In a deeply moving and personal account, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe shares the harrowing details of her six-year imprisonment in Iran in a new BBC Two documentary. 'Prisoner 951: The Hostages' Story' airs tonight at 9pm, offering an unflinching look at her ordeal and the political machinations that kept her detained.
A Mother's Agonising Separation
The feature-length film is built around Zaghari-Ratcliffe's own testimony, poignantly capturing the cost of her lost years. "My child was not even two when I left her," she recounts. "She was nearly eight when I came back." This documentary follows a recent BBC drama about her case, but here she delivers the narrative herself, supported by footage from her arrest and imprisonment.
The programme goes beyond a singular story to examine the broader landscape of state hostage-taking. It features interviews with other former hostages and key political decision-makers, providing crucial context to the events that led to her detention and eventual release.
Tonight's Other Unmissable Viewing
Elsewhere on television this evening, Channel 4 delves into the shocking 2023 felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian's Wall. 'The Sycamore Gap Mystery' at 9pm presents the inside story of the investigation, including evidence that led to two arrests. Locals describe the visceral reaction to the loss, with one stating it "felt like it was a murder."
On Channel 4 at 8pm, Grand Designs: House of the Year continues its search for 2025's most ambitious new build. Highlights include a stunning property in Bannau Brycheiniog, built from local sandstone, and a Hertfordshire home that resembles a modernist sculpture.
Drama, Art, and Festive Films
BBC One's popular drama Shetland nears its climax with its penultimate episode at 9pm, where dark secrets are revealed. Over on Sky Arts, the final of Portrait Artist of the Year 2025 at 8pm sees three artists attempt to capture the multifaceted character of actor Brian Cox.
For film fans, streaming services offer notable new releases. Prime Video presents 'Oh. What. Fun.' starring Michelle Pfeiffer in a relatable Christmas story about a family thrown into chaos. Disney+ offers The Roses, a sparky character piece featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman as warring spouses, supported by a stellar cast including Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon.
