Tonight's television lineup offers a compelling mix of gritty drama, high-stakes game shows, and the glittering anticipation of Strictly Come Dancing's iconic Blackpool special. From the hallways of a privileged private school to the quest for cash prizes and dance floor glory, here is your curated guide to an unmissable evening of British broadcasting.
Dramatic Highlights and Gripping Narratives
BBC One leads the evening's entertainment with a powerful new drama from Bafta-winning writer Nicôle Lecky. At 9pm, Wild Cherry promises to deliver a sharp and blood-soaked takedown of the elite. Described as Gossip Girl meets Boarders, the series plunges into the lives of two wealthy pupils, Grace and Allegra, portrayed by Imogen Faires and Amelia May, at the exclusive Richford Lake school.
The plot thickens when a shocking video circulates among students, forcing a confrontation with teachers. The drama, however, is not confined to the school grounds. The arrival of their mothers, Juliet and Lorna, played by Eve Best and Carmen Ejogo, reveals that tumultuous home lives fuel the chaos, promising a layered story of wealth, privilege, and consequence.
Game Shows and Saturday Night Entertainment
Earlier in the evening, Alan Carr brings his signature energy back to BBC One at 5.40pm with his gameshow, Alan Carr's Picture Slam. Fresh from his victory on The Celebrity Traitors, the comedian guides contestants through a series of picture identification challenges with a potential £10,000 cash prize at stake. The fun begins with a mother and daughter team from Liverpool who are sure to get viewers at home shouting along.
The entertainment continues as the pressure intensifies for the eight remaining couples on Strictly Come Dancing at 6.25pm. With the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom just one week away, every performance is critical. Tonight's routines include a couples' choice to Barbra Streisand from La Voix and Aljaž, a jive to Girls Aloud's 'Sound of the Underground' from Vicky and Kai, and a waltz to Barry Manilow by Alex and Johannes.
At 8pm, Michael McIntyre's The Wheel returns with another star-studded episode. McIntyre has expressed his delight at the unique specialist subjects, citing 'Joey Essex on dentistry' as a prime example. He will be joined by celebrities including Stacey Dooley, Maisie Adam, and Oti Mabuse to help contestants answer questions for a chance to win big.
Documentaries and International Journeys
For those seeking factual content, Channel 4 offers a captivating documentary at 9pm entitled Hitler's DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator. This film explores a fascinating historical investigation triggered by a piece of blood-soaked material from Hitler's bunker, saved by an American colonel. The analysis raises profound questions about whether the dictator was neurodivergent and if he had Jewish ancestry.
At 8pm on the same channel, the scenic series New Zealand By Train continues, narrated by Julie Walters. The second episode journeys across the North Island aboard the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington. The 420-mile trip showcases stunning landscapes, including a volcanic plateau, lush rainforests, and dramatic ocean views, all evoking the fantasy world of Middle-earth.
Film enthusiasts can catch Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker on ITV1 at 4pm. The final instalment of the sequel trilogy, directed by JJ Abrams, sees Rey and Kylo Ren's relationship take centre stage. Despite the loss of Carrie Fisher, the film delivers planet-hopping quests and a gleefully evil cameo from Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine.
Live Sport Action
Sports fans are also well catered for today. The golf continues with day three of the DP World Tour Championship on Sky Sports Main Event from 7am. The Women's Super League delivers a Manchester derby as Man City host Man United at the Etihad Stadium, live on BBC One at 1pm.
Rugby Union takes centre stage in the afternoon with England facing New Zealand at 2pm on TNT Sports 1, followed by Wales vs Japan at 5.30pm and Ireland vs Australia at 7.45pm. Football internationals conclude the day's live action, with Liechtenstein vs Wales on BBC Two at 4.45pm and Greece vs Scotland at 7.15pm.
