PICKS OF THE WEEK: 25-31 MAY 2026, WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

Our picks of what to watch during the week ahead.

DEAR ENGLAND

Sunday-Monday, BBC One

Drama sees Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate as he aims to start a new chapter with the England men's team. With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land.

The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game? Dear England is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of the England men’s team, based on extensive research and interviews.

 SPRINGWATCH

Monday-Thursday, BBC Two

With Chris and Michaela broadcasting live for three weeks from National Trust Crom, the series will be a celebration of our natural world aiming to captivate and inspire audiences from one of the UK’s most important conservation areas – and home to a diverse wealth of wildlife across its lakes, woodlands and islands.

And as always, audiences in Northern Ireland and across the UK will be encouraged to join the conversation and send in their own wildlife stories, films and questions to the programme.

 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE

Tuesday, BBC One

The next instalment of the hit genealogy show sees another eight celebrities delve into their roots to discover their incredible family histories. Spanning centuries of time, the stars uncover extraordinary stories of strength, love, tragedy, rebellion, and resilience as they journey across the UK from London to Glasgow and global destinations including Australia, Tasmania, Italy, India, the Bahamas and Kenya in search of their ancestry.

 BAKE OFF: THE PROFESSIONALS

Tuesday, Channel 4

Once again, former Great British Bake Off contestant and Junior Bake Off judge Liam Charles and comedian, actress and writer Ellie Taylor will be on presenting duties, asking all the key questions as they secretly count down the hours and minutes until they get to eat the chef’s creations.

And returning for their eleventh series are judges Benoit Blin, and Cherish Finden, formerly Executive Pastry Chef of the Pan Pacific London Hotel, ready to cast an expert eye, and several thousand expert tastebuds, over the works of culinary genius produced by the 12 teams taking part this year.

 A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER

Wednesday, BBC Three

As Max Hastings’ (Henry Ashton) day in court looms, the trailer showcases a dark turn when Connor’s (Jude Morgan-Collie) brother, Jamie (Eden H Davies), suddenly vanishes. With the clock ticking and the stakes higher than ever, Pip (Emma Myers) and the group are thrust into a desperate, heart-pounding race to find him before it’s too late. As the search intensifies, Pip is pushed to her absolute limit, forced to face a terrifying reality, will she be able to save Jamie in time?

 MAKE THAT MOVIE

Thursday, Channel 4

Make That Movie focuses on a hotshot director, played by stand-up comedian and actor Sam Campbell who scours the country for everyday people who have an idea for a feature film. Sam and his team then race against the clock as they attempt to transform the idea into a film in just three days.

Starring as Sam’s elite crew of filmmakers are: Lara Ricote (Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping, Break Clause) as runner Jess, Aaron Chen (Fisk) as intimacy coordinator Sebastian, Helen Bauer (Am I Being Unreasonable?) as sound engineer Pat, and David Hargreaves (This Country) as cinematographer Winnie.

 SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF

Sunday, ITV1

Soccer Aid for UNICEF is back, marking 20 years of unforgettable moments and

iconic, star‑studded line‑ups. The world’s biggest celebrity football match returns to the London Stadium on 31st May live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, hosted by Dermot O'Leary and Alex Scott.

As England take on the Soccer Aid World XI, stars including Wayne Rooney, Jill

Scott, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Williams, Usain Bolt, Olly Murs, Tom Hiddleston,

Owen Cooper and Angry Ginge will all feature in the show, helping to raise vital

funds for UNICEF.