Soap’s Most Controversial Moments, Channel 5 at 8.30pm
From devilish twists to tragic accidents, heart-stopping break-ups to family feuds, just how close can fact and fiction be in the world of soaps? This film tears apart the most strikingly controversial moments in soap history from across the globe, as told by those who were right at the heart of them. Speaking directly to camera, stars, writers, producers, executives and journalists recall their involvement in the stories that shocked the nation. Were they a reflection of society and a catalyst for social change, or a just a cynical way to attract more viewers?
From the HIV storyline in EastEnders to the transgender plot of Coronation Street and the plane crash of Emmerdale soap opera has given viewers controversial plots for over sixty years, although sadly many of the early controversies were wiped in the operation of saving storage space, and the expense of video tape, so don’t expect many taboo scenes from the likes of Emergency Ward 10, The Newcomers, Compact or Crossroads.
Sarah Millican Control Enthusiast, Channel 4 at 9pm
Sarah Millican is a control enthusiast not a control freak.
In her hilarious new show, everyone’s favourite potty mouth talks about her road rage, her IBS, her favourite word and how she lets her husband know ‘tonight’s the night’.
There’s an education in learning about rescue men, farting in hospital pants, what can happen at a bra fitting, and how she feels about her belly. Funny, frank and unapologetically filthy, this is Sarah Millican at her hilarious best.
If Beale Street Could Talk, Sky Box Office, from today
Barry Jenkins follows up Moonlight with another beautifully filmed exploration of the African American experience. Set in early-1970s Harlem, screen newcomer Kiki Laynbe tells the story as 19-year-old Tish Rivers.
Tish recalls the longtime relationship between her and her fiancé Alonzo ‘Fonny’ Hunt – played by Stephan James. The pair have been present in each others lives since childhood. With their own baby on the way their plans of starting a family and embracing the future are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. It is then that Tish’s family lead by mother Sharon, played by Regina King, band together to support her and prove Fonny is innocent.