From terrestrial train tracks to the vast expanse of space, tonight's television offers an extraordinary journey! Can a passion for spotting trains propel someone to the stars? You'll be on the edge of your seat cheering for Francis Bourgeois, the internet's beloved train enthusiast, as he embarks on an incredible mission to space. But here's where it gets truly inspiring: he's not alone! He's got the invaluable guidance of British astronaut Tim Peake, who helps Francis achieve his lifelong dream by visiting the NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas, with the ultimate goal of experiencing an orbital launch. This two-part series is surprisingly touching, and believe it or not, witnessing Bourgeois use a sick bag in a simulator somehow becomes an incredibly emotional television moment.
Next up, prepare to be amazed by The Great Pottery Throw Down at 7.50pm on Channel 4. This week is Raku week, a vibrant tribute to the ancient Japanese ceramic art form, famously used for crafting bowls for the serene tea ceremony. Hosted by the wonderful Siobhán McSweeney, the talented potters will be challenged to create touching animal parent and child structures. Following that, a guest judge, a master sculptor, will present a demanding sculpting spot test. And this is the part most people miss: who among these skilled artisans will be able to withstand the immense pressure and deliver perfection?
Over on BBC One at 8pm, Call the Midwife continues to warm our hearts. We'll see Joyce (played by Renee Bailey) assisting at the antenatal clinic in St Cuthbert's, where she encounters a single mother facing a rare medical challenge: placenta praevia. Meanwhile, Rosalind (Natalie Quarry) is intrigued when she discovers a patient's cousin engaging in a rather unusual and concerning activity – eating out of a bin. In a heartwarming community effort, the Turner kids and the wider Poplar community are inspired by Blue Peter to create and bury a time capsule, a wonderful way to preserve memories for the future.
Prepare for a gripping penultimate episode of The Night Manager at 9pm on BBC One. This installment is packed with momentous face-to-face conversations, featuring what can only be described as big Tom Hiddleston moments for more than one cast member. Expect intense two-handers with Hiddleston himself, as the maverick spy Jonathan Pine masterfully plays on the emotions of those entangled with the notorious arms dealer Richard Roper. Hugh Laurie delivers a chilling performance as Roper, convincingly embodying a growling, pure evil persona.
At 9pm on ITV1, After the Flood continues to unravel its mysteries. Another dead body has been discovered on Benson land, raising the unsettling question: is there a connection between these two victims beyond their unusual post-mortem injuries? DC Jo Marshall (Sophie Rundell) and the newly transferred DS Sam Bradley (Jill Halfpenny) are working tirelessly to uncover the truth. Simultaneously, rumours about Jo’s private life are spreading like wildfire, adding another layer of tension to the unfolding drama.
Don't miss Four Kings at 10.05pm on Channel 4, a series that delves into the turbulent careers of boxing legends Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank Sr, and Lennox Lewis. This episode focuses on the early 1990s, a period where US promoter Don King ushered in a Faustian era for UK boxing, marked by immense financial rewards but also punishing personal lows. The four athletes share hard-won and often emotional insights into this challenging chapter of their lives.
For film enthusiasts, a cult classic awaits: The Blob at 2.25am on Talking Pictures TV. In a world already grappling with enough existential threats, have you considered the chilling prospect of a carnivorous amoeba-like alien crashing onto Earth and consuming everything in its path, growing into a colossal mass of slime? This 1958 B-movie par excellence not only presents this terrifying scenario but also boasts the distinction of featuring Steve McQueen in his very first leading role. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has even declared The Blob his favorite among all Hollywood-imagined aliens, citing its scientific plausibility!
Live sport fans, get ready for some Premier League action! Catch Newcastle v Aston Villa at 1pm on Sky Sports Main Event, followed by Arsenal v Man United at 4pm. And on Monday, Everton play Leeds at 6.30pm. For those who prefer the precision of bowls, the World Indoor Championships open singles final will be broadcast at 2.30pm on BBC Two.
Now, I'm curious to hear your thoughts! Do you believe a passion like trainspotting can truly lead to such extraordinary adventures? And what are your thoughts on the portrayal of the boxing world in 'Four Kings' – was the pursuit of fame and fortune worth the immense personal cost? Let me know in the comments below!
