Billie: In Search of Billie Holiday (BBC2, 9.45pm)
YOU could say that there has recently been a wave of interest in jazz singer Billie Holiday – she’s the subject of a new biopic, The United States vs. Billie Holiday, which won a Golden Globe for leading lady Andra Day.
However, it’s probably also fair to say that interest in her never waned in the first place. The singer, who was born Eleanora Fagan in Philadelphia in 1915, is generally considered to be one of the greatest voices of all time and remains hugely influential, continually winning over new fans.
Yet despite her fame and legacy, Holiday is something of an enigma, which is why in the late 1960s journalist Linda Lipnack Kuehl set out to write the definitive biography of her. The author died before she could complete the book, but this documentary draws on the remarkable interviews she conducted with some of the key figures in Holiday’s life.
Six Nations Live (STV, 1.30pm)
A FORTNIGHT ago, Wales clinched the Triple Crown with a stunning 40-24 victory over England in Cardiff. Today, Wayne Pivac’s side continue their quest for a Grand Slam when they take on Italy in the fourth round of fixtures at Stadio Olimpico.
Then, Eddie Jones’s England, no doubt still smarting from that comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Welsh, take on France in the latest instalment of “Le Crunch” at Twickenham.
Head coach Fabien Galthie’s French players will be confident of their first win at HQ since 2007, after already securing away victories in Ireland and Italy this campaign.
Gordon Ramsay’s Bank Balance for Red Nose Day (BBC1, 6pm)
IT may have debuted to mixed reviews and disappointing ratings, but the BBC clearly has faith in Gordon Ramsay’s Bank Balance – it even commissioned a Comic Relief celebrity special.
It finds Gordon’s old mate and fellow chef Gino D’Acampo (who has himself diversified into gameshow hosting with Family Fortunes) teaming up with his son Luci in the hope of winning up to £100,000 for charity.
Can they keep their cool under pressure? And can Gordon temper his language for a teatime slot?
Blitzed: The 80s Blitz Kids’ Story (Sky Arts, 9pm)
THE so-called Blitz Kids were a group of people who frequented the Tuesday club-night at Blitz in Covent Garden in 1979-80, and are credited with launching the New Romantic subcultural movement.
Steve Strange and Rusty Egan co-hosted these exclusive nights without giving them a name, publicised them solely by word of mouth, and placed an emphasis on style by enforcing a strict dress code at the door.
This documentary charts the history of the London venue, which became the Soho equivalent of Studio 54 and was frequented by Boy George, who worked as cloakroom attendant there before fronting Culture Club, as well as Spandau Ballet, Visage, Ultravox and Sade.
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