The Masked Singer (STV, 7pm)
There have been plenty of bizarre entertainment shows on the telly over the years – Dogs Might Fly, Who’s Doing The Dishes? and Flockstars, to name but a few. Although this new singing series isn’t quite as outlandish as those programmes, it is still fairly bonkers. The Masked Singer sees 12 celebrities don interesting disguises (unicorn, fox, monster, chameleon, daisy, octopus, duck, queen bee, etc) and belt out tunes in a bid to impress the judges and the audience, who have no idea who will be performing. Unlike other singing shows, the judges don’t actually rate the performers in terms of singing talent, but their overall performance ability.
Digging Up Britain’s Past (Channel 5, 7.05pm)
Archaeologists Raksha Dave and Alex Langlands return with a new series uncovering more fascinating periods in history. Hidden beneath the ground for nearly 1500 years, Silchester near Reading is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in Britain. Over the last century, archaeologists have exposed the foundations of entire streets, houses and temples, and this year, they tackle its most impressive building – the bathhouse. A team from the University of Reading unpicks this incredible monument brick by brick and tile by tile, to discover more about the Romans who came here for the ultimate spa experience.
Tony Robinson’s History of Britain (Channel 5, 8pm)
The Blackadder actor and Time Team presenter explores the everyday lives of ordinary people, starting with life during the reign of the Tudor monarchs. Robinson (above) meets a host of colourful characters from the era, including Thomas Grimes, whose skills as the local knacker were soon put to a more grisly use – as an executioner for King Henry VIII. The host also reveals how Richard Roose rose from pot washer to being the cook for John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester.
First & Last (BBC1, 8.15pm)
It’s a shame that BBC One’s Scarborough has been cancelled after just one series, as it was one of the best sitcoms of last year. However, at least funnyman Jason Manford gets another chance to shine with this game show. The concept is simple: contestants have to make sure they do not come first or last in any game or they will be eliminated. Eleven players start each episode and compete across a range of five play-along-at-home games that will see one of them leave with a cash prize of up to £10,000.
The Voice UK (STV, 8.30pm)
New series. Emma Willis hosts the spinning-chair singing contest, in which celebrity coaches seek out the nation’s best vocal talent. But there is a simple twist – with the coaches, including Tom Jones (above), selecting teams through blind auditions, meaning singers are chosen on vocal ability alone. Meghan Trainor also joins the show on the judging panel.
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