TV Times tops picks for tonight
What’s on telly tonight? Here the TV Times team of expert reviewers highlight three of the best shows on telly tonight for Sunday 12th November
Howards End, 9.00pm, BBC1
Forster’s sublime examination of Edwardian class divisions and culture clashes is a favourite of many a bookworm and this stunning four-parter certainly does it justice. Hayley Atwell takes centre stage as middle-class liberal Margaret Schlegel, who, along with her strong-willed sister Helen (Philippa Coulthard), becomes caught up in the wealthy world of businessman Henry Wilcox (Matthew Macfadyen). But as Margaret finds a kindred spirit in Henry’s wife Ruth, who owns the titular country house, events are set in action that will have stark repercussions… Look out for Tracey Ullman making a rare period drama appearance as Margaret’s busybody Aunt Juley. Rating: ****
Blue Planet II, 8.00pm, BBC1
Sir David Attenborough turns his attention to the creatures living on bustling coral reefs. One of our favourite sequences sees a turtle having a spa day, lying back blissfully while smaller fish kindly remove its dead skin and parasites. Meanwhile, a cute saddleback clownfish has to drag a coconut shell along the seabed to give his mate a safe place to lay her eggs. Competition for food is fierce on the reef and, while a broadclub cuttlefish changes its skin pattern repeatedly to hypnotise its prey, a canny coral grouper teams up with an octopus to nab a meal. More worryingly, the episode also looks at how rising temperatures are causing an increase in coral bleaching. Rating: *****
Elton John: Nation’s Favourite Song, 9.00pm, ITV
It’s testament to the singer-songwriter’s iconic status that so many famous faces contributed to this stellar film, charting Sir Elton John’s 50-year career and revealing the UK’s favourite Elton song as voted for by the public. David Walliams interviews Elton, and celebrities including his lyricist Bernie Taupin, Ed Sheeran and Rod Stewart share their memories. Rob Lowe, meanwhile, explains why Tiny Dancer was "the soundtrack of my life". Rating: *****
More previews tomorrow.
