Coronation Tailors, The Big Steam Adventure and Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip: TV highlights this week

Words by Scheenagh Harrington

The crime fiction genre is possibly one of the richest seams to mine for anyone with a creative bent. It has given rise to writers such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler, Ruth Rendell and PD James, to name but a handful.

They have created timeless characters including Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Philip Marlowe and Adam Dalgleish.

Let’s face it, without them, there would probably be no Benoit Blanc lighting up streaming platform Netflix, and the world would be much poorer for it.

One man who has been steadily adding his own touch of class to the genre is Anthony Horowitz. Younger readers know him as the author of the Alex Rider, The Diamond Brothers and The Power of Five series of novels, but he’s also beloved among Conan Doyle fans.

Horowitz published his first book, The Sinister Secret of Frederick K Bower, in 1979 and although he penned several children’s books, it was only the 2000 release of the Alex Rider novel Stormbreaker that his career kicked into another gear.

Eleven years later, it was announced he would write a new Sherlock Holmes novel, The House of Silk, becoming the first to receive an official endorsement from the Conan Doyle estate.

In 2014, he followed it up with Moriarty and the same year was commissioned by the Ian Fleming estate to pen a James Bond story, Trigger Mortis. It was followed by Forever and a Day in 2018, and With a Mind to Kill in 2021.

You could be forgiven for thinking that was enough to keep most people busy, but Horowitz was also nose to the grindstone creating TV shows.

In the 1908s, he contributed to children’s series Dramarama and period adventure Robin of Sherwood. The next decade saw him work on several Hercule Poirot stories for the Poirot series, and in 1997 he co-created long-running crime drama Midsomer Murders.

By 2001, he had penned the occasional drama anthology series Murder in Mind, and followed it up the next year with Second World War-set detective series Foyle’s War.

He even appeared in one of his own stories, The Word Is Murder, describing himself as the “not entirely successful sidekick” to the “rather dark and dangerous” main character Daniel Hawthorne.

So it’s no surprise to learn he adapted his own bestselling novel, Magpie Murders, into a barnstorming television miniseries.

It has been a feast for the senses, but you don’t have to be devotees of crime drama to enjoy it either, thanks to Horowitz’s crisp writing and sparkling performances from a cast led by the brilliant Lesley Manville.

After a rollercoaster ride, we’ve reached the penultimate episode. The threads of this complex story are starting to pull together, as Susan confronts Andreas about the incriminating photograph that has been sent to her via email.

Meanwhile, in Saxby on Avon, Atticus Pünd lends a hand to Inspector Chubb in the investigation of the murders of Mary Blakiston and Sir Magnus Pye, with the insightful suggestion that perhaps police divers should search the lake…

The Windsors Coronation Special (Sunday 30/04/23, Channel 4, 9pm)

Words by Richard Jones

If the Royal Family is not really your thing, then Channel 4 is the place to be over the next week or so.

As well as offering a different schedule to provide an escape from the pomp and ceremony on the Coronation day itself, the broadcaster is also showing a number of programmes, offering viewers “alternative coverage” of the occasion.

One of the most highly-anticipated is tonight’s The Windsors Coronation Special, in which we join the deluded and dysfunctional versions of the royal family for more laughs and lampoonery.

It’s been three years since the last episode of the satirical sitcom, written by the co-creators of Star Stories, Bert Tyler-Moore and the late George Jeffrie.

In that time, it has spawned a stage play, The Windsors: Endgame, and a full ourth series is scheduled later this year.

With the small matter of one of the Windsor clan being crowned King, the family are back with a bang.

Charles’ (Harry Enfield) whole life has building up to this moment, and now he’s desperate for the UK’s first Coronation in 70 years to be a spectacular occasion with all the pomp and circumstance he thinks he deserves.

Of course, Queen Consort Camilla (Haydn Gwynne) agrees with her hubby, mainly because she can’t wait to drape herself in diamonds and fur.

Sadly for them, the UK is in the middle of the Cozzie Livs (cost-of-living crisis), and Wills (Hugh Skinner) and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Amit Shah) think the Coronation should reflect these more frugal times.

Meanwhile, with an eyebrow-raising book and Netflix series in the can, Harry (Richard Goulding) and Meghan (Kathryn Drysdale) are finally free of Windsor family politics and concentrating on their simple life in California.

But can the celebrity couple really afford to miss Harry’s dad’s crowning moment?

Elsewhere, Meanwhile, Kate (Louise Ford) and her new best friend, Sophie Wessex (Anna Morris), manage to offend Pippa Middleton (Morgana Robinson) – with disastrous consequences.

Beatrice (Ellie White) and Eugenie (Celeste Dring) are worried that they are no longer essential members of the royal family and look for a way to prove otherwise.

And finally, Charles’ siblings, Anne (Vicki Pepperdine) and Edward (Matthew Cottle), have some unique thoughts about their big bro’s big day – but will the King take them on board?

Although many of the actors playing the alternative versions of the royals have been in the cast since the beginning of the show in 2016, Windsors fans will be looking forward to the debut of Shah as PM Sunak.

The actor, whose previous roles include The Other One, The Rebel, Stag and Happy Valley says: “I thought I was socially awkward until I had the chance of playing Rishi Sunak in The Windsors.

“As well as making my hair turn grey (quite literally), I had the opportunity to work with one of my childhood heroes – Harry Enfield.

“We both had a laugh about the fact that he had prosthetic big ears fitted to look like King Charles and I was cast as Rishi because of my big ears!

“This is the closest I’ll ever get to being a multi millionaire with a heated pool in my back garden.”

Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip (Monday 01/05/23, BBC Two, 6.30pm)

Words by Sarah Morgan

The idea of a paid holiday sounds rather marvellous, doesn’t it?

The only problem is, they’re difficult to come by – unless you happen to be a famous person. If you are, then it often seems as if TV executives are falling over themselves to pay you to visit the kind of places many folk can’t afford to see.

Not that we’re jealous, of course…

Clive Myrie probably wouldn’t describe himself as a celebrity – newsreaders rarely do, although his standing as a quiz show host (the latest run of his tenure as Mastermind presenter recently ended) more than qualifies him for the title – he’s the latest well-known name to land such a gig. What’s more, he’s heading somewhere that others like him have been beating a path to on a regular basis over the past few years – Italy.

Live Italian saw Jack Whitehall, Maya Jama and Lawrence Dallaglio immerse themselves in the culture, while Stanley Tucci’s Italy was a rather tasty culinary tour. Our Man in Italy charted James May’s exploration of the nation’s history, landscape and people, and Gino D’Acampo’s Italian Escape followed the chef as he returned to his homeland to cook up a storm.

There are others to consider too, including a new entry in the sub-genre – Absolutely Dyer: Danny and Dani Do Italy, which recently began on E4 and reveals what the father-and-daughter team got up to during a four-week break; this week they’re in Tuscany.

So, with all that competition, Myrie’s jaunt needs to stand out from the crowd. The BBC is hoping the reporter’s natural charm and charisma will help it do so.

“Embark on a captivating journey, all from the comfort of your own home,” says BBC Commissioning Editor Muslim Alim. “Let your favourite news presenter guide you through the rich tapestry of Italy’s culture, cuisine and lifestyle. This sun-drenched series offers viewers an immersive and unforgettable Italian experience.”

Executive producer Emma Parkins adds: “Clive holidays in Italy every year, but he wanted to go deeper and really threw himself into this adventure – from competing in the Tiramisu World Cup to navigating in a vintage car rally through Prosecco country. It was great to travel with him, and we hope that the programme doesn’t only inspire people to visit, but to search for lesser-known locations and get curious about how Italians live too.”

Among the highlights of the 15-part series are Myrie’s explorations of the eternal city of Rome, the slopes of Sicily’s Mount Etna and Barga, dubbed the most Scottish town in Italy. And then there’s all that mouth-watering food and drink to savour too…

“I hope viewers enjoy this road trip as much as I have and fall in love with Italy – a place that captured my heart many years ago,” claims Myrie. “It really is one of my favourite holiday destinations, and even after several years of visiting, I always have something new to learn and explore.

“This trip helped me discover places, communities and traditions I’d never come across before and the series is packed with beautiful locations, delicious food and the friendliest people.”

Oh how we’d love to follow in his footsteps – all we need to do now is get famous…

The Big Steam Adventure (Tuesday 02/05/23, C5, 9pm)

Words by Scheenagh Harrington

For millions of people, steam trains aren’t just a special interest or a hobby they dabble in during their spare time. They’re a lifelong passion that connects generations like almost nothing else.

From the romance of The Railway Children to the gleaming, scarlet Hogwarts Express, the power of the locomotive to enchant continues, even in this sustainable, electric age.

As if it were really needed, proof of that has come with this charming show, which follows veteran journalist and presenter John Sergeant, actor Peter Davison and North Yorkshire Moors Railway alumnus Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton, as they aim to travel from London to Scotland using only the power of steam.

Last week’s opener demonstrated all three men’s absolute love of such trains, and the second catches up with our intrepid trio as they start their journey at Peterborough station, home to the Nene Valley Railway.

Piglet, who shot to fame in The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard, is thrilled that they’re starting on 92 Squadron, a steam train that was conceived by famous designer Oliver Bullet.

He’s not the only one who’s over the moon: John gets to sit up front this time, but his hopes of being allowed to drive are dashed when he’s handed the coal shovel. Piglet and Peter, meanwhile, relax in comfort in the carriages behind.

Eventually John does get the chance to drive the huge engine, but there’s more joy to come. When the three men reach their journey’s end at Wansford, they head to the engine sheds. Inside are plenty of fantastic locomotives but one excites them more than the rest – the original Thomas the Tank engine.

She was named in 1971 when the Reverend W Awdry, having finished writing his children’s books, said he needed a genuine engine upon which to base his main character.

Adoration at the wheels of Thomas complete, the men head to the Grand Union Canal where they board a steam barge named The Adamant.

A genuine challenge lies in store for this leg of their journey: they need to master the seven locks which the enormous vessel can only just fit through. Catastrophe looms when the essential windlass, used to operate the locks, is dropped but a man with a magnet saves the day!

Arriving at Leicester, the impressive steam locomotive the Duchess of Sutherland speeds our rail devotees north in style as they enjoy waiter service in the fine dining car, before arriving in the bustling city of York.

There, they discover their final mode of transport is a quirky three-quarter-sized replica of a Victorian traction engine, cheerily named Polly.

After his handling of 92 Squadron, John steers them through rush hour traffic to their final destination – the pub – much to the joy of the assembled crowds. The three of them are happily chuffing through the streets when disaster strikes: Polly grinds to a halt as she has run out of water.

It remains to be seen whether the trio make it to the bar in time to enjoy a refreshing glass of something chilled, or if their ambitious journey will end ignominiously in York.

Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King (Wednesday 03/05/23, BBC2, 9pm)

Words by Rachael Popow

People across the United Kingdom are gearing up for the Coronation of King Charles III, including the ones in charge of documentaries at the BBC. Across the week, there have been a host of programmes on both TV and radio looking forward to the event.

As Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer, says: “The Coronation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to mark history with an unparalleled breadth of programmes. We will have something to enthral all audiences from the pageantry to the procession and the concert, and bring everyone together to celebrate and to share in the significance of the occasion.”

For some people who aren’t directly involved in the event, getting ready for the coronation will mean rifling through their wardrobe for something red, white or blue to wear to a street party, but for the military personnel involved in the official parade, it’s not quite that simple.

So, Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King is going behind the scenes (or seams) at uniform manufacturers, Kashket & Partners, as they pull out all the stops to prepare thousands of spectacular parade uniforms.

And who better to present it than the always dapper Patrick Grant? Although he’s probably best known as a judge on The Great British Sewing Bee, he’s also a bespoke menswear designer – and he has an eye for royal style.

In fact, he told Country & Town House that the King (who was then still the Prince of Wales) had inspired his own fashion sense.

Patrick said: “He has a very singular style: it’s very particular to him, from the way he ties his tie to the cut of his suit and how he always wears a little lapel pin.

“But he is also somebody who cares for his clothes – he even wears pieces of clothing that were his grandfather’s. It’s our philosophy in all of the brands that I run; it’s about buying something that’s good and keeping it for a long time, and so the people I like are those people, that clearly care about their clothing.”

Or, as he told The Guardian when reflecting on the monarch’s dress sense: “As with all great stylists, if you put a bag over his head, you could still tell it was him.”

In this documentary though, the emphasis is on the heritage and history behind the uniforms, as well as the stories of some of the inspiring men and women who will be wearing them.

Patrick also learns about the extraordinary attention to detail that goes into making the ceremonial uniforms – each regiment has different traditions and regalia – and meets the people who are racing against time to alter existing unforms to include new buttons bearing the letters “CR”.

As well as being an insight into the hard work that goes into arranging a major historic event, it’s also a celebration of the best of British manufacture and craftsmanship – so, even if the Coronation hasn’t got you in a patriotic mood, this documentary just might.

Richard Branson: Amol Rajan Interviews (Thursday 04/05/23, BBC Two, 7pm)

Words by Scheenagh Harrington

Every journalist whose job involves interviewing celebrities has a list of people they would love to chat to if their wildest dreams came true.

For many it’s the Hollywood A-list – Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg. For others, it’s the movers and shakers in the political world, from Boris Johnson to Joe Biden.

Given the powerhouse episodes so far in this series, it would be interesting to know how many Amol Rajan has crossed off, after chewing the fat with Sundar Pichai, better known as the CEO of Google, eco-warrior Greta Thunberg and tech giant Bill Gates.

His latest subject is one of the biggest names in the business world: Richard Branson. Amol is renowned for not pulling his punches, but the entrepreneur is no shrinking violet either, so it should make for some compelling telly.

In some ways, Branson’s CV reads like a movie script. Alongside Nik Powell, he launched the magazine Student in 1966 at the tender age of 16, after trying to sell Christmas trees and budgerigars.

Although not a success, it did give Branson a vital advertising platform and would become a key part of his next venture, a mail-order record business that sought to undercut High Street brands.

He said about the move: “There is no point in starting your own business unless you do it out of a sense of frustration”.

After then opening a record shop in London’s Oxford Street, in 1972 Branson and Powell launched the Virgin Records label. Branson set up a recording studio north of Oxford, and leased time to newcomers such as Mike Oldfield. His Tubular Bells album was Virgin Records’ first release and a best-seller.

The label grew to become the world’s largest independent, with artists from The Sex Pistols to Culture Club sharing the stable.

In the 1980s, a cancelled flight to Puerto Rico led to the launch of Virgin Atlantic, though Branson had to sell the Virgin label to keep the airline in the black, followed by the launch of Virgin Rail Group.

By 1999, the empire expanded into the telecoms sector with Virgin Mobile, and in 2004 space tourism firm Virgin Galactic was born.

Branson wrote in his autobiography: “My interest in life comes from setting myself huge, apparently unachievable challenges and trying to rise above them”. He has certainly achieved that goal.

In the past 20 years, the serial entrepreneur’s Virgin brand has moved into the healthcare and financial spaces. He has invested in food, hyperloop technology, sustainable energy and drones.

That’s not to say he hasn’t seen his fair share of enterprises fail: Virgin Cola, Virgin Cars, Virgin Publishing, Virgin Clothing and Virgin Brides didn’t take off, but Branson remains philosophical.

“There’s nothing wrong with making mistakes as long as you don’t make the same ones over and over again,” he says.

No doubt his interview with Amol Rajan will touch on the business highs and lows, but it may also take in Branson’s adventures and brushes with death, his flirtations with politics and opposition to Brexit, as well as his establishment as a cultural icon.

Love him or loathe him, it seems there’s still much to find out about this charismatic man.

Sing for the King (Friday 05/05/23, BBC1, 8pm)

Words by Rachael Popow

It probably hasn’t escaped your notice that we’re gearing up for a truly historic weekend. On Saturday, May 6, King Charles III will be crowned, and then on Sunday, the celebrations will continue with the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.

The confirmed performers so far include Take That, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, Sir Bryn Terfel, Freya Ridings and Alexis Ffrench.

But there will also be an appearance by the 300-strong Coronation Choir, a diverse group created from the nation’s keenest community choirs and amateur singers from across the United Kingdom.

To find out just how the choir was assembled, the documentary Sing for the King takes us behind the scenes of the process.

As you might expect, Britain’s most famous choirmaster, Gareth Malone, is involved in putting them through their paces.

He made his TV debut in the 2007 documentary The Choir, which saw him teaching choral singing to teenagers at a West London comprehensive. The format – and Malone – proved such a hit, he went on to work his magic on more amateur singing groups, including The Choir: Military Wives, which spawned a Christmas Number 1 single.

However, it seems the job of forming a Coronation Choir was too big for one man, so this time he’s being assisted by some more celebrity mentors.

They are Amanda Holden and Motsi Mabuse, who are perhaps best known for their roles as judges on Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing respectively. The mentors are then rounded out by former EastEnders actress and 2021 Strictly champion Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Each famous face will be drawing on their individual area of expertise as they look to inspire the inclusive choir, which will feature an all-deaf sign performance organisation.

Other singing groups featured include London cabbies, members of the Northern Irish farming community, an LGBTQ+ choir, a Gaelic choir hailing from the Western Isles of Scotland, Hull’s NHS choir, a traditional male voice choir from Caerphilly and a refugee choir, also from Wales.

There’s also Yorkshire’s only female South Asian choir, the London Fire Brigade and a troupe of RNLI sea shanty singers from Portishead.

We’ll find out what these organisations mean to their communities and why, for the members, it’s not just about singing.

But of course, there’s also a concert to prepare for, and all the amateur performers are aware that this is a once in a lifetime chance to sing their hearts out for the King and Queen Consort at the Coronation Concert, as well as the millions who will be watching around the world.

The documentary charts the Gareth, Amanda, Rose and Motsi’s efforts as they help the singers to deal with their nerves and prepare to give the performance of a lifetime.

And as the concert draws ever nearer, we’ll see the final Coronation Choir meet at Windsor Castle ready to sing together for the very first time in an emotional final rehearsal.

Then on Sunday, we’ll find out if all that hard work paid off…