TV Tonight: Dawn French's Insurance Scam Comedy and Anglo-Saxon Cemetery Dig

TV Tonight: Dawn French's Insurance Scam Comedy and Archaeological Finds

This evening's television schedule offers a delightful mix of comedy, drama, and historical discovery, with standout programmes across multiple channels. From a hilarious insurance scam to an ancient Anglo-Saxon cemetery, there's something for every viewer to enjoy.

Can You Keep a Secret? - 9.30pm, BBC One

Dawn French continues to deliver uproarious comedy as Debbie, a woman who has been pretending her husband has died to claim an insurance payout. The situation becomes increasingly complicated when her police officer daughter-in-law, Neha, portrayed by Mandip Gill, discovers that William, played by Mark Heap, is actually alive and demands they return the money.

Meanwhile, another individual has uncovered the scam and attempts blackmail with a remarkably uninspiring font in their threatening letter. Debbie, however, remains defiant and refuses to be intimidated by any threats. This episode promises great entertainment and plenty of laughs as the deception unravels further.

Landscape Artist of the Year 2026 - 8pm, Sky Arts

Artists gather at St James's Park for another captivating challenge, painting scenes that include water features, trees, and a distant view of Buckingham Palace. The competition showcases diverse artistic approaches, ranging from a surreal AI-inspired interpretation to a psychologist's vibes-based painting and a composition dominated by greyish-brown tones.

Digging for Britain - 9pm, BBC Two

This fascinating archaeological series explores sites across southern Britain, including an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Kent, an 18th-century slipway on the New Forest coast, and excavations beneath Trinity College, Oxford. Additionally, delicate Iron Age objects unearthed in Herne Bay are carefully block-lifted and X-rayed to reveal their hidden contents.

Grantchester - 9pm, ITV1

In this cosy crime drama starring Robson Green, Alphy and Geordie investigate potential witchcraft at a foundling home. Geordie faces a particularly troubling dilemma as he grapples with the possibility of his partner's guilt, adding emotional depth to the mystery.

Patience - 9pm, Channel 4

The drama unfolds when "rock star archaeologist" Samuel Henry collapses and dies moments before revealing a shocking discovery about a Viking runestone. As Patience and Frankie investigate, a colleague meets the same fate. Meanwhile, Patience presents Elliot with a detailed relationship contract, outlining her expectations in a humorous subplot.

Surgeons: A Matter of Life Or Death - 9pm, Channel 5

This gripping fly-on-the-wall hospital series features high-stakes surgical procedures, including the removal of kidneys that have grown to the size of watermelons and a rare, rapidly expanding tumour in a patient's nose and cheek. Viewers are left wondering if the surgeons can successfully complete these complex operations.

Film Choice: Polite Society - 9pm, Film4

Directed by Nida Manzoor, creator of We Are Lady Parts, this punchy comic thriller follows Ria, a teenage British Muslim martial arts enthusiast dreaming of becoming a stunt performer. When her older sister, Lena, considers abandoning her artistic aspirations for an arranged marriage with a wealthy geneticist, Ria plots to sabotage the union. The film explores themes of sibling rivalry and personal ambition with vibrant energy.