The Tudors (Friday 9pm, BBC2)
A pivotal episode of my new favourite thing as the situation literally comes to a head for Sir Thomas More, who refuses to swear allegiance to his old friend the King. Not that Henry seems particularly bothered as he’s busy pulling peasant girls in the woods and luring them back to the royal bedchamber. As for Anne, things do not look good when there’s a problem with her pregnancy and H is still after a son and heir. With a season finale not too far away, who thinks Anne will be seeing season three? Bet now!
Comedy Connections (Friday 10.35pm, BBC1)
I’m amazed that Dad’s Army hasn’t been covered previously in this long-running series, but as it’s the 40th Anniversary of this most classic of sitcoms this year, it seems somewhat appropriate that they’ve finally got around to it now. Of course, we’re sadly fairly low on cast members to reminisce about their days in the Home Guard, but those still with us are all present and correct. Creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft are also on hand to provide some more behind the scenes insight into the genesis of Dad’s Army
Last Choir Standing (Saturday 6pm, BBC1)
This show hasn’t really done it for me, I’m afraid, but it’s proved an adequate diversion for a few million on a Saturday night, so it must be doing something right. I just haven’t been able to get past my irrational hatred for anything fronted by Nick Knowles (although on the plus side, he isn’t Matt Allwright). Who will be crowned the top choir of the competition in the public vote? Find out at 8.50pm!
The X Factor (Saturday 7.10pm, ITV1)
It’s business as usual once again as we’re still at the heat stage. Fun and games but not terribly exciting at this stage.
Dad’s Army (Saturday 8.40pm, BBC2)
After last night’s Comedy Connections, why not watch the real thing with a vintage episode of classic comedy in the company of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard. In Knights of Madness, Mainwaring and the boys stage a recreation of the battle between St George and the Dragon. Later, catch a repeat of Comedy Connections at 11.10pm on BBC2.
Gladiators: the Legends Return (Sunday 8pm, Sky One)
Old lags Wolf, Rocket and Trojan return to the Gladiators arena to take on their Noughties counterparts in a special episode of the revived series. I’m so pleased Ian Wright is now presiding over some quality, highbrow television and has left his court jester days on Match of the Day behind.
Fiona’s Story (Sunday 9pm, BBC1)
Thank goodness for some decent drama this weekend, but beware, Fiona’s Story is not an easy or comfortable watch. It’s powerful, intense, ambiguous and thought provoking. Gina McKee is housewife Fiona who occupies a seemingly perfect world with lovely kids and a brilliant husband in Simon (Jeremy Northam). That world is destroyed when the police turn up to arrest Simon for allegedly downloading images of abused children. McKee and Northam are superb as emotions and accusations fly, and this is heavyweight stuff. Heartbeat it ain’t…
Spooks: Code 9 (Sunday 9pm, BBC3)
This week the team tackle a group of eco-terrorists who are planning a bank heist to fund their activities and group leader Charlie is on an intelligence-gathering mission involving a nuclear scientist. I wonder if this is what The Famous Five would be like if Enid Blyton was writing today? Let’s face it, all that’s missing is Timmy the Dog and all that ginger beer.
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