On TV tonight, Jane McDonald hosts this year's Soap Awards, The Yorkshire Vet helps some more pets in need, the Waterloo Road staff grow seriously concerned about one of their pupils, and Steeltown Murders: Hunting a Serial Killer reveals the inside story about the real investigation that inspired the BBC drama of the same name. Here's what you shouldn't miss on TV Tonight.
- Our hand-selected recommendations for what's on TV tonight include 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
British Soap Awards 2023, 8 pm, ITV1
It’s been the year of social issues and heartbreaking health plots. And three storylines dominate the nominations in tonight’s glitzy ceremony (which took place last Saturday at The Lowry, Salford Quays) – Lola’s brain tumour in EastEnders, Paddy’s suicide attempt in Emmerdale and Daisy’s stalking nightmare in Coronation Street. But could Hollyoaks upset the apple cart with its groundbreaking incel plot? And let’s not forget that Doctors did the unthinkable - killing off the beloved Karen Hollins (we’re still not over it). Expect plenty of frills, fake tan and sequins, along with gushing speeches, gracious smiles and some left-field special guests.
★★★★ AS
The Yorkshire Vet, 8 pm, Channel 5
The joy of this series is meeting locals whose animals are so integral to their world, whether cherished pets or precious livestock. Vet Peter Wright’s first house call is to collect two kittens for neutering. Self-confessed ‘moggy lady’ Jean has rescued some 300 cats in her time, and Maisie and Phoenix are just two of the lucky ones; Jean found them abandoned in a burning box. Elsewhere, Shona Searson rushes to a labouring cow whose calf is breach, and Julian Norton is in surgery operating on Rhodesian ridgeback with a nasty spinal cyst. Warning: avoid viewing over a tray supper!
★★★ MC
Waterloo Road series 12, 8 pm, BBC One/iPlayer (box set)
Waterloo Road has never shied away from tackling difficult issues affecting young people, and this episode brings many of them into sharp focus. Shola’s (Chiamaka Ulebor) strange behaviour and the presence of some suspicious bruising on her arms cause the teachers grave concerns, and Val’s stunned when she uncovers the truth. Elsewhere, following her ADHD diagnosis, Kelly Jo is put on the back foot after a kind-hearted gesture from boyfriend Dean – but she’s determined not to be defined by her condition. Another episode that’s top of the class!
★★★ VW
Steeltown Murders: How to Catch a Serial Killer, 9 pm, BBC One
Philip Glenister brought the long inquiry into the 1973 Llandarcy murders to the screen with great pathos as DCI Paul Bethell in the BBC One drama Steeltown Murders and the real story is no less powerful. Filled with grainy archive footage, this moving documentary hears about the logistical nightmare of investigating such cases before computerized records. Most memorable is the exploration of the pioneering process to identify a deceased killer through familial DNA evidence, as police trod a new path in unmarked territory.
★★★★ SMA
Best box set on TV tonight
Poker Face, Sky Max/NOW (box set)
Rian Johnson’s anthology series has a pleasing retro feel about it from the titles onwards. Imagine, if you can, Mr Benn in the hands of Quentin Tarantino, as drifting ‘Poker Face’ Charlie (Natasha Lyonne) sets out to solve a different mystery in each episode.
★★★★ JP
Best film on TV tonight
Military Wives, 9 pm, Film4
Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan are gloriously on song in this funny, feel-good film inspired by Gareth Malone’s chart-topping choir of Army wives. With their soldier husbands away facing peril in Afghanistan, Scott Thomas’s posh Kate and Horgan’s earthy Lisa form a prickly, awkward partnership as the leaders of a morale-boosting choir made up of their fellow Army spouses. Blending humour, heart and more than a little pathos, The Full Monty director Peter Cattaneo hits all the right notes, making it hard to remain dry-eyed as this motley bunch of women discover confidence, camaraderie and the simple joy of singing.
★★★★ JB
Soaps
- EastEnders, 7.30 pm, BBC One
- Emmerdale, 7.30 pm, ITV1
- Hollyoaks, 6.30 pm, Channel 4
- Home and Away, 6 pm, 5Star
Live Sport
- Vitality T20 Blast Cricket, 6.30 pm, Sky Sports Main Event
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss The British Soap Awards 2023 on TV tonight.
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
