TV: Best on the box for the week ahead (04.11.11)

SATURDAY

The Chase (ITV1, 6pm)

As quiz shows go, this one is a little complicated. Take Total Wipeout, Fifteen to One, mix them together, reach back into history for a little of Moira Stewart’s The Adventure Game, and you still haven’t got anything quite so complicated as The Chase.

This week, TV presenter Nick Hancock, comedienne Jenny Eclair, actress Michelle Collins and stand-up comic Rufus Hound pit their wits against ruthless quiz genius the Chaser in the hope of winning thousands of pounds for charity.

Can the four finest quiz brains in the country succeed in their mission to chase each celebrity contestant out of the game?

Sunday

Downton Abbey (ITV1, 9pm)

Although there has been some debate amongst critics about whether the second series of Downton Abbey has been as good as the first, there’s no doubt whatsoever that it’s been action-packed.

Over the course of the past few weeks, the residents of the Abbey have dealt with war, a deathbed wedding, a potentially amnesiac heir and an illegitimate baby.

So, expectations will certainly be high for the last in the series, and the family and staff are certainly excited as the wedding – and a really nasty dose of flu – approach.

Monday

The Jury (ITV1, 9pm)

Julie Walters is a high-profile defence barrister in this drama, broadcast over five nights and following the re-trial of a man convicted of the violent murder of three women he met over the internet. Now new evidence has come to light casting doubt on the original verdict.

Tuesday

My Transsexual Summer (Channel 4, 10pm)

The seven individuals taking part in this insightful series share one in thing in common; as transgender, they’re undertaking some of the most profound changes any human being can go through.

One says: “Being trans ... It’s more about a journey to find yourself than a journey to find a good surgeon. It makes me so happy to be able to wear make-up, to wear feminine clothes, to have breasts. I wouldn’t change it for the world. Why would anyone want me to if I’m happy?”

Wednesday

Fresh Meat (Channel 4, 10pm)

The terrific Manchester-set student sitcom is back after a two-week break, presumably to allow us viewers some respite after the last episode’s many shocks – which included Josie’s engagement, Vod’s overdose, JP’s father dying, and Oregon’s real identity being unveiled.

Things are definitely coming to a head in this episode, setting the scene for a riveting finale next week

Thursday

Life’s Too Short (BBC Two, 9.30pm)

Actor Warwick Davis, the three foot tall veteran of the Star Wars and Harry Potter sagas, plays a version of himself in much-hyped new Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant project.

Friday

Big Brother: The Final (Five, 9pm)

At long last – has anyone been taking any notice as this revival plodded along in recent weeks? There are hardcore fans, of course, so there will definitely be a good five or six people glued to their screens to find out who won.

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