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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Hollie Richardson, Ellen E Jones, Ali Catterall, , Jack Seale and Alexi Duggins

TV tonight: David Dimbleby’s huge series about the the royal family

David Dimbleby in front of a painting of George II by John Shackleton in What’s the Monarchy For?
Royal role … David Dimbleby in front of a painting of George II by John Shackleton in What’s the Monarchy For? (BBC One). Photograph: BBC/The Garden TV

What’s the Monarchy For?

9pm, BBC One
“Are you pro-monarchy?” David Dimbleby, who has reported on countless royal occasions, was once asked. “I’m pro television shows about the monarchy,” he replied. In this epic three-parter, he examines the role the royals have played – and predicts what will happen next. The opening episode asks how politically impartial the monarchy is and how much power its members really have, looking at, among other things, letters written by King Charles III, when Prince of Wales, to Tony Blair, and Queen Elizabeth II’s approval of the suspension of parliament in 2019. He speaks to insiders, including David Cameron, and critics such as journalist Ash Sarkar. One thing most can agree on, as Ian Hislop says: “It’s the ultimate soap, isn’t it?” Hollie Richardson

Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking

7.30pm, BBC Two
In this week’s series finale, Ghosts star Kiell Smith-Bynoe makes the perfect sidekick sous chef as Mary Berry expands on the fine art of hosting a four-course dinner party. Foodie fashions may have changed over her 60 years in the kitchen, but gathering together friends to eat good food is a constant source of pleasure. Ellen E Jones

Celebrity MasterChef

8pm, BBC One
No eliminations today, but the gang still need to bring their A-game for this final week of heats, via challenges including “under the cloche” (turning a single ingredient into the star of a dish), the blindfolded palate test, and street food market – cooking their own dish for the salivating judges. Ali Catterall

Tommy: The Good. The Bad. The Fury

9pm, BBC Three
A double bill of the by-numbers reality show starring Love Islander turned boxing pro Tommy Fury. A hand injury proves a setback, but gives Tommy time to concentrate on his personal life. Newly reunited with Molly-Mae Hague, could a motorhome be just the thing they need? Hannah J Davies

Cooper & Fry

8pm, Channel 5
The detectives head for a disused quarry where a man has been found beaten to death. The trail leads them to a village engaged in a David and Goliath battle for survival against a faceless water company – but who are the mysterious figures who seem to be shadowing Cooper and Fry at every turn? Jack Seale

World’s Most Dangerous Roads

9.45pm, BBC Two

This instalment of the travelogue that sends famous people to travel high-risk car routes features Derry Girls pals Jamie-Lee O’Donnell and Saoirse-Monica Jackson. It is their fifth trip together in a year, but given that it sees them going off-road through the Romanian mountains, it’s likely to be their most hair-raising. Alexi Duggins

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