Television
SATURDAY 20 APRIL
ANNIVERSARY
6.30pm (not N Ireland), 8.25pm BBC2 Catch up via iPlayer
It’s a game TV journalists sometimes play: if you could take one channel to watch on a desert island, along with all its archive, which would it be? And the answer has to be BBC2. Under your palm tree, you’d have access to anything from Fawlty Towers to Civilisation, Boys from the Blackstuff to Life on Earth, and The Great British Bake Off to (forgive me) Top Gear. This week, we’ll be seeing plenty of archive gems without being marooned, as celebrations for BBC2’s 60th birthday unfold, the focus tonight being on classic comedy (not N Ireland) and live music. For the sitcom selection, they’re not even touching on The Royle Family, The Young Ones, I’m Alan Partridge or The Office (all nailed-on BBC2 classics, though some switched to BBC1 later). Instead we have the equally fondly remembered Butterflies, The Likely Lads, Open All Hours and Miranda.
At 8.25pm in 60 Songs: BBC Two at 60, the focus shifts to music, because it wouldn’t be a Saturday night without stirring clips of pop legends. In a selection of 60 landmark performances, the likes of Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Bob Marley, the Rolling Stones, Stormzy and Dolly Parton are on the bill. DAVID BUTCHER Smart TV: page 29
SPORT
10.00am BBC2, 1.45pm BBC1, 7.00pm BBC4 Catch up via iPlayer
Can Ronnie O’Sullivan make history by lifting the trophy for the eighth time, edging him ahead of Stephen Hendry to become the most prolific champion of the modern era? This will be the main baize-based talking point over the next fortnight. The Rocket needs to dethrone Luca Brecel, aka the Belgian Bullet, whose surprise win last year made him the first ever champion from mainland Europe. And no first-time winner has retained the title since the tournament moved to Sheffield’s Crucible in 1977.
The reliably excellent Hazel Irvine helms live coverage as first-round matches get under way. An array of former champions, including Hendry, offer expert insights.
DOCUMENTARY
1.15pm (not Scotland) BBC1 Catch up via iPlayer
Ahead of the big race tomorrow, Gabby Logan talks to some of the 50,000 runners preparing to tackle the winding course through the capital. Chats with charity runners and celebrities illuminate the reasons — some entertaining, some silly, all inspiring — behind their decision to takeonthe26.2-milechallenge.Logan will also profile some of the big names in the wheelchair and elite races.
The field for the women’s event is tightly contested, with three of the four fastest marathon runners of all time set to battle it out, including current world record holder Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia, who ran an amazing 2:11:53 in Berlin last year.
Sport: page 27
SPORT
