From terrestrial obsessions to cosmic dreams: Can a trainspotter truly reach for the stars?
Tonight, prepare for a television journey that's quite literally out of this world! We're talking about Mission to Space With Francis Bourgeois, airing at 6.50pm on Channel 4. You might know Francis Bourgeois as the internet's beloved trainspotter, but this program takes his passion to an entirely new dimension. Can a lifelong enthusiast of locomotives actually become an astronaut? It's a question that sparks curiosity, and you'll find yourself genuinely rooting for Francis as he embarks on this incredible mission.
But here's where it gets truly inspiring: He's not alone! He's got the invaluable guidance of British astronaut Tim Peake, who generously helps Francis achieve his childhood ambition by visiting the NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas. This two-part series is shaping up to be a surprisingly emotional experience. And honestly, watching Francis navigate a sick bag in a simulator? It's a surprisingly poignant TV moment that speaks volumes about pursuing your wildest dreams. Hollie Richardson brings us this heartwarming story.
And this is the part most people miss... while Francis is reaching for the stars, other incredible stories are unfolding right here on Earth.
Over on Channel 4 at 7.50pm, The Great Pottery Throw Down celebrates Raku week. This is a fascinating dive into a medieval Japanese ceramics style, historically used for crafting exquisite tea ceremony bowls. Our host, Siobhán McSweeney, will guide us as the talented potters tackle the challenge of creating animal parent and child structures. Adding to the excitement, a guest judge, a master sculptor, will present a special sculpting spot test. The pressure is on – who will be the one to crack under the heat of the kiln and the competition? Another captivating report from HR.
Meanwhile, at 8pm on BBC One, Call the Midwife continues to deliver its signature blend of heartwarming drama and medical intrigue. We'll see Joyce (played by Renee Bailey) seconded to the antenatal clinic at St Cuthbert's, where she encounters a single mother facing a rare blood type complication, placenta praevia. Elsewhere, Rosalind (Natalie Quarry) is puzzled by a patient's cousin who seems to be scavenging for food from a bin. In a lighter, community-focused segment, the iconic children's show Blue Peter inspires the Turner kids and the wider Poplar community to create a time capsule for the future. Yet another engaging piece from HR.
The Night Manager on BBC One at 9pm promises a penultimate episode packed with dramatic confrontations. Expect momentous face-to-face conversations as the narrative builds towards its climax. Several cast members are set to have their own significant Tom Hiddleston moments, featuring intense two-handers with the star himself. Maverick spy Jonathan Pine (Hiddleston) is masterfully playing on the emotions of those entangled with arms dealer Richard Roper. And Hugh Laurie, as Roper, is convincingly embracing a chillingly evil persona. Jack Seale gives us the lowdown.
At 9pm on ITV1, After the Flood continues its gripping mystery. A second body has been discovered on Benson land, raising the crucial question: is there a connection between the two victims beyond their unusual post-mortem injuries? Detective Constable Jo Marshall (Sophie Rundell) and the newly transferred Detective Sergeant Sam Bradley (Jill Halfpenny) are working tirelessly to uncover the truth. Simultaneously, malicious rumours about Jo’s private life are spreading like wildfire, adding a personal layer of tension to the investigation. Ellen E Jones reports.
Four Kings, airing at 10.05pm on Channel 4, delves into the tumultuous careers of boxing legends Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank Sr, and Lennox Lewis. This series reaches the early 1990s, a period marked by the influence of US promoter Don King. He ushered in a Faustian era for UK boxing, characterized by immense financial rewards but also punishing career lows. The four subjects share their hard-won and often deeply emotional insights into this challenging time. GV provides the analysis.
Film Choice: For those of you who enjoy a late-night cinematic treat, at 2.25am on Talking Pictures TV, you can catch The Blob (1958). While we might already be contemplating enough extinction-level events, this classic B-movie presents a unique threat: a carnivorous amoeba-like alien that crash-lands on Earth and proceeds to devour everything in its path, growing into a colossal glob of slime. This film holds a special place in cinema history, notably featuring Steve McQueen in his very first leading role. Even astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has lauded The Blob as his favorite Hollywood-imagined alien, citing its scientific plausibility (or perhaps, its sheer imaginative terror!). A truly unique pick from EEJ.
Live Sport: Sports fans, get ready for a packed afternoon! From 1pm on Sky Sports Main Event, catch the Premier League football clash between Newcastle and Aston Villa. This is followed by another massive fixture at 4pm: Arsenal versus Manchester United. Don't forget, Everton play Leeds at 6.30pm on Monday. If football isn't your game, tune into BBC Two at 2.30pm for the World Indoor Championships in Bowls, featuring the open singles final.
Now, let's get a conversation started! What do you think about Francis Bourgeois's journey? Is it inspiring to see someone pursue such an extraordinary dream, or do you find the idea of a trainspotter becoming an astronaut a bit far-fetched? And regarding 'The Night Manager', is it more compelling when a spy plays on emotions, or does that cross a moral line? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I'd love to hear your perspectives!
