On TV tonight, Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes front a brand new ITV drama, the search to find the next up and coming chef continues in Young Masterchef, revisit some of the best moments from Frozen Planet II in a new special episode, and Silent Witness returns for a new case. Here's what you shouldn't miss on TV Tonight.
- Our hand-selected recommendations for what's on TV tonight include TV shows, a film, live sport and the latest trending need-to-binge-on-now box set
- Keep up to date with the latest soap spoiler storylines on TV tonight with our daily soap synopsis
- For more information about what’s on TV tonight see our TV Guide
What's on TV tonight
Our expert TV journalists have picked the best things on TV tonight...
Best TV shows on TV tonight
Stonehouse, 9 pm, ITV1, ITVX (box set)
Married couple Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes star as John Stonehouse and his wife, Barbara, in this stranger-than-fiction tale of how the former Labour MP faked his own death in 1974. Beautifully played by Macfadyen in a script by the author of A Very English Scandal, Stonehouse’s tragicomic rise and fall takes in marital infidelity, alleged espionage and elevation to the cabinet of Harold Wilson (Kevin McNally), before financial problems and the prospect of scandal prompt the Reggie Perrin-style stunt. It’s a wonder this bizarre chapter of British politics hasn’t been dramatised before. Continues until Wednesday, with The Real Stonehouse on Thursday (9pm, ITV1). ★★★★★ IM
Frozen Planet II: Worlds of Wonder, 8 pm, BBC One
Frozen Planet II (available on BBC iPlayer) has taken us on another epic journey, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, allowing us to witness some of the harshest habitats on Earth. This special episode brings together some of the highlights from the series, from the polar bears joining together to dance on ice to the killer whales using their supreme intellect to find new ways to hunt. We also revisit some gory moments – for example, the golden eagles throwing chamois calves off the side of a mountain – and see the heartbreaking sight of emperor penguin chicks battling to survive. Awe-inspiring, as always. ★★★★★ NH
Young Masterchef, 8 pm, BBC Three
The search is on to find the next up-and-coming chef as MasterChef expands to include a competition for those aged between 18 and 25. Poppy O’Toole, online sensation and author of Poppy Cooks: The Food You Need, and renowned London chef and Great British Menu finalist Kerth Gumbs take on judging duties in the famous kitchen as the wannabe chefs compete over 10 episodes. While the judges mentor the next generation of food talent, several exciting foodie guests also pop in to share their tips and advice. Continues tomorrow. ★★★★ NH
Silent Witness, 9 pm, BBC One
The long-running crime drama returns with a seriously gangster two-part investigation and a couple of promising additions to the Lyell Centre team. The jumping-off point, so to speak, is the death of a City type who’s fallen from a building – or was he pushed? At the crime scene, we meet rookie Velvy (Alastair Michael), a trainee with an unusual back story who looks set to bring some light relief to the show. And there’s a tense exchange over forensic tests between Jack (David Caves) and academic Gabriel, whose paths will be crossing again. Add in some grisly murders and a constantly twisting plotline, and it’s a happy, if harrowing, return for Emilia Fox and friends! Continues tomorrow. ★★★★ IM
Best box set on TV tonight
Even if you haven’t seen this drama, chances are you’ve read about it or had someone tell you how good it is – there was certainly a buzz surrounding the show which some have called the best (and possibly most stressful) on TV. Jeremy Allen White plays young chef Carmy, who applies skills honed working in New York’s hottest spot to running a Chicago sandwich shop after his brother dies and leaves it to him. If you’re not shouting ‘Behind!’ every time you squeeze between the fridge and a bemused family member, you soon will be. A second series has already been commissioned – are we a little excited to see what’s next for the staff at The Original Beef of Chicagoland? Yes, chef! ★★★★★ JP
Best film on TV tonight
The Man Who Never Was, 12.40 pm, BBC Two
Operation Mincemeat premieres later this week (Friday , 8pm, Sky Premiere), with Colin Firth as World War Two intelligence officer Ewen Montagu. This 1956 thriller, based on the real Montagu’s book, is an earlier version of the Operation Mincemeat story, detailing an intelligence plan to fool the Germans with fake documents planted on a corpse about an Allied invasion. Clifton Webb, who plays Montagu, and Gloria Grahame are both terrific in their roles, while Nigel Balchin’s screenplay won a BAFTA. ★★★★ JP
Soaps
- EastEnders, 7.30 pm, BBC One
- Emmerdale, 7.30 pm, ITV1
- Coronation Street, 8 pm, ITV1
Live Sport
- Premier League: Brentford vs Liverpool, 5 pm (k-o 5.30 pm), Sky Sports Main Event/ Premier League
- Championship: Queens Park Rangers vs Sheffield United, 7.30 pm (k-o 8 pm), Sky Sports Football
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss Stonehouse with Keeley Hawes and Matthew Macfadyen on TV tonight.
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
