sandi Toksvig embarks on a charming expedition in Sandi’s Great Riviera Rail Trip at 8.05pm on Channel 4. The beloved presenter travels along the stunning French Riviera, tracing the paths of the artists, writers, and freethinkers who established the region as an intellectual hub in the last century.
Her journey begins in Marseille, where her train surprisingly arrives on time. From there, she heads to the picturesque Sanary-sur-Mer. This coastal town was once a haven for literary giants, including Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World, and renowned German writers Thomas Mann and Bertolt Brecht.
Prime Time Entertainment and Drama
Over on BBC One at 6.35pm, Strictly Come Dancing attempts to move past a difficult period marked by contestant injuries and off-floor controversies. The show introduces a new, adrenaline-fuelled Instant Dance challenge. In this segment, the competing couples are given a mere ten seconds to devise a brand new routine, testing their quick thinking and creativity under extreme pressure.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Clarkson presides over Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? at 8pm on ITV1. The classic quiz show continues in its original format, though it was recently announced that a faster-paced version, Millionaire Hot Seat, will launch in the UK next year.
For a dose of quiz-based fun, Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel spins onto screens at 8.05pm on BBC One. Contestants, including the hilarious Fatiha El-Ghorri, face a roulette of general knowledge questions, from the UK's coldest recorded temperature to the secret herbs and spices in a KFC recipe.
Culture, Music, and Live Sport
Music enthusiasts can tune into Sky Arts at 9pm for Greatest Basslines. The second episode of this three-part series features Melissa Auf der Maur, the acclaimed bassist from bands like Hole and Smashing Pumpkins, as she discusses the iconic basslines that influenced her own musical style.
In drama, BBC One airs the fourth episode of Wild Cherry at 9.05pm. Nicôle Lecky's engaging series about an elite girls' school continues as the scandal involving a nude photo intensifies. The drama also deepens its exploration of race and class, with Lorna, played by Carmen Ejogo, questioning the school's handling of the situation concerning her daughter.
Sports fans are also well catered for today:
- Snooker: The UK Championship begins at 1pm on BBC One, with further coverage on BBC Four at 7pm.
- Women’s Football: Leah Williamson leads the England Lionesses against China in a friendly at Wembley at 5pm on ITV1.
- Premier League Football: Sky Sports Main Event broadcasts Everton vs Newcastle United at 5pm, followed by Tottenham Hotspur vs Fulham at 7.45pm.
