TV Times tops picks for tonight
What’s on telly tonight? Here the TV Times team of expert reviewers highlight the best shows on Wednesday 3rd January
Girlfriends, 9.00pm, ITV
The friendships we form as teenagers often prove to be some of the strongest of our lives, and that’s certainly the case in this warm-hearted drama from the pen of the wonderful Kay Mellor. It follows the fortunes of Linda (Phyllis Logan), Sue (Miranda Richardson) and Gail (Zoë Wanamaker), whose lives have taken very different turns since they met at a youth club many moons ago, but whose bond remains just as strong as they face their sixties. While fiery Sue is feeling overlooked at work, downtrodden Gail faces trouble following her son’s release from jail, but they’re still doing their best to support poor Linda, whose husband is feared to have drowned on a cruise… Rating: ****
Miriam’s Big American Adventure, times vary, BBC1
Fresh from The Real Marigold on Tour, actress Miriam Margolyes embarks on a road trip through middle America. It’s not merely a celebration of all things USA, though. Starting in Chicago, Miriam’s introduced to former Playboy Bunny Candace Jordan, who takes her to a glittering social event. But, eager to witness the side of the city that exists away from high society, Miriam then visits its most dangerous project to meet a former gang member. Later, she visits Indianapolis for a mass citizenship ceremony, asking why people from other countries still want to become Americans in an era of political volatility. Rating: ****
Tom Kerridge’s Lose Weight for Good, 8.00pm, BBC2
Diets don’t work, do they? Because the very word makes us want to reach for the biscuit tin. However, Tom Kerridge may have just concocted a diet we could stick to. Armed with NHS-approved weight-loss advice, the chef – who has himself lost around 12 stone in recent years – takes 13 volunteers who’d like to lose weight and gives them recipes that pack huge flavour with only a fraction of the calories. He makes healthier comfort foods including muffins, lasagne and Southern-style chicken. And, as the volunteers tuck in, it appears he’s on to a winner… Rating: ****
More previews tomorrow
