Dickensian
8pm, BBC1
There’s much to be admired about Tony Jordan’s cunningly plotted take on the characters of Charles Dickens. That’s especially true when Stephen Rea’s Inspector Bucket, his world-weary demeanour never quite obscuring his belief in justice, is at the centre of events. Tonight’s face-off with Fagin (Anton Lesser) crackles with energy, while we see Bucket’s softer side in an encounter with a waif. Elsewhere, Compeyson has an uninvited visitor. Continues tomorrow. Jonathan Wright
The Great Sport Relief Bake Off
8.30pm, BBC1
“David said to me last night: ‘I’m really worried about the technical. What are you going to do?’” Even in reported speech, the PM’s pop-culture references don’t sound convincing, but by the time the first episode of the celebrity oven-off reaches the technical round – a Paris Brest – Samantha Cameron has already knocked out a perfect tray of vol au vents and is well ahead of the field. Helping her raise money for vulnerable people are EastEnders actor Maddy Hill, comedian Jason Manford and ex-footballer David James. Jack Seale
A Timewatch Guide
9pm, BBC4
This new series looks at how the Beeb has covered matters historical in its documentary coverage. First up, it’s Britain’s leading henge, Stonehenge, with the ever-zesty Professor Alice Roberts unearthing 70 years’ worth of BBC archive footage to tell the story of how historians and archeologists have developed and discredited theories about the site. With astronomers and geologists having also thrown in their two cents, the definitive purpose of the stone circle still remains a tantalising mystery. Ben Arnold
Children Saved From The Nazis: A Hero’s Story
10.45pm, BBC1
“The future lies in forgetting the past, not remembering it,” said Nicholas Winton. Maybe this is why he kept his remarkable story to himself for 50 years. As a young stockbroker, Winton was aware in 1939 of the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany, and managed to save 669 children thanks to an official-looking “British Committee” he set up to give them safe passage to the UK. In 1988, when his heroism came to light, some survivors met Winton for the first time on the TV show That’s Life! David Stubbs
Mary Portas Secret Shopper
8pm, Channel 4
Last in the series of the retail trouble-shooting show. Mary pays the 157 Store near Portsmouth a visit and rolls up her sleeves for a protracted battle amid the clothes rails with owner Andy. His stock is laddish and his style is old. As usual with Portas’s shows, she isn’t just tackling aesthetics but trying to turn around the oil rig of one man’s unwillingness to let go of his past. Will he listen to a clued-up expert with a power bob or will his ears remain deaf to the sensible advice she gives him? Julia Raeside
Madam Secretary
9pm, Sky Living
Season two premiere of US political drama following a Hillary Clinton-esque secretary of state played by Téa Leoni. Elizabeth steps into the president’s shoes when Air Force One mysteriously vanishes in mid-air, while professor husband Henry discovers that intelligence services plan to blackmail one of his students into joining their ranks. Despite newsy nods to flight MH370 and Russia’s attitude towards homosexuality, House Of Cards this ain’t. However, it is a touch more believable than fellow White House serial Scandal. Hannah J Davies
Do Not Disturb
10pm, Gold
A consciously old-fashioned comedy one-off, with Catherine Tate and Miles Jupp as a couple whose stay in a honeymoon suite might save their marriage, if only ludicrous circumstance doesn’t nobble them. There’s quality throughout the cast, with Steve Edge and Car Share’s Sian Gibson as the hotel staff, but farce is hard to write and this script falls well short. The pace doesn’t gather, nothing anyone does is plausible, and the dialogue is littered with dead lines. Cringeworthy, in the wrong way. Jack Seale
FILM CHOICE
Point Blank
(John Boorman, 1967) 9pm, TCM
Boorman’s first Hollywood film is part arthouse, part thriller, as lean and hard as its star, Lee Marvin. His Walker is an old-school crook, double-crossed and left for dead on Alcatraz, but returning to seek vengeance and the loot. Aided by moll Angie Dickinson, he moves through a gleaming LA, shadow-like in dark suit. Paul Howlett
Someone To Watch Over Me
(Ridley Scott, 1987) 12.15am, BBC1
Class barriers tumble when lowly cop Tom Berenger has to guard wealthy socialite and state’s witness Mimi Rogers, and the two become lovers. It’s seductively shot, and the romantic drama works beautifully. The thriller element is less plausible, despite a nervy stalking duel between cop and killer in Rogers’s labyrinthine apartment. Paul Howlett
Today’s best live sport
Tennis: The Australian Open
Conclusion of the quarter-final stage. 8am, 2.30am, Eurosport 1
League Cup Football: Manchester City v Everton
Second leg of the semi-final. Everton travel to the Etihad stadium holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg. 7pm, Sky Sports 1
Basketball: San Antonio Spurs v Houston Rockets
NBA clash. 1am, BT Sport 1
ODI Cricket: New Zealand v Pakistan
Second in the three-game series between the sides. 1am, Sky Sports 2
