ITV star Martin Lewis makes his acting debut as beloved BBC comedy returns tonight

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Motherland star Diane Morgan returns tonight as her alter-ego Mandy Carter, in hilarious 15-minute comedy shorts about a woman who just can't hold down a job - however, there's one particular guest star who fans may be surprised to see. Tonight's (Monday 21 July) series four debut will see ITV star Martin Lewis make his acting debut in the BBC comedy, which sees Diane look for a new career.
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Back at the employment centre, Mandy confesses she only managed to last 40 minutes in her latest gig as a dog food taster, but she did walk off with some (stolen) freebies.
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It's one sacking too many, so Mandy is put on a 'restart scheme' to get her back to work, which involves a cringey meeting in a town hall. Everyone says her image is part of the problem, so poor Mandy tries to shop for a new look, but the staff don't even want her in the shop.
Later, minding the desk at her friend's nail salon, Mandy runs into her high school nemesis. Look out for guest stars including ex- EastEnder Cheryl Fergison, Car Share's Sian Gibson and even money saver Martin Lewis!
Mandy airs tonight at 10pm on BBC Two.
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The best of the rest
Female Fishermen: Beyond the Buoys
When it comes to male-dominated careers, fishing has to be near the top of the list – of the 10,000 fishermen currently working in Britain, only 1% of them are female. But the tide is turning. An increasing number of young women are discovering this profession, and many believe female recruits could revitalise a flailing industry.
Brooke is only 20 years old, and enjoys going out on the boat, even though she's not a morning person. Alongside her work as a nail technician, she also makes a living hauling in shellfish off the Isle of Skye, and has been nominated for a prestigious industry award.
Over on the West Highlands, we meet Erin, who spends a fortnight at a time battling the dangerous conditions of the North Atlantic to bring home delicious prawns. She admits that it can be tough sharing cabins with men and coping with rough seas, but she loves seeing the world from the water. Meanwhile, Emma skippers her own creel boat after following in her father's footsteps.
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She has proved herself (winning the same award Brooke is nominated for), but her proud dad admits that women face significant prejudice in the industry, with many fishermen not ready to accept this could be a woman's world. Brooke faced similar attitudes, but was determined to prove her doubters wrong. Erin reflects on the declining numbers of young people going into the business, and explains people need to accept women if they want fishing to thrive in the UK.
Female Fisherman: Beyond the Buoys airs at 7pm tonight on BBC One.
Human
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So many natural history programmes give us insights into other species, but this landmark series reveals the fascinating secrets of our own. Incredible advances in DNA mean that we now understand that all humans alive today who do not have African origins, descend from a small group of Homo sapiens, who migrated to the Middle East. They were the first group to leave Africa, and proved incredibly successful in their quest for survival.
Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi explains how these humans managed to travel to Sri Lanka and make a home in the inhospitable rainforests there, hunting monkeys with hastily fashioned bone arrowheads. Ella also visits the Indonesian Island of Flores to introduce us to a species of human affectionately known as the 'hobbits', because of their likeness to the petite heroes of Lord of the Rings. How did this small but mighty species evolve and why did it fail to survive?
Human airs at 9pm tonight on BBC Two.
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Emmerdale
Mack is stunned when Pollard lets the cat out of the bag about Charity's surrogacy offer.
After a blazing row with Charity, Mack gives her an ultimatum. Meanwhile, Jacob can't believe his granddad has abused his trust, but Pollard is unrepentant.
Liam goes back to Owen's house. When he doesn't answer the door, Liam calls the police, who find Owen dead. DS Walsh finds the planted 'suicide note', and John feels like his awful plan is working. But Robert has suspicions…
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Emmerdale airs at 7:30pm tonight on ITV.
EastEnders
The Slaters are getting excited at the thought of Kat running The Vic, but there's a fly in the ointment when it comes to the finances. Meanwhile, Alfie calls Jean with a message for Stacey, but she gets distracted and doesn't pass it on.
Cindy's not impressed when she hears Ian is planning to sell Beale's Eels so that he can bid for The Vic.
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Phil is worried when Julie turns up in a panic, revealing that Nigel has gone missing.
EastEnders airs at 7:30pm tonight on BBC One.
Coronation Street
Debbie has an altercation with a hotel guest, who films her on his phone. Ryan saves the day, but he's shocked when Debbie thanks him with a kiss. Ryan has a word with Ronnie.
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Todd tells Billy that Theo is comfortable with his sexuality now, and their relationship is rosy. But Billy hears Theo talking about the new woman in his life, and confronts him.
Sally visits Lou in prison. Lou begs her to take a loan and help with legal fees.
Coronation Street airs tonight at 8pm on ITV1.