The Flu That Killed 50 million
9pm, BBC Two
As if the enormous death toll inflicted during the first world war were not enough, in November 1918 a global flu pandemic broke out that claimed more than 50 million lives before it was declared over in July 1919. Christopher Eccleston narrates a thought-provoking docu-drama about the devastation wrought by the “Spanish flu” in which experts agree that another eruption of the disease is inevitable. Unseen memoirs, letters and diaries combine with dramatic reconstructions to bring these troubled times to life.
The Great British Bake Off
8pm, Channel 4
This year’s Bake Off is warming up nicely with Rahul disarming viewers and judges, but the drama is about to ramp up as the contestants attempt a particularly tricky Arabian pastry. Yes, it’s spice week. Who will spice up their life and who’ll reach the bitter end when Paul and Prue set a fiddly showstopper? Hannah Verdier
Wanderlust
9pm, BBC One
The weighty but witty relationship drama continues. Most straying couples might try to hide their affairs – not Joy (Toni Colette) and Alan (Steven Mackintosh), who arrange a double date with new squeezes Claire and Marc. Might some karaoke help smooth over any awkward moments? Graeme Virtue
Queen of the World
9.15pm, ITV
This two-part doc looks at Elizabeth II’s role on the world stage, one gradually being taken over by younger members of the royal family as the institution renews itself, long to reign over us. Tonight’s opener features cine footage from the royals’ private collection looking at the Queen’s early years in the job. David Stubbs
Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild
9.15pm, Channel 5
You do wonder how Ben Fogle manages to fit in any other TV between all his Everest ascents and nude conquests of the Atlantic. But here he is with the first in a new series of wilderness experiences in which he ventures into deepest Arkansas to spend time with a wizened mountain man. MB
Later Live: With Jools Holland
10pm, BBC Two
A new run begins with a bill including singer Jess Glynne, Bristol punks Idles, reunited synthpop duo Soft Cell, south-London R&B newcomer Ella Mai – who in July became the first British artist since Lisa Stansfield to top the US R&B charts – and venerable folk fellow Ralph McTell. MB
Film choice
Chicken
2.20am, Film4
Adapted from Freddie Machin’s play, Joe Stephenson’s debut focuses on teenage Richard, who has learning difficulties, lives in a caravan with his violent brother and lavishes love on his pet hen. The conclusion is misjudged but Scott Chambers’s heartbreaking performance as Richard is reminiscent of David Bradley in Kes. Paul Howlett
Sport
County Championship Cricket 10.30am, Sky Sports Main Event. More from the final round.
Betfred Cup Football: Hibernian v Aberdeen 7.15pm, BT Sport 1. A quarter-final from Easter Road.
Carabao Cup Football: Manchester United v Derby County 7.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event. It’s José Mourinho v Frank Lampard at Old Trafford.
