Brunel: Building a Great Britain (C5, 9pm)
THREE years ago, Rob Bell presented two-part Channel 5 series Brunel: The Man Who Built Britain in which he told the life story of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This programme continues to examine the legacy of the great Victorian engineer who designed the world’s fastest railway, longest suspension bridge and largest ship. More than 150 years on from his death, it goes back in time to explore the extraordinary stories behind Brunel’s greatest creations, including the Great Western Railway and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Harlots (BBC2, 9pm)
THE second season of the 18th-century-set drama draws to a close with a double bill. Margaret awaits her fate in gaol, with Charlotte, Nancy and William gobsmacked by her confession and desperately trying to prevent her hanging. Isabella realises that her brother is determined to discover her secret and enlists the help of William to save her daughter. Then, Fallon asks Blayne for help when he realises that he could be exposed for attacking Amelia Scanwell, but is firmly told that he must find a more permanent solution.
Ambulance (BBC1, 9pm)
IT’S a busy Friday shift and control has already taken more than 300 emergency calls in the past hour. Gary and Fabio are on duty for the next 12 hours and are dispatched to a patient who has fainted at Oxford Circus Underground Station. However, it’s not going to be easy reaching the individual after Extinction Rebellion protesters flood the area and block the roads. By early afternoon, control is receiving a new 999 emergency call every 20 seconds.
Grayson Perry’s Big American Roadtrip (C4, 10pm)
DURING lockdown, the flamboyant artist won himself a more fans thanks to his Art Club series. No doubt some of those new converts to his lovable presenting style will also be tuning into this series, which was filmed when virtually nobody had even heard of coronavirus. It was also made before the shootings and riots in recent months but helps shed light on some of the reasons for them. Perry travels across the US on a custom-built bike he designed himself and begins in the South.
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