One of Britain's most enigmatic artists is being seen in a startling new light tonight as a major BBC documentary gains unprecedented access to his private world. JMW Turner's 37,000 secret sketchbooks have been made public for the first time, offering extraordinary insights into the mind of the celebrated painter.
The Hidden World of Turner's Sketchbooks
While Turner never kept a personal diary, he left behind an astonishing visual record of his inner life through thousands of drawings that remained private during his lifetime. The BBC Two documentary Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks brings these remarkable works to television audiences for the first time, with experts and admirers examining what they reveal about his character and creative process.
Among those searching for clues within the sketchbook pages are clinical psychologist Orna Guralnik, actor Timothy Spall - who memorably portrayed the artist in the film Mr Turner - fellow artist Tracey Emin, and naturalist Chris Packham. Their collective examination raises a fascinating question: could Turner have been neurodivergent?
Tonight's Television Highlights
Beyond the Turner revelation, Tuesday evening offers viewers a diverse selection of programming across multiple channels. On Channel 4 at 8pm, Grand Designs: House of the Year returns with Kevin McCloud and his team exploring six exceptional homes shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects award. The episode features properties built against considerable odds, including one constructed on a collapsing hillside along the south coast.
Simultaneously at 8pm on Sky Arts, Portrait Artist of the Year 2025 continues with three notable sitters posing for nine competing artists. This week's famous faces include Big Boys creator Jack Rooke, ballet dancer Reece Clarke, and retired astronaut Tim Peake, with Stephen Mangan hosting and experts judging the artistic results.
Drama, Dance and Comedy Crowns
BBC One's popular crime drama Shetland continues at 9pm, with troubled care-leaver Stevie becoming a prime suspect in Eadie's murder following testimony from an observant cab driver. Meanwhile, the accidental drug dealing storyline involving Chris and Hayley develops further complications as Sandy seeks to re-interview Chris about his statement.
Also at 9pm on Sky Arts, Battle of the Irish Dancers follows young competitors preparing for the world's largest Irish dancing challenge. The programme tracks seventeen-year-old Lauren's attempt to qualify for world championships in Birmingham, while in Dublin, Ella from the Niall Holly Academy performs at the Irish Shield Feis. Teacher Kelly Hendry sums up the intense pressure facing dancers: "At the end of the day, this is about you being perfect."
The evening concludes with the BBC New Comedy Awards 2025 Final at 10.40pm on BBC One, where six finalists including London standouts Blank Peng and Sharifa Butterfly compete for the comedy crown at Bradford's Alhambra theatre. Hosted by Amy Gledhill with judge Fatiha El-Ghorri, the special includes a performance from 2024 champion Paul Hilleard, continuing the award's thirty-year tradition of launching comedy careers like those of Lucy Beaumont and Alan Carr.
