Gladiators BBC One, 5.50pm
It may have been a huge hit in the 1990s, but could Gladiators appeal to a 21st century audience? The executives at the BBC who believed it would were proved right when the revamped show made its debut early in 2024. It became appointment TV for millions, who couldn’t wait to find out how super-fit members of the public would cope when going toe-to-toe with musclebound athletes in a range of energy and strength-sapping challenges. Certainly few were surprised when it was announced that a second series was in the works and now, hot on the heels of New Year’s Day’s celebrity edition, we’re about to be treated to the first episode.
As you might expect, seeing as the first season was such a success, little has changed for the second — after all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? However, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro, won’t be taking part, having sustained a knee injury in training. Nevertheless, he will still be seen on screen, as he announced on Instagram last year: “Don’t worry, I’m recharging and more energised than ever! You’ll still catch me bringing the Nitro spirit to your screens, hyping up my fellow Gladiators, and keeping the energy sky-high.” What certainly hasn’t altered is the presenting line-up — Bradley and Barney Walsh take charge again, while Mark Clattenburg is the referee and Guy Mowbray the commentator. All together now — contender ready…
Investec Champions Cup RTÉ2, 4.45pm
Leinster welcome Bath to Aviva Stadium for a fourth-round match. Last season, Leinster finished runners-up to Toulouse, and are on course to progress again this year, although Bath will be desperate to cause an upset by beating the Lions in their own back yard.
Sarah Beeny’s New Life in the Country Channel 4, 6pm
As part of her role as an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, the property expert attends a tea dance at Dumfries House in Scotland. On her return, Sarah decides to host her own charity bash in her and husband Graham’s barn.
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show BBC One, 6.50pm
The comedian is back with a new run of his glossy entertainment programme. Alan Carr, Jamie Oliver, Marti Pellow, Sam Thompson and his former girlfriend Zara McDermott are the celebrity guests who will be the subject of McIntyre’s mischievous gags and pranks.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid BBC Two, 2.40pm
One of the finest Westerns ever made stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as the titular outlaws who, alongside a schoolmistress (Katharine Ross), attempt to escape the attentions of the posse determined to bring them to justice once and for all.
The Seven Year Itch
The Seven Year Itch TG4, 5pm
Marilyn Monroe delivers one of the finest performances of her career in Billy Wilder’s comedy. She plays the object of a bored publisher’s attentions during a long, hot New York summer. Tom Ewell portrays the hapless chap attempting to impress her.
Molly-Mae: Behind It All Prime Video, streaming now
If you came here expecting to see a preview of “the highly anticipated With Love, Meghan”, I’m afraid Netflix has pushed back the release of Markle’s latest vehicle until March 4. In its glaring absence, fans of Love Island, At Home With The Furys and all things Pretty Little Thing can instead immerse themselves in Molly-Mae Hague’s newest venture. The Love Island 2019 runner-up has since split with Tommy Fury and has managed to find time to launch her own new clothing range, Maebe, alongside co-parenting their toddler, Bambi. This in-depth examination reveals how these experiences have moulded the 25-year-old into a formidable entrepreneur. Purporting to be an unfiltered portrayal of the OG Instagram star, this behind-the-scenes docuseries describes itself as raw and authentic, while aiming to redefine what it means to thrive amid intense and ongoing public scrutiny. As Gen Z as one can get.
Single’s Inferno
Single’s Inferno Netflix, streaming now
Single’s Inferno is back with all the bikinis, bedroom hopping and levels of voyeurism one has come to expect with this South Korean offering. If food and drink are more your bag, Soju Rhapsody lands on Thursday with some familiar faces from Culinary Class Wars. Roy Wood Jr: Lonely Flowers Disney+, streaming now
He may not be on The Daily Show anymore, but there’s no escaping Roy Wood Jr thanks to his hosting Have I Got News For You US, guest hosting the UK version, and his plethora of comedy specials popping up all over the shop. Here, he explores how lack of connection has sent society spiralling into a culture full of guns, protests, rude employees, self-checkout lanes and orgies, and why some of us would rather be alone.
The Pope’s Exorcist
The Pope’s Exorcist Netflix, streaming now
The Vatican’s chief exorcist (Russel Crowe doing his best Mario impression) uncovers an unlikely evil when he investigates the possession of a boy living at an ancient Spanish Abbey. Expect the levels of overacting only palatable on a Saturday night.
