Tonight's TV: Long Lost Family's Emotional Reunion & Dispatches' Palestine Action Probe
TV Tonight: Long Lost Family & Dispatches Investigation

Prepare for an evening of compelling television that spans heartfelt reunions, investigative journalism, and adventurous escapades. The schedule tonight offers a diverse mix of programming designed to captivate audiences across multiple channels.

Long Lost Family Returns with Another Emotional Journey

At 9pm on ITV1, the beloved series Long Lost Family makes its return, promising another episode filled with raw emotion and life-changing discoveries. This week, the focus falls on Scott, a man whose childhood was shrouded in family secrets. At just twelve years old, Scott learned the shocking truth that his parents were actually his grandparents, and his older sister was, in fact, his biological mother.

Now, as an adult, Scott has reached out to hosts Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell for assistance in locating his real older sister, who was placed for adoption many years ago. The show meticulously documents the search process, from initial investigations to the nerve-wracking wait for DNA results, culminating in the highly anticipated reunion. Viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions as Scott navigates this profound personal quest, with Davina and Nicky providing their trademark compassionate support throughout the challenging journey.

Dispatches Investigates the Controversial Ban on Palestine Action

Shifting to more serious subject matter, Channel 4 presents a new Dispatches documentary at 10pm, titled Palestine Action – The Truth Behind the Ban. This hard-hitting investigation delves into the government's controversial decision to proscribe the activist group Palestine Action, a move that has led to the arrest of over 2,000 supporters.

Reporter Matt Shea gains exclusive access to the organisation, exploring their activities and motivations. The documentary critically examines why Palestine Action has been labelled a terrorist group, a classification that places it alongside entities like Islamic State and neo-Nazi organisations. This programme promises to shed light on a complex and divisive issue, offering viewers an in-depth look at the realities behind the headlines.

Additional Highlights Across the Channels

The evening's lineup is rich with variety, ensuring there is something for every taste:

  • Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey (8pm, Channel 4): The cheerful presenter continues her Scandinavian adventure, visiting the wild Vesterålen region. Highlights include meeting a nomadic reindeer herder, experiencing an unusual goat massage, and sailing through the stunning Lofoten Islands in hope of spotting majestic sea eagles.
  • Spain with Michael Portillo (8pm, Channel 5): The former politician travels to Basque country, exploring Bilbao and San Sebastián. The journey features a pintxos bar crawl, a visit to a replica 16th-century whaling ship, the iconic Guggenheim museum, and reflections on the Spanish Civil War.
  • Rob & Romesh vs Team GB: Winter Special (9pm, Sky Max): Comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan attempt to master curling at the world championships in Canada, providing their signature humour amidst sporting challenges.
  • Black Ops (9.30pm, BBC One): This anarchic spy comedy follows MI5 support workers Kay and Dom as they launch a rogue surveillance operation, resulting in a series of Mr Bean-esque mishaps and rapid-fire gags.

Late-Night Film Selections

For night owls, the broadcast schedule includes two distinct film offerings:

  1. Kindling (11.30pm, BBC Three): A poignant drama about five teenage friends gathering for the summer, one of whom is terminally ill. The film explores themes of friendship, loss, and celebration of life with sensitivity and emotional depth.
  2. The Toxic Avenger (2am, Sky Cinema Premiere): A delightfully silly remake of the 1984 cult classic, starring Peter Dinklage as a janitor transformed into a green-hued superhero fighting corporate malfeasance, complete with comic gore and over-the-top action.

Tonight's television landscape offers a perfect blend of emotional storytelling, investigative rigor, and entertaining diversions, making it an evening not to be missed for discerning viewers across the United Kingdom.