TV Tonight: Inside the Lives of Remarkable Cancer Surgeons
A bowel cancer specialist is the first to open up about the realities of his demanding role in a new television series. The programme offers an unprecedented look into the world of surgical medicine, blending high-stakes operations with personal reflections.
The Surgeon: A Candid Look at Medical Practice
At 9pm on Channel 5, The Surgeon premieres, a series that is not for the faint-hearted. It follows the lives of working surgeons, beginning with consultant colorectal surgeon Daren Francis at London's Royal Free Hospital. His first patient is Doris, a retired nurse who dedicated 50 years to the NHS and has been suffering from excruciating abdominal pain for two weeks.
Francis performs a squeamish and risky operation, but the show goes beyond the operating theatre. He invites cameras into his home, providing a rare glimpse into his personal life. In a moving segment, he opens up about the emotional challenges of telling patients they have cancer, shedding light on the human side of medical professionals often hidden from public view.
Other Highlights on TV This Evening
At 8pm on Channel 4, Kirstie and Phil's Love It or List It returns to Cullercoats in Tyne and Wear. The episode catches up with Mark and Suze, a couple first visited in 2020 when they were at a crossroads about whether to renovate their Victorian townhouse or move on. Viewers will discover if they have finally found their forever home, with insights from property experts Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Harrison.
Also at 8pm on Channel 5, Alice Roberts: Our Hospital Through Time profiles St Barts hospital in London. The presenter, seemingly TV's busiest professor, takes a break from other historical shows to explore the hospital's archive. One of its most precious artefacts is a scroll from 1137, offering a fascinating look into medical history.
On Sky Arts at 8pm, Landscape Artist of the Year 2026 features its final preliminary heat. Eight artists have just four hours to paint Dover Castle, described as Henry II's "12th-century version of bling." Styles range from neon-bright mixed media to pyrography and watercolour, showcasing diverse artistic techniques under time pressure.
At 9pm on Sky Witness, Matlock continues with Matty and Olympia navigating challenges at their New York law firm. Olympia takes on a case that stirs up buried troubles related to her relationship with her mother, adding emotional depth to the legal drama.
Later at 11pm on BBC Two, Unspun World With John Simpson offers high-quality news journalism. As world affairs editor, Simpson recently noted that 2025 was one of the most troubling years he has encountered, and his reports on Iran and Greenland suggest 2026 may not bring much reassurance either.
Film and Sports Selections
For film enthusiasts, Shadow of a Doubt (Alfred Hitchcock, 1943) airs at 11am on Film4. Hitchcock himself considered this his personal favourite, telling the story of a teenage girl in Santa Rosa, California, whose life is disrupted by her charismatic uncle, with suspenseful twists involving "rich widows."
In live sports, Champions League football features Qarabağ versus Newcastle at 5pm on TNT Sports 1, a knockout phase first-leg play-off tie in Baku. Premier League football continues with Wolves versus Arsenal at 7.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event, promising exciting action for football fans.
