TV Times top picks for tonight
What’s on telly tonight? Here the TV Times team of expert reviewers highlight the best shows on Friday 10th August
Britain by Bike, 8pm, Channel 5
Former EastEnders and Gavin & Stacey star Larry Lamb is back in the saddle as he sets off on another cycling trip around Britain with his son, TV and radio presenter George Lamb, in this meandering travel show. In tonight’s opening episode, the pair are heading for Northumberland to visit a kipper smokehouse that’s been around for more than a century, before stopping off at a renowned archaeological dig, a dog contest and a haunted house. Just like the boys themselves, the show proceeds at a relaxing pace, especially for Larry, who has an electric bicycle to help him out on the hills! Rating: ****
Jane McDonald & Friends, 9pm, Channel 5
Friday nights just won’t be the same without Jane’s sparkle, warm wit and fabulous music. In the last show of the current series, Jane’s guests include actor and fellow cruise singer Claire Sweeney, plus Claire’s former Brookside cast mate Ray Quinn, who first came to our attention in the soap in 2000 before taking the runner-up gong in The X Factor 2004, and then went on to win Dancing on Ice in 2014. Ray performs tonight with the cast of Summer Holiday: The Musical. Rounding off a wide-ranging collection of guests is people’s tenor Russell Watson, who sings classic anthem You Raise Me Up. A fitting finale to a series full of old-fashioned razzmattaz and just a smidgeon of camp. Rating: *****
Gardeners’ World, 9pm, BBC2
It’s August and so a gardener’s thoughts are beginning to turn to Autumn. But before sitting down to order next year’s seed catalogues, there’s plenty to do. Monty Don and Frances Tophill are harvesting produce by the armful, Monty from his garden and Frances from her shared allotment. Mark Lane, meanwhile, is at the Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight, looking at its Mediterranean planting. Rating: ****
More previews tomorrow
