Grace
ITV, 8pm
John Simm stars as DS Grace in this two-part adaptation of the bestselling Roy Grace detective novels by Peter James. Tonight’s feature-length opener sees Grace still plagued by the disappearance of his wife Sandy six years before and his increasingly unorthodox investigation methods coming under scrutiny during a local muder trial. An intriguing case of a stag night prank gone wrong, leaving the groom-to-be missing, could provide the key to his redemption though. Co-starring Richie Campbell. Ammar Kalia
Chris Packham’s Animal Einsteins
7pm, BBC Two
It seems ants were way ahead of us: the little critters have been using social distancing to avert disease since time immemorial. In tonight’s episode Chris Packham investigates how animals network and co-operate, such as vampire bats who share mouthfuls of blood for bonding purposes. Ali Catterall
How Animals Talk
7pm, Sky Nature
Decoding the complexity of animal communication is a fast-evolving science. This fascinating series looks at the range of language in the animal kingdom and how it’s used. How do animals communicate danger or safety? How do surroundings feed into language? And can humans ever understand? Phil Harrison
Top Gear
8pm, BBC One
Sputtering along to reach a landmark 30th season, the lads’ motoring show returns for another outing with presenters Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris. The trio head to the Lake District for this opening instalment, putting rivalries to one side for an emotional trip with their dads’ old cars. AK
The Great Pottery Throw Down
8pm, Channel 4
The charmingly sedate ceramics contest reaches its final as our remaining three potters go head to head to see who will go home with the 2021 trophy. First, they must tackle a set of fiendishly symmetrical art deco designs in a 1920s-themed task before a mammoth speed challenge. AK
Bloodlands
9pm, BBC One
The twist-filled, Troubles-adjacent crime drama reaches a thrilling conclusion as DCI Brannick (James Nesbitt) observes the tense interrogation of their Goliath suspect. It’s expertly led by his Belfast colleague (Susan Lynch, also starring in ITV’s Unforgotten), but have they got the right copper in cuffs? Ellen E Jones
Film choice
Red River, 2.10pm, ITV4
One of the great westerns: an epic, oedipal tale acted out on the Chisholm cattle trail, packed with action and colourful characters. John Wayne’s Dunson is an old westerner clinging to outmoded values; only a confrontation with his adopted son (Montgomery Clift) offers hope of redemption. Paul Howlett
Live sport
Rugby Union: London Irish v Worcester Warriors 12.30pm, BT Sport 1. Gallagher Premiership clash.
Premier League Football: Leicester City v Sheffield United 1pm, Sky Sports Main Event. Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur at 4pm and Manchester United v West Ham United at 7pm.
Rugby Union: Scotland v Ireland 2.20pm, BBC One. Live from BT Murrayfield.
