Television viewers are in for a treat this evening with an exciting lineup of programmes across multiple channels, featuring everything from dark private school dramas to entertaining game shows and the continuing journey to Blackpool on Strictly Come Dancing.
Dramatic Private School Intrigue on BBC One
At 9pm on BBC One, Bafta-winning writer Nicôle Lecky presents Wild Cherry, a gripping new drama that combines elements of Gossip Girl with Boarders while adding its own bloody twist. The series focuses on two wealthy students at the prestigious Richford Lake school - Grace, played by Imogen Faires, and Allegra, portrayed by Amelia May.
The plot thickens when the pair are confronted by teachers about a shocking video circulating among students. The drama extends beyond the school gates as their mothers, Juliet (Eve Best) and Lorna (Carmen Ejogo), become involved, revealing that family conflicts mirror the tensions unfolding at school.
Entertainment and Gameshow Delights
Fans of Alan Carr will be delighted to see the comedian return to screens at 5.40pm on BBC One with Alan Carr's Picture Slam. Fresh from his victory on The Celebrity Traitors, Carr hosts this engaging gameshow where contestants can win up to £10,000 by correctly identifying pictures. The first episode features a mother and daughter team from Liverpool who aren't shy about shouting their answers - something viewers at home will likely be doing too.
Later at 8pm on BBC One, Michael McIntyre hosts The Wheel, with the comedian himself declaring that "the words 'Joey Essex on dentistry' is the reason I love this show." The reality star appears alongside other celebrities including Stacey Dooley, Maisie Adam, Oti Mabuse, Asim Chaudhry, Ricky Wilson and Omid Djalili, who help contestants answer questions on their specialist subjects.
Strictly's Blackpool Countdown and Documentary Choices
The pressure intensifies on Strictly Come Dancing at 6.25pm on BBC One as Blackpool's famous ballroom awaits just one week away. Eight couples remain in the competition, each hoping to secure their place for this iconic milestone. Key performances to watch include La Voix and Aljaž's couples' choice routine to Barbra Streisand, Vicky and Kai's jive to Girls Aloud's "Sound of the Underground", and Alex and Johannes's waltz to Barry Manilow.
Channel 4 offers documentary enthusiasts two compelling options at 8pm and 9pm. First, Julie Walters narrates New Zealand By Train, taking viewers on the Northern Explorer's 420-mile journey from Auckland to Wellington on the North Island. The scenic route features long bridges leading to a volcanic plateau, followed by rainforest and ocean views that evoke Middle-earth landscapes.
Later at 9pm, Hitler's DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator explores fascinating historical questions raised by analysis of a blood-soaked material sample taken from Hitler's bunker by American soldiers. The documentary investigates whether Hitler was neurodivergent and examines evidence about possible Jewish ancestry.
Film and Sports Highlights
Film lovers can enjoy Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker at 4pm on ITV1. The final instalment in JJ Abrams's trilogy features Daisy Ridley as Rey and Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, whose complex relationship carries the narrative forward amid spectacular planet-hopping quests and CGI wonders. The film also includes a memorable cameo from Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine.
Sports enthusiasts have plenty to choose from throughout the day:
- Golf: DP World Tour Championship at 7am on Sky Sports Main Event (day three)
- Women's Super League Football: Man City v Man United at 1pm on BBC One from Etihad Stadium
- Men's International Rugby Union: England v New Zealand at 2pm on TNT Sports 1, followed by Wales v Japan at 5.30pm and Ireland v Australia at 7.45pm
- Men's International Football: Liechtenstein v Wales at 4.45pm on BBC Two, with Greece v Scotland following at 7.15pm
With such a diverse range of programming across multiple channels, tonight offers something for every television viewer's taste, from high-stakes drama and light entertainment to documentary insights and sporting excitement.
