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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Hollie Richardson, Jack Seale and Phil Harrison

TV tonight: controversial music-biz drama from the makers of Euphoria

Lily-Rose Depp and Abel Tesfaye in The Idol.
Free love freeway … Lily-Rose Depp and Abel Tesfaye in The Idol. Photograph: HBO

The Idol

9pm, Sky Atlantic

Proudly declaring itself “the sleaziest love story in Hollywood”, this full-throttle drama from the creator of Euphoria, Sam Levinson, caused quite a furore at its debut screening in Cannes. The show follows Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) who meets self-help guru Tedros (Abel “the Weeknd” Tesfaye) on her quest to become the “sexiest pop star in America”. Hollie Richardson

Steeltown Murders

9pm, BBC One

This measured dramatisation of real events concludes with sober elegance. The Port Talbot police want to exhume Joseph Kappen to prove he was a serial killer. While controversy rages, the drama wisely foregrounds the lasting effects of the case on the victims’ loved ones, innocent suspects and Kappen’s own family. Jack Seale

Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland

9pm, BBC Two

Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland
A blazing van in Belfast, 1981, as seen in Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland. Photograph: Robert Dear/BBC/Keo Films/Associated Press

As the brilliant documentary series about the Troubles continues, the dirty protest and hunger strikes of IRA prisoners against Margaret Thatcher – led by Bobby Sands, who died after 66 days – are recalled this week, by some of those who were directly affected by them, and are initially still reluctant to talk about life at that time. HR

Vicky McClure: My Grandad’s War

9pm, ITV1

The lovely banter between Vicky McClure and her grandad Ralph over a cup of sugary tea is enjoyable enough, but it’s the story he recently told his family that takes centre stage in this moving documentary – the part he played in D-day 81 years ago. Together, they retrace his journey to Normandy, flooring a very proud McClure. HR

Vicky McClure and her grandad Ralph
Vicky McClure and her grandad Ralph visit Cap Manvieux, overlooking the Mulberry harbour at Arromanches in France. Photograph: Barry Hayden/ITV/North One

Rescue: Extreme Medics

9pm, Channel 4

The medics responsible for Scotland’s most challenging terrain take on more tough and gruesome cases. There’s Mark, who works on a remote farm but needs urgent assistance after rolling his van. And nine-year-old David, who has crashed a quad bike and impaled himself on a metal fence. Grim, but reassuring too. Phil Harrison

For Her Sins

9pm, Channel 5

Jo Joyner and Rachel Shenton star in this soapy four-part psychological thriller, which runs nightly this week. Lawyer Laura (Joyner) has a seemingly perfect family life when she meets new friend Emily (Shenton) – but both women are not what they seem and Emily is intent on secretly tearing apart Laura’s luck. HR

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