Secret Genius and The Night Manager Finale Headline a Packed Evening of Television
Tonight's television schedule offers a diverse mix of entertainment, from a heartwarming competition for undiscovered intellects to the climactic end of a gripping spy thriller. Viewers across the UK are in for a treat with programmes spanning drama, documentary, comedy, and live sport.
Secret Genius: A Celebration of Hidden Brilliance
At 9pm on Channel 4, Secret Genius makes its debut, hosted by the irrepressible Alan Carr alongside lexicographer Susie Dent. This innovative series aims to uncover some of the thousands of individuals in the UK with exceptionally high IQs who have remained under the radar. The show features twelve "ordinary" people from varied backgrounds, each possessing extraordinary cognitive abilities.
Among the contestants in the first heat are a hotel receptionist and drag queen named CJ, who humorously notes that people often underestimate his intelligence, a shepherd who has taught her sheepdog sign language, and a tree surgeon with just four GCSEs to his name. The group tackles a series of tricky and engaging challenges, with one participant even cleverly utilising the Cha Cha Slide to succeed. Viewers are encouraged to play along at home, adding an interactive element to the fun.
Carr, as always, brings his trademark warmth and humour to the proceedings, guiding the contestants and announcing who will progress to the finals in Oxford. It's a delightful and uplifting battle of the brains that promises to be both entertaining and inspiring.
The Night Manager Reaches Its Explosive Conclusion
Over on BBC One at 9pm, the second series of the sophisticated spy thriller The Night Manager draws to a close. Following a bold mid-season twist, the finale sees Tom Hiddleston's rogue agent, Jonathan Pine, in a high-stakes confrontation with his cold-blooded nemesis, Gilberto Hanson. With a political coup unfolding in Colombia, the tension mounts as Pine must decide how far he is willing to go to achieve his mission. This urbane drama, where characters often operate under multiple aliases, delivers a satisfying and explosive conclusion to its latest chapter.
Other Highlights Across the Channels
The evening also features several other notable programmes. BBC Two at 9pm presents the second part of Confessions of a Killer, delving into the chilling case of Northern Ireland dentist Colin Howell, who confessed to two murders 18 years after they were ruled a double suicide. The documentary includes police tapes and details of the crimes.
Channel 4 offers Mission to Space With Francis Bourgeois at 6.45pm, the concluding part of a charming documentary that explores the realities and pressures of astronaut training. Meanwhile, Channel 5 at 9pm airs The Beckham Feud: Truth & Lies, examining the recent celebrity gossip surrounding the Beckham family.
For comedy fans, Mock the Week returns at 9pm on TLC, revived after its BBC cancellation in 2022. Host Dara Ó Briain and regular panellist Hugh Dennis are back, with episodes now extended to a full hour.
Live Sport Action Throughout the Day
Sports enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy, starting with Premier League football on Sky Sports Main Event. Manchester United face Fulham at 1pm, followed by Tottenham versus Manchester City at 4.25pm. The Women's Super League sees Manchester City take on Chelsea at 2.05pm on BBC One, with Manchester United versus Liverpool earlier at 11am on Sky Sports.
In cricket, International T20 action continues on TNT Sports 1 at 1.15pm, with Sri Lanka hosting England in the second match of their three-game series from Kandy. Later, at 7pm on Sky Sports Main Event, the Fifa Women's Champions Cup final takes place at Emirates Stadium, capping off a day of thrilling live sport.
With such a rich array of programming, tonight's television line-up caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
