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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Phil Harrison, Ali Catterall, Graeme Virtue, Ellen E Jones and Simon Wardell

TV tonight: Eddie Izzard, Diane Morgan and Pete Doherty salute their comedy hero

Pete Doherty on Tony Hancock: Very Nearly an Armful.
Pete Doherty on Tony Hancock: Very Nearly an Armful. Photograph: UKTV

Hancock: Very Nearly an Armful

8pm, Gold

Tony Hancock was the prototype for every tragic British sitcom lead after him: his bathos, vanity and delusions of grandeur can be detected in everyone from Basil Fawlty to David Brent. This retrospective is helmed by Jack Dee and sees contributions from Eddie Izzard, Diane Morgan and Pete Doherty. Dee also speaks to Hancock’s archivist, his great niece Lucy, who produces documents that are revealing and, given Hancock’s struggles with mental illness, incredibly moving. Phil Harrison

The Masked Singer

7pm, ITV1

Another round of galumphing and lusty operatics from the incredibly entertaining guessing game. Piece of Cake was revealed to be Lulu last week, and now it’s time for the judges to try to rumble the likes of Otter, Ghost, Rhino, Rubbish and Jacket Potato (who’s already proved to be a Smash). Ali Catterall

That’s My Jam

7.50pm, BBC One

Mo Gilligan brings plenty of energy to his first BBC project, but the fact that this wacky challenge show is filmed in LA rather skews the guest-booking. Grey’s Anatomy star Camilla Luddington and The OC’s Chris Carmack take on Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and UK comic Gina Yashere. Graeme Virtue

Mystery Road: Origin

9pm, BBC Four

The slightly melancholy Aussie crime prequel continues with cop Jay Swan (Mark Coles Smith) probing a robbery despite being ordered off the job. Where many TV cops are seemingly almost infallible, there’s a pleasing vulnerability to Jay that gives this series real heart. PH

Atlantic Crossing

9pm, Drama

When we first meet Olav (Kyle MacLachlan) and Märtha (Sofia Helin) – the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway – war is a year away and they’re getting friendly with the Roosevelt family. This intriguing if soporific drama tells the story of their sudden flight from their home country after the Nazi invasion. PH

The John Bishop Show

9.30pm, ITV1

The previous professions of John Bishop include footballer, pharmaceutical rep and standup comedian, but he may have found his calling as a chatshow host. That genial charm makes for great sofa-based conversation when the right guests drop by. There are two of those this week: Mo Gilligan and Sue Perkins. Ellen E Jones

Film choices

Images, 11.30pm, Talking Pictures TV

An outlier in Robert Altman’s career of mostly socially minded, expansive dramas, this 1972 film is a tight, tense psychological horror. Susannah York is children’s author Cathryn, who starts hearing voices and seeing people who aren’t there. To regain her sanity, she and her photographer husband Hugh (René Auberjonois) head off to their rural holiday home. It’s a tranquil place but visions of a dead lover mingle with the real presence of a former fling to fragment her sense of reality and identity – in convincingly disturbing ways. Simon Wardell

This Is Spinal Tap, 11.55pm, BBC One

This Is Spinal Tap in BBC One.
This Is Spinal Tap in BBC One. Photograph: Moviestore Collection/REX

With a very belated sequel in the works, here’s a chance to swot up on the lyrics and lines from one of the greatest comedies ever made. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are the long-running British heavy metal band chronicled by Rob Reiner’s documentarian on a US tour that goes disastrously, hilariously wrong. From ill-fated drummers and unusual amps to irony-free songs and badly measured stage sets, the film is a slew of smart observations about ageing rockers and popular music’s ever-changing fashions. SW

Live sport

Premier League Football: Man United v Man City, 11.30am, BT Sport 1 The Manchester derby from Old Trafford. Followed by Brentford v Bournemouth at 5pm on Sky Sports Main Event.

Rugby Union Champions Cup: Gloucester v Leinster, 12.30pm, ITV1 Captain Lewis Ludlow and team try to avenge a 57-0 drubbing in the reverse fixture.

Snooker: The Masters, 1.15pm, BBC One The opening semi-final from Alexandra Palace, London.

Netball: England v Jamaica, 2pm, BBC Two The second game in a three-match Test series at Copper Box Arena.

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