Television viewers are in for a treat this evening with a compelling mix of new drama, returning entertainment favourites, and high-stakes sport. The standout is the debut of a gritty new Irish detective series on BBC Four, while a family favourite makes a triumphant return to BBC One.
A Detective Confronts Her Past in Blackshore
The night's major new offering is Blackshore, which begins at 9pm on BBC Four. The drama introduces DS Fia Lucey, a formidable Dublin detective played by Lisa Dwan. Her life takes a sharp turn when she is temporarily seconded back to her rural hometown.
The assignment immediately proves challenging as Fia is assigned to a missing person's case. Her direct approach quickly ruffles feathers among the local community. As with the best police procedurals, the investigation is complicated by personal history. Fia is forced to confront demons from her own past, which may hold a direct connection to the mystery she is trying to solve.
Gladiators Ready for Battle Once More
Earlier in the evening, the arena lights up once again for the return of Gladiators at 5.45pm on BBC One. The reboot has been a ratings sensation, largely by staying faithful to the beloved 1990s formula of spandex, spectacle, and genuinely gruelling physical contests.
As the family-friendly hit launches its third series, producers are promising at least one fresh element for fans: a brand new event will be introduced to test the contenders in novel ways.
More Evening Highlights
The entertainment continues with the return of Michael McIntyre's Big Show at 6.45pm on BBC One. The new series promises more hilarious surprises, with England rugby player and Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler reportedly being woken up for a round of the chaotic Midnight Gameshow.
For history enthusiasts, Channel 4 offers Valley of the Kings: Secret Tomb Revealed at 7.30pm. This concluding episode follows archaeologists as they strive to complete the excavation of Pharaoh Ramses III's tomb, known as KV11, for the first time in a century. The documentary also poses a provocative question: did famed explorer Howard Carter steal from Tutankhamun's tomb?
On Sky Atlantic at 9pm, the ice hockey drama Heated Rivalry serves up a double bill with an icy twist, focusing on a new romance for character Scott Hunter before returning to the central love story of Ilya and Shane.
BBC One presents a powerful drama at 9.20pm with Waiting for the Out. The story follows Dan, a prison philosophy teacher, whose work triggers difficult memories of a childhood dominated by fear of his father.
Today's Live Sport Line-Up
Sports fans have a packed schedule to choose from today:
- Premier League Football: The Manchester derby kicks off at 11am on Sky Sports Main Event, with Michael Carrick taking charge of United against City. Later, Nottingham Forest host Arsenal at 4.30pm on TNT Sports 1.
- Snooker: The Masters continues with its first semi-final at 1pm on BBC One.
- Tennis: The Australian Open begins its day one action from Melbourne Park, with coverage starting at 12.30am on TNT Sports 1.
