TV tonight: Our highlights for Wednesday, April 5
Race Around the World is just one of the gems on TV tonight.
On TV tonight, the Race Around the World continues, tensions are rising in The Bay, Pope Francis discusses some difficult topics in The Pope Answers on Disney Plus, some fresh items make their way to The Repair Shop and it's the final episode of The Cockfields. 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
Race Across the World, 9 pm, BBC One
As one team heads off from the checkpoint in Dawson City, Yukon, to the next destination, Banff, in the Rocky Mountains, two teams have yet to check in. A huge gap is starting to open up between the leaders and those trailing behind, which hasn’t mattered too much upto this point, with some competitors taking detours to visit wish-list destinations. But suddenly speed is of the essence when it becomes apparent that the last team to arrive at the Banff checkpoint will face elimination from the race. ‘This is not a jolly any more,’ says Zainib sternly, although if she thinks that it’s been easy up until now, remind us never to go on holiday with her!
★★★★ JP
The Bay, 9 pm, ITV1/ITVX (box set)
A blast from the past causes DI Tony Manning (Daniel Ryan) to question his future in the force as the investigation into the death of Beth Metcalf continues. But when an assessor arrives from divisional HQ to study the working practices of his team, it looks as though the decision may not necessarily be his to make. Meanwhile, tensions escalate between Jenn (Marsha Thomason) and her partner Chris’ ex, Jacqui (Claire Goose), and there’s a rather worrying development regarding the testimony of a key witness.
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★★★★ IM
The Pope Answers, Disney Plus
This Spanish special (with subtitles), released in Holy Week, documents a very special meeting between Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, and 10 young adults who want answers on emotive subjects including reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, the role of women in the Church and abuse within the Catholic institution. The meeting took place in June 2022 in Pigneto in Rome and features a diverse group of people from all backgrounds.
JE
The Repair Shop, 8 pm, BBC One
This week in the barn, another heart-warming episode sees Jay Blade’s experts restore a precious painting of a former Bermuda home for Patricia and Rokeya. Also in for some TLC is a lead and glass terrarium which looks like it’s beyond repair; let’s hope expert Matt Nickels can work his magic. Can horologist Steve Fletcher repair a thermometer that measured extreme temperatures during a family’s time in the Arctic? And couple Emese and Luke present Kirsten Ramsay with the delicate task of restoring a cherished clay impression of the footprints of their newborn David, who died aged just five months.
★★★★ MC
The Cockfields, 10 pm (times vary), BBC Two/iPlayer (box set)
It’s Simon’s birthday and party preparations are underway – Sue (Sue Johnston) has been up since 5 am making egg mayonnaise, and Simon (Joe Wilkinson) and Ray (Bobby Ball) have put up a gazebo. Into this tranquil scene comes Simon’s dad Larry (Nigel Havers) and his snooty partner Melissa (Sarah Parish), along with neighbour Lyn (Maggie Steed), who looks alarmingly like Sue and is very fond of wine. It’s a bit of a tense celebration for poor Simon – but the day’s not over yet… In classic British sitcom style, this gentle series excels at making us wince, but it’s also got a very warm heart.
★★★★ JP
Best box set on TV tonight
In The Power, Toni Collette plays Seattle mayor Margot Cleary-Lopez, who finds herself at the centre of a strange new phenomenon where teenagers all over the world are realising they can control electricity with their fingertips.
With an all-star cast including Ted Lasso's Toheeb Jimoh and Moana voice actress Auli'l Cravalho, this adaptation of the bestselling book of the same name by Naomi Alderman could be your next binge watch. Episodes are released weekly on Fridays following the first four episodes
LB
Best film on TV tonight
Pretty Woman, 10 pn, BBC Three
A ruthless millionaire hires a prostitute while on a business trip. Realising she may be useful in helping him keep up a successful appearance, he pays her to accompany him for a week as he associates with the rich and powerful - but falls in love despite their many differences. Romantic comedy, starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, with Ralph Bellamy and Laura San Giacomo.
Soaps
- EastEnders, 7.30 pm, BBC One
- Emmerdale, 7.30 pm, ITV1
- Coronation Street, 8 pm, ITV1
- Hollyoaks, 6.30 pm, Channel 4
- Home and Away, 6 pm, 5Star
Live Sport
- Premier League: West Ham vs Newcastle, 7.30 pm (k-o 8 pm), Sky Sports Main Event
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss Race Around the World on TV tonight.
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
Martin was a Staff Writer with WhatToWatch.com, where he produced a variety of articles focused on the latest and greatest films and TV shows. Now he works for our sister site Tom's Guide in the same role.
Some of his favorite shows are What We Do In The Shadows, Bridgerton, Gangs of London, The Witcher, Doctor Who, and Ghosts. When he’s not watching TV or at the movies, Martin’s probably still in front of a screen playing the latest video games, reading, or watching the NFL.