On TV tonight, new drama Life After Life begins on BBC Two, ITV pays tribute to Corrie legend William Roache as he celebrates his 90th birthday in Happy Birthday Bill, two Yorkshire farmers have an American adventure in Rob & Dave's Big Texas Rodeo on Channel 5, there's more chilly celebs as Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof continues on BBC One and it's the last one of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer on C4. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on TV tonight.
- Our hand selected recommendations for what's on TV Tonight include five 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
Life After Life, 9pm, BBC Two
This gorgeous four-part adaptation of Kate Atkinson’s award-winning novel offers a fresh spin on the period drama genre. It follows a young woman, Ursula Todd (played from the age of 16 by Jojo Rabbit’s Thomasin McKenzie), who relives her life again – with subtle changes – every time she dies. After her first death immediately following her birth in 1910, she then has more encounters with the Grim Reaper, as she and her family face the challenges of World War One and the early 20th century’s other era-defining moments. Fleabag’s Sian Clifford gives a lovely performance as Ursula’s spiky but loving mother Sylvie.
★★★★ CC
Happy Birthday Bill, 8pm, ITV (Not Scotland)
As Corrie star William Roache prepares to turn 90 on 25 April (yes, 90!), ITV pays tribute to a telly icon and Guinness World Record holder (for the world’s longest-serving soap star). Bill initially signed up to play Ken Barlow for just 13 episodes and is still embroiled in Weatherfield drama nearly 62 years later. Fans will enjoy the footage of Bill on set with his castmates and at home with his family, while there’s a trip down memory lane when the former Army captain visits his old barracks. He’s as razor-sharp and as sprightly as ever and whatever his secret is, it’s clearly paying off!
★★★★ AS
Rob & Dave's Big Texas Rodeo, 9pm, Channel 5
It’s fair to say that farmers Dave and Rob Nicholson, stars of Springtime on the Farm and The Yorkshire Vet, know their way around livestock. But they’re thrown well and truly out of their comfort zone when they head to Texas for the ultimate farming adventure. The brothers ride quarter horses, try their hand at auctioneering and attempt to hang on to their (cowboy) hats as they ride a mechanical bull. They also join a modern-day cattle drive and eat from an authentic chuck wagon. Will the Lone Star State be able to handle the straight-talking brothers from Barnsley?
★★★★ NH
Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof, 9pm, BBC One
Extreme athlete Wim Hof’s belief that 'there is a natural power in the cold' remains the drive for the eight celebrities who continue to push themselves in subzero temperatures. This week’s challenge is Wim’s special breathing technique – holding your breath for up to three minutes to release deep emotions. And release them it does, bringing a transformative effect for some. Host Lee Mack’s theatrical winter coats provide a distraction from the intensity of it all. Munya Chawawa and Yung Filly go behind the scenes in Munya and Filly Get Chilly on BBC Three (10pm).
★★★ NT
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, 8pm, C4
This year’s famous bakers have been a wonderfully entertaining bunch and the final quartet is no exception. Singer Ellie Goulding, presenter Sophie Morgan, actor Tracy-Ann Oberman and comedian Mawaan Rizwan are charged with making a marble cake for the Signature, a jam roly-poly for the Technical and for the Showstopper, they pay homage to their hero by depicting them in biscuit form!
★★★★ CC
Best box set to watch on TV tonight
Anatomy of a Scandal, season 1, Netflix
Big Little Lies creator David E. Kelley swaps the sunshine of California for the shadowy corners of Westminster in this captivating new six-part thriller adapted from Sarah Vaughan’s bestselling novel. The drama is seen through the eyes of Sophie Whitehouse (Sienna Miller) whose perfect world is turned upside down when her politician husband (Rupert Friend) is accused of sexual assault, in a tale examining power, privilege and consent. It’s a captivating story with plenty of twists – some more believable than others – which sees Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery on fine form as prosecution barrister Kate Woodcroft.
Best film to watch on TV today
Snowpiercer, 9pm, GREAT! Movies
The wonderful Korean film-maker Bong Joon-ho takes us on an extraordinary ride. In this highly allegorical tale, the remnants of humanity are on board a colossal train that never stops. At the back are the downtrodden, including Jamie Bell, Chris Evans and John Hurt, who are determined to seize control, with the train becoming increasingly elite nearer the front. It’s a sensational action film, with comedy, pathos and drama.
Live Sport
- Premier League, Liverpool vs Manchester United, 7pm (k-o 8pm), Sky Sports Main Event/NOW
Soaps on TV tonight
- EastEnders, 7.30pm, BBC One
- Emmerdale, 7.30pm, ITV
- Hollyoaks, 6.30pm, C4
- Neighbours, 6pm, Channel 5
- Home and Away, 6pm & 6.30pm, 5Star
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss Life After Life on TV tonight – a gorgeous new drama.
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
