Bradford’s Big Bash, 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
Bradford’s Big Bash goes behind the scenes of RISE – the spectacular opening event heralding Bradford’s stint as UK City of Culture in 2025, created by award-winning theatre director Kirsty Housley in collaboration with Steven Frayne, the world-renowned Bradford-born magician formerly known as Dynamo.
The documentary, narrated by fellow Bradfordian and Downton Abbey star Sophie McShera, follows a number of local people who are taking part in this extraordinary event – like amateur acrobats, singers, poets and a young magician.
Bradford’s Big Bash, produced by Yorkshire-based Candour Productions, will showcase the power of the arts, celebrating the unique landscape, communities and diversity of Bradford, and bringing this proud Yorkshire city to a national, and even international, stage.
Travel Man: 48 Hours in Rotterdam, 8.30pm on Channel 4
The new run continues, as Joe Lycett packs his suitcase for more mini-breaks and shows more willing celebrity guests how to get the most out of a weekend away, with a fun-packed, 48-hour itinerary of trademark humour and facts. Joe’s joined by The Last Leg presenter Alex Brooker for a two-day tour of the Dutch city of Rotterdam. After taking the train direct from London, they launch into a break full of unusual activities, attractions and flavours. For accommodation, they swerve hotels in favour of Wikkelboats; eco-friendly floating houses insulated with corrugated cardboard, that come complete with hot tubs on deck. Once they’re settled in, they book onto the Rooftop tour, taking in some of the most interesting roofs and views in Rotterdam, including a farm and the oldest skyscraper in Europe. For dinner, they head to Fermin – a restaurant that loves to use fermented flavours in its unique and inventive menu. Day two begins with a culture hit as they head to Rotterdam’s largest gallery’s storeroom, the futuristic Depot, before rounding off their caper with chips in peanut sauce, a stroll across a famous bridge and a game at the Dutch pinball museum, which gives Alex an idea for a whole new show.
Lucy Worsely Investigates, 9pm, BBC Two
On 14 October 1066, the two vast armies of King Harold of England and William, Duke of Normandy, met on a battlefield near Hastings in southern England to fight for the English crown.
Harold was killed in battle, and William emerged victorious, forever to be known as William the Conqueror. The Battle of Hastings was a pivotal moment in English history, the last time this island nation would be successfully invaded – but one battle did not win the war.
Lucy sets out to investigate what William the Conqueror did after the Battle of Hastings to bend England to his will.
Susan Calman’s Cruise of a Lifetime – Norway, 8pm, Channel 5
This time, Susan is travelling to Viking country on an epic, amazing adventure to see the spectacular Norwegian fjords – a site no traveller should miss! Leaving from Liverpool, her ship takes two days to reach the Norwegian coastline, which gives Susan the opportunity to really experience life onboard. Deciding she deserves a bit of pampering, Susan has her nails done in the Beauty Spa… and comes away a changed woman!
Once the ship arrives in Norway, Susan is determined to embrace the concept of “friluftsliv” or ‘outdoor life’ and she doesn’t waste any time as she heads to see the awe-inspiring Briksdal Glacier with a couple of cruise companions. And, in this land of Norse mythology, the only way to get there is in a Troll car. It’s yet another sight of a lifetime…
Facing her fear of heights head on, Susan braves the Loen Skylift, a cable car that takes you over 1000 meters to the top of Mount Hoven in just five minutes. Back on board, Susan and her fellow cruise companions take a behind-the-scenes tour to find out just what it takes to keep 1300 cruise ship guests fed, watered and entertained.
In Alesund, Susan and her guide take to the water for a kayak tour around the harbour to see the architectural gems of this beautiful port town. Then she heads to Andalsnes and boards the Rauma Railway, known as one of Europe’s most scenic train rides. Embracing the outdoor life, Susan decides to take a second sky lift to the top of Mount Nesaksla – and a view that takes her breath away.
Finally her cruise drops anchor at the base of one of Norway’s most famous attractions – the fjords, Geiranger. Here, Susan learns all about the legend of the gigantic Seven Sisters waterfall – and picks up some useful dating advice too! As she looks back at another amazing journey of lifetime Susan reflects on how nature can be truly awe-inspiring!
The Good Ship Murder – Gran Canaria, 9pm on Channel 5 and My5.
Jack and Kate are still reeling from their fallout in Rome, each trying to suppress their growing feelings. Adding fuel to the fire, Piers steps into his new role as Staff Captain with calculated charm, hoping to rekindle his relationship with Kate. But when Jack recognises a familiar face — a notorious ex-con named Mickey Eldergill — things take a sinister turn.
Rumours swirl about stolen bullion tied to Mickey’s past, and Jack warns Kate to keep her distance. But her detective instincts pull her back into the fray, especially when one of Mickey’s henchmen is found murdered during a tour excursion.
Meanwhile, Piers plays his own game, needling Jack with sly remarks about Kate and hinting that there’s only room for one of them on board. As tensions escalate, Piers’s rivalry with Jack takes a turn, setting the stage for a battle of wills that threatens both men’s futures.
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