Thursday’s best TV

Neil Oliver In BBC2's Coast Australia.

The ITV Leaders’ Debate
8pm, ITV

Thank goodness for that. Tonight – barring further unforeseen hitches, such as the presence of too many red M&Ms in his backstage rider, or the fact that he will have to miss MasterChef – David Cameron will take a deep breath and scuttle out from behind the sofa to stand alongside six other party leaders and discuss the affairs of the nation. At the time of writing, this Julie Etchingham-helmed affair looks like being the only debate of its kind this year. So let’s enjoy this triumph of democracy while we can. Phil Harrison

Coast Australia
8pm, BBC2

Despite its by-the-book format, right down to the desperately unatmospheric soundtrack, Coast Australia can’t fail to engage: it is visually ravishing and has far too many good stories to tell. Tonight, Neil Oliver visits Skull Island; more men have walked on the moon than set foot here, he tells us, twice. Elsewhere, historian Dr Alice Garner visits Cheviot Beach, in whose waters prime minister Harold Holt lost his life, and marine ecologist Professor Emma Johnston tracks down a new species of dolphin. David Stubbs

Banished
9pm, BBC2

There are things not to be spoken about, which is hard on James (Russell Tovey). That’s because after he inexplicably escaped hanging for murder, his fellow prisoners are convinced he’s an informant. A nasty end beckons – again. Elsewhere, as Jimmy McGovern’s penal colony saga continues, there’s a reminder to watch where you walk in snake country, Governor Phillip worries about the shortage of supplies, and whining squaddie Buckley thinks his luck is in. Gritty, grim and moralistic drama, but compelling, too. Jonathan Wright

Glasgow’s Killing Streets
9pm, Channel 5

Making VisitScotland wince with every stat, Glasgow is in the firing line with this doc looking at crime in the city. It has a murder rate that’s double the national average, with more people killed and more violent attacks per head than anywhere else in the country. A former detective chief superintendent of Strathclyde police talks about the culture of “recreational violence” in the city’s East End, with gang crime running through generations. The aftermath, some of which is seen here, is often devastating. Ben Arnold

Fortitude
9pm, Sky Atlantic

In a typically chilly and churlish British winter it’s comforting to know that there’s someone far chillier and worse off than yourself; therein lies part of the appeal of Fortitude. That, and its taut psychological drama, of course. This week, Sheriff Dan hastens into the wilderness in search of Morton and Michael Gambon’s Henry, but is forced to reveal the truth about Billy Pettigrew’s murder. Meanwhile, in Fortitude, Jason’s behaviour is taking a turn for the bizarre as Natalie and Vincent’s investigation takes an odd twist. David Stubbs

Inside No 9
10pm, BBC2

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton are the strange, slightly upsetting gift that keeps on giving. In this second series, they reprise their talent for macabre tales united only by their being well-written, tightly plotted and taking place inside a door with a No 9 on it. Tonight’s episode stars Sheridan Smith as Christine, a sales clerk whose life we observe in impressionistic blasts. Can you unpick her story before she herself says: “Oh, I know what this is …”? And yes, 70s people, that is Michele Dotrice! John Robinson

Today’s best live sport

A-League Football Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners – Live action from the Aussie top flight. 10am, BT Sport 1

Premier League Darts Coverage of round eight from Manchester Arena. 7pm, Sky Sports 1

WSL Football Notts County Ladies v Arsenal Ladies – Coverage of the women’s top-flight match from Meadow Lane. 7.30pm, BT Sport 1

Super League Hull FC v Hull Kingston Rovers – Rugby league derby action from the KC Stadium. 7.30pm, Sky Sports 2