THIS WEEK'S MUST-WATCH TV: EUROVISION, CODE OF SILENCE AND JOANNA LUMLEY ON THE DANUBE

Hopes are high for the UK and music lovers, with the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest underway in Basel, Switzerland - and the final is only hours away, kicking off another eventful TV week.

Over on ITV, Rose Ayling-Ellis fronts her first show as a woman-turned-puzzle-solver in Code of Silence. A first for the actress and Strictly winner, 30, who rose to fame portraying side characters, from EastEnders' Frankie Lewis to Reunion's Miri Mokhtar.

Five years following the murder of George Floyd, BBC Two is planning a bombshell documentary on the true crime case that triggered global uproar.

A crucial piece that comes four years after former police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison for the death of the 46-year-old.

Streaming platforms are have their own medley of compelling shows to keep an eye on. On Sky, Grime gourmet Big Zuu drags his rapper cousin into a trip around the world while Diane Kruger fronts an eye-opening thriller on motherhood for Paramount+.

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Code of Silence

Sunday, ITV

In this gritty new drama, Rose Ayling-Ellis stars as Alison, a deaf canteen worker, thrust into a high-stakes world when she’s asked to help track a gang of criminals.

Set in a win-or-bust world where trust is a luxury and secrets are currency, she navigates a dangerous double life while also fighting to be heard in a society that undermines and sidelines her.

With adrenaline-pumping twists and a fresh take on crime drama, Code of Silence isn’t just gripping - it’s groundbreaking. Expect tension, truth and a fierce lead who proves silence can be power.

FA Cup Final Live

Saturday, ITV

Wembley Stadium sets the stage for an epic showdown as Crystal Palace faces football giants Manchester City in the live Emirates FA Cup final.

Hosted by Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods, this high-stakes clash promises drama, passion and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a total newcomer, the excitement is infectious.

Expert pundits - including Palace legend Ian Wright, Karen Carney and Roy Keane - will break down every twist and turn. Expect tension, triumph and top-tier football under the iconic Wembley lights. It’s one match you won’t want to miss.

Eurovision

Saturday, BBC1

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest lights up Basel, Switzerland after Nemo’s big win, with the competition’s grand final. This year, the pressure is high for the UK, who has automatically qualified for the final along with Spain, Germany, France and Italy and is represented by country-pop trio Remember Monday with their song What The Hell Just Happened?

A total of 37 countries are competing for the coveted trophy, with 26 advancing to the Grand Final. Eurovision superfans Rylan and Scott Mills will leave hosting duties to Graham Norton.

Backlash: The murder of George Floyd

Wednesday, BBC2

Five years after the murder of George Floyd ignited a global reckoning on race and justice, BBC2 presents a searing new documentary chronicling the true crime that shook the world.

The feature film dives deep into the events surrounding George’s death and the seismic backlash that followed, culminating in ex-police officer Derek Chauvin’s conviction.

With raw, emotional interviews from George’s family and key witnesses, plus appearances from UK cultural icons in the likes of Nathalie Emmanuel, Munya Chawawa and Che Lingo who took to the streets demanding change, it’s a bold, unflinching look at the fight for Black lives.

The Brontës by Anita Rani

Tuesday, Sky Arts & NOW

Radio presenter Anita Rani gets personal in this moving part-documentary, part-autobiography exploring the legacy of the Brontë sisters.

Returning to her hometown of Bradford and the moors of Haworth, Anita retraces her first encounter with Anne, Charlotte and Emily, revealing how their radical words shaped her own path.

Alongside literary experts and fellow superfans, she dives into the lasting impact of the trio’s trailblazing work - and how these 19th century sisters still speak to today’s readers. A heartfelt homage to three women who rewrote the rules.

Big Zuu & AJ Tracey's Rich Flavours

Tuesday, Sky

Grime star turned foodie Big Zuu is back - this time with rapper cousin AJ Tracey in tow - for a wild global food quest like no other. In this three-parter, the duo criss-cross continents in search of the most outrageous, eye-wateringly expensive and downright bizarre dishes on offer.

From East Asia to North America, they dive into local cultures, meet daring diners and bold creators, and test the limits of their own taste buds. Packed with laughs, shocks and serious flavour, it’s a culinary adventure served with swagger and heart.

The British Blood Scandal

Tuesday, ITV

One of the darkest chapters in British history gets the spotlight it demands in this shocking new documentary. The British Blood Scandal investigates how thousands of people were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C through contaminated blood products - and how a decades-long cover-up failed victims and families.

With testimonies from survivors, whistleblowers and journalists, this hard-hitting expose is an essential viewing. As the Infected Blood Inquiry comes to a head, this film asks the vital question: how did this happen - and who is responsible?

Britain’s Most Expensive Houses

Wednesday, C4

From Cornwall to Jersey, take a peek behind the golden gates in Britain’s Most Expensive Houses, where opulence knows no bounds. From historic mansions with private cinemas to sleek penthouses with million-pound properties that redefine luxury.

Fronted by Real Housewives of Jersey star Margaret Thompson, this show follows the agents selling these dream homes, the buyers willing to splash eye-watering sums and the eccentric touches that set the super-rich apart. It’s aspirational, absurd and utterly addictive property porn at its finest.

The Chelsea Detective

Wednesday, 8pm, U&Drama

Adrian Scarborough returns as the sharp yet soft-hearted DI Max Arnold in season three of The Chelsea Detective, joined once again by Vanessa Emme as DS Layla Walsh.

This time, the duo delve into three gripping new cases - ranging from secrets at the US Embassy to the muddy banks of the Thames. The drama all begins when a body is unearthed on an allotment, revealing the dark past of a former soldier.

With Frances Barber reprising her role as Aunt Olivia and Anamaria Marinca joining as Max’s estranged wife, expected many twists - both professional and deeply personal.

Tucci in Italy

Wednesday, Disney +

Stanley Tucci is back and hungrier than ever in the revival of his hit CNN travel and food series. In this five-part feast for the senses, the Hunger Games star journeys across Italy’s breath-taking landscapes, diving deep into its rich history, beloved cuisine, and hidden gems.

With heartfelt stories from locals, chefs and even Italian cowboys, the series blends flavour, culture and adventure - all served with Stanley’s unmistakable charm. From bustling markets to remote villages, this is Italy like you’ve never tasted it before. Buon appetito!

Little Disasters

Thursday, Paramount +

Based on the bestselling novel by Sarah Vaughan, Little Disasters is a deep dive into the dark, emotional labyrinth of motherhood, friendship and trust.

When a mother (Diane Kruger) brings her baby to A&E with a suspicious injury, her paediatrician - and closest friend - is forced to make a devastating call.

Starring The Split’s Shelley Conn and EastEnders’ Jo Joyner, this psychological thriller peels back the glossy layers of parenthood to reveal the mess, fear and fragility beneath. Prepare for moral dilemmas, powerful performances, and hard-hitting secrets.

The Horne Section

Thursday, Channel 4

Alex Horne is back for a second series of his delightfully chaotic show, The Horne Section. This time, he’s set up shop in the quirky confines of Imogen Heap’s house, complete with its own recording studio.

Expect a blend of scripted sitcom and musical variety, featuring celebrity guests like Martin Kemp and John Oliver. Adding a personal touch, Alex’s real-life wife makes her own appearance, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. With its unique mix of humour, music and behind-the-scenes antics, this six-past series promises to be a treat.

Fountain of Youth

Friday, Apple TV+

Natalie Portman and John Krasinski team up as bickering siblings turned treasure hunters in Fountain of Youth, Guy Ritchie’s latest high-octane mystery.

When Charlotte and Luke reunite to chase the mythical source of immortality, they embark on a wild heist packed with cryptic clues, ancient secrets and life-or-death trials.

With dazzling action, razor-sharp banter and cameos from the likes of Avatar’s Laz Alonso and The Purge’s Carmen Ejogo, this is a pulse-pounding race against time - where the prize could be eternal life.

Joanna Lumley’s Danube

Friday, ITV

National treasure Joanna Lumley is back on our screens with a sweeping soul-stirring adventure along Europe’s most international river.

In this three-part series, the Absolutely Fabulous and Motherland star traces the Danube from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea, uncovering personal stories, lost traditions and unexpected wonders along the way.

From glamorous witches to gay Lederhosen dancers to refugee tales, this is Joanna at her most curious, compassionate and utterly captivating. Geography becomes a gateway to humanity in this travelogue with heart.

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2025-05-17T05:12:06Z