Elton John: Uncensored
9pm, BBC One
It has been a big year for our Rocket Man, first producing his glitzy Hollywood biopic, then releasing his autobiography and now taking part in a gargantuan 300-date farewell world tour (again). Graham Norton chats to the singer about his illustrious 50-year career from John’s luxury home in the south of France. The pair cover everything in his journey from shy childhood to flamboyant stardom and his battles with addiction, getting to the heart of what makes Reg Dwight Elton John. Ammar Kalia
Tonight: The Leader Interviews – Jo Swinson
7.30pm, ITV
With their core policy of cancelling Brexit attracting a growing number of voters, the Lib Dems seem to be back from the political wilderness. In the latest party-leader grilling on ITV, Swinson will attempt to make the rest of their vision sound equally distinctive and appealing. Graeme Virtue
Buy It Now for Christmas
8pm, Channel 4
Rylan Clark-Neal hosts a special tinsel-themed series of the Dragons’ Den-a-like, in which members of the public try to get their inventions on the shelves by Christmas. Is Roger’s innovative roasting tin a hot prospect? Will Bridget’s Christmas cocktail marmalade a-peel? Ali Catterall
Chris Packham: Plant a Tree to Save the World
8pm, Channel 5
Chris Packham and John Humphrys are on a mission to raise enough money to plant 100,000 trees in the UK – which has one of the lowest rates of forestation in Europe. Meanwhile, presenters Martin Hughes-Games, JB Gill and Clare Nasir explore why trees are so vital to fight against global heating. AK
The Gene Doctors
9pm, Smithsonian
When Sonia’s mother died of a hereditary brain disease in her 50s, she realised she faced the same fate unless she could find a cure in time. This documentary follows her and other doctors working on innovative gene therapy. They all have a personal story to tell, whether it is helping ill children or saving their own lives. Hannah Verdier
Upright
10pm, Sky Atlantic
Transporting pianos is a risky business and Tim Minchin is taking his across Australia in this endearing new series about a musician reconnecting with his estranged mother who only has days to live. Newcomer Milly Alcock steals the show as Minchin’s hitchhiker, the tough teen to his weathered middle-aged man. AK
Film choice
The Crying Game, 1.05am, Film4
Neil Jordan’s absorbing 1992 drama grips despite the thematic lurches: opening as a thriller about the IRA, it shifts into a hostage drama, then urban love story. Pulling it together is Stephen Rea’s Fergus, an IRA man who gets too close to squaddie hostage Forest Whitaker, then is fascinated by the latter’s lover. Paul Howlett
Live sport
European Tour Golf: Alfred Dunhill Championship 10.30am, Sky Sports Main Event. Day one action from South Africa.
Europa League Football: Astana v Manchester United 3.30pm, BT Sport 2. Followed by Arsenal v Eintracht Frankfurt at 8pm.
Test Cricket: New Zealand v England 9.30pm, Sky Sport Main Event. The first day of the second Test.
