I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (ITV, Sunday, 9pm)
It’s started already. My twitter feed is full of wisecrackers asking if there’ll be a Celebrity version of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. The same hilarious joke crops up year in year out. The simple truth is that it doesn’t really matter how famous or obscure the people are who take part in this show, it’s all about the format and the presenters, which are both unbeatable for pure entertainment value. That said, I am particularly looking forward to seeing pompous BBC chap Michael Buerk being forced to eat koala anus, or whatever. This is the man who, as was recently pointed out by Jack Whitehall, said of BBC3 that its shows were “at the embarrassing end of drivel" and pretty much defines himself as being above this kind of thing. I’m sure he’ll bond with Hugh Hefner’s ex Kendra Wilkinson. In case you’ve forgotten, the other celebs taking part are Jimmy Bullard, Craig Charles, Gemma Collins, Carl Fogarty, Nadia Forde, Vicki Michelle, Tinchy Stryder and Melanie Sykes. My money’s on the Stryder. Anyway the series starts on Sunday night straight after The X Factor and will be a huge hit as ever.
The Mekong River With Sue Perkins (BBC2, 8pm)
Cute animal alert! Set your Sky + or your personal video recording device because like me you’re probably going to be watching X Factor live on Sunday night but over on BBC2 the delightful Sue Perkins is busy going to Cambodia and hanging out with little bear cubs. One Sun Bear in particular called Jesus, because he’s come back from the dead (twice) catches our Perks’ eye and no wonder: he is the cutest thing ever seen on television. The rest of the hour is gripping and funny and moving, too.
Strictly (BBC1, Saturday, 7pm & Sunday, 7.15pm)
They’ve been talking about it for weeks and now finally it’s here: the Strictly Blackpool show. Yes it’s pretty much exactly the same as any other episode of Strictly except it’s filmed at Blackpool’s legendary Tower Ballroom and everyone involved gets that little bit extra excited. The Results show on Sunday will feature the odd combo of Shirley Bassey and McBusted. Not performing together I presume. Although it would be amazing if they did.
The X Factor (ITV, Saturday, 8.15pm & Sunday, 8pm)
It’s officially Big Band Week, although as I write this with a few hours to go until Friday rehearsals there’s still enough time for Simon to change his mind and make it Einstürzende Neubauten vs Dead Kennedys week or whatever. If they do stick to the plan, I’m already looking forward to whatever way Stevi interprets the Big Band genre. On Sunday’s show it’s an _X Factor a_lumni reunion special, with guest performances from Nicole Scherzy and Olly Mursy.
And don’t forget… The current fourth season of Homeland (Channel 4, Sunday, 9pm) is a return to form and Carrie gets a big shock this week. She does get a big shock most weeks, but this one is a doozy.