TV tonight: Our highlights for Monday, September 25

Martin Shore
·5 min read
Katherine Kelly and Daniel Mays in The Long Shadow.
Katherine Kelly and Daniel Mays in The Long Shadow.

On TV tonight, ITV debuts The Long Shadow, a new drama based on the crimes of Peter Sutcliffe, school drama Phoenix Rise returns for its second series, Strictly: It Takes Two is back to build up the hype for the new series, and Caroline Quentin continues her journeys in the second episode of The UK's National Parks with Caroline Quentin. Here's what you shouldn't miss on TV Tonight.

  • Our hand-selected recommendations for what's on TV tonight include TV shows, a film, live sport and the latest trending need-to-binge-on-now box set

  • Keep up to date with the latest soap spoiler storylines on TV tonight with our daily soap synopsis

  • For more information about what’s on TV tonight see our TV Guide

What's on TV tonight

Our expert TV journalists have picked the best things on TV tonight...

Best TV shows on TV tonight

The Long Shadow, 9 pm, ITV1

Toby Jones in The Long Shadow
Toby Jones in The Long Shadow

The crimes of Peter Sutcliffe have been the subject of countless books and documentaries, but this seven-part drama captures the agony and trauma he wrought upon his victims and their families like never before. Tonight’s opening episode stars Katherine Kelly as Emily Jackson, a hard-pressed wife and mum who became his second murder victim, in the opening leg of what looks set to be a memorable relay from an excellent ensemble cast, which includes Toby Jones, Daniel Mays and David Morrissey. It’s a gripping new take on an infamous subject and director Lewis Arnold (Des, Time and Sherwood) tells the story masterfully with a collage of powerful and poignant vignettes.

★★★★★ SMA

The UK's National Parks with Caroline Quentin, 9 pm, More4

It’s fair to say that you will never see anyone wax lyrical about asparagus like Caroline, or indeed get as emotional about a church organ. Which is what makes her the most enthusiastic guide to get swept along with, as she tours the country’s 15 National Parks. Among the wonders on the itinerary in this second episode are visits to a former slate mine in the Lake District, a castle with cosplay in Bannau Brycheiniog or Brecon Beacons, and a night-time visit to the Cairngorms Dark Sky Park, which still manages to take her breath away – even though she can’t see anything! 

★★★ NT 

Strictly: It Takes Two, 6.30 pm, BBC Two

Fleur East and Janette Manrara back to back for It Takes Two
Fleur East and Janette Manrara back to back for It Takes Two

After last week’s launch, Strictly Come Dancing fever ramps up this week with Saturday’s first live show (6.15pm, BBC1) and, tonight, the start of a new run of It Takes Two. Janette Manrara returns from maternity leave to be joined by new co-host – and 2022 Strictly finalist – Fleur East in the nightly show as they meet the pros and celebrity dancers, give some training updates and generally tell us everything we need to know about our favourite show. Weeknights just got a whole lot more interesting! Continues weekdays. 

★★★★ JP

Phoenix Rise, from 7 pm, BBC Three/ iPlayer (box set)

The school drama, which began in March, is already back for series two. The gang of outsiders return, concocting schemes in their boiler-room hideout, although Summer is notably absent and in her stead comes her friend, the forthright Daisy (The Power’s Eloise Pennycott), who helpfully gives a rundown of each of the characters’ traits when she meets them. While comparisons with Grange Hill and Waterloo Road are natural, it’s also a bit like a junior The Outlaws (with non-regulation snacks instead of drugs), and its move from CBBC to BBC3 suggests it’s after an older audience. Episode one is still a lot of teenage fun, though, from biking around Coventry to text messages flying about the screen.

★★★ NT

Best box set on TV tonight

Sex Education season 4, Netflix

Asa Butterfield as Otis in Sex Education season 4
Asa Butterfield as Otis in Sex Education season 4

It’s time to bid farewell to teenage sex therapist Otis (Asa Butterfield), best friend Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), troubled love interest Maeve (Emma Mackey) and their classmates in the final series of the heartfelt comedy drama. But there are difficulties ahead as, following Moordale Secondary’s demise, many of them have joined Cavendish Sixth Form College, where some face an uphill battle to fit in. Meanwhile, Otis’ mum Jean (Gillian Anderson) is finding second-time motherhood challenging.

CC

Best film on TV tonight

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 8 pm, Sky Showcase

An unassuming hobbit is plunged into a battle against the forces of darkness when his uncle bequeaths him a magical ring of immense power. He joins a fellowship of heroes to embark on a perilous quest to destroy the ring before it falls into the hands of its creator - a dark lord who needs it to regain his power and conquer the world. The first part of Peter Jackson's epic fantasy trilogy based on JRR Tolkien's novel, starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Christopher Lee, Liv Tyler and Orlando Bloom.

Soaps

Live Sport

  • Golf: Ryder Cup, 2 pm, Sky Sports Main Event/NOW

  • EFL: Coventry City vs Huddersfield Town, 7.30 pm (k-o 8 pm), Sky Sports Main Event/Now

  • Snooker: British Open 2023, 12.45 - 5.30 pm / 6.45 - 10.30 pm, ITV4

If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…

Don't miss X on TV tonight.

Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.

Happy viewing!