Alan Dee’s guide to the pick of next week’s TV

SATURDAY

Paddy McGuinness hosts another series of the unashamedly addictive dating show which sees a bloke bare his soul in front of shrieking, stiletto-heeled beauties and does everything he can to stop them losing interest in him and turning their lights out.

Those who are hoping to impress this week include a pair of Cambridge twins trying to nab a double date, a yoga instructor and a farmer.

SUNDAY

Friday Night Dinner 
(Channel 4, 10pm)

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The concept of Robert Popper’s semi-autobiographical series is simple – each episode takes place over the course of a Friday night, as twenty-something brothers Adam (Bird) and Jonny (Tom Rosenthal) went round to their parents’, Jackie (Tamsin Greig) and Martin Goodman (Paul Ritter), for dinner.

This week, Grandma (Frances Cuka) introduces the family to her new boyfriend, who soon upsets everyone with his rude behaviour.

Dad cannot stand him and hides in his shed, but nobody is prepared for what happens when the guest suddenly loses his temper.

MONDAY

Sing For Your Life 
(Channel 4, 8pm)

You must have noticed that Channel 4 is on a bit of a mission right now? And as the broadcaster continues its fundraising campaign with Cancer Research UK, you’re about to learn a heck of a lot more about terminal illnesses that claim eight million lives every year.

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As part of week-long campaign Stand Up to Cancer, this programme in particular focuses on the Big C Choir which is made up of an inspiring group of people, who have all been or are receiving treatment for cancer.

There are 35 of them getting set to show what they can do with a sell-out concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

TUESDAY

The Great British Bake-Off (BBC Two, 8pm)

Gingerbread coliseums, cakes that slice open to reveal a whole new design, beef Wellingtons that look like something you’d normally find in a medical textbook – we really have seen it all during this series.

But now the contest is drawing to an end and just three wannabe master bakers remain to battle it out for the title.

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To clinch it, they are going to have to impress Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood with a signature pithivier (that’s a puff pastry pie to non-baking experts), a batch of fondant fancies, and their final showstopper, which will be made using the notoriously difficult chiffon sponge. Who will rise to the challenge? Wednesday 17/10/12

WEDNESDAY

Emmerdale (ITV1, 7pm)

This week the randy rural soap is turning 40, and marking the milestone with a live episode. There are two weddings and two new arrivals on the cards, so there’s lots of action in store – but watch out for the weather, as there are outdoor scenes planned and there’s no plan B if the heavens open.

THURSDAY

Hebburn (BBC Two, 10pm)

New six-part sitcom takes place in a small Tyneside town, with rising comic Chris Ramsey, Vic Reeves and Gina McKee all in the cast. Think Gavin & Stacey meets the Likely Lads – it looks promising.

FRIDAY

Stand Up to Cancer 
(Channel 4, 7.30pm)

Now Alan Carr, Davina McCall and Christian Jessen host a marathon fundraiser they hope will inspire people to hand over the cash needed to help researchers trying to find a cure.

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The all-star line-up, which includes Cheryl Cole, Leona Lewis, Derren Brown, David Hasselhoff, The Simpsons, Bradley Cooper, Kylie Minogue, Tom Daley, Jimmy Carr and Anna Friel, plus many more.

Carr says: “I’ve seen exactly how destructive the big C is. I’ve lost two people already this year to cancer. We need to raise a lot of money.”

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