November 2016

The Missing (BBC1, 9pm) Secrets of the past are uncovered as Julien Baptise finally learns the truth about Alice and Sophie’s abduction, but with time running out, no one in Eckhausen will listen to him. He forces Mrs Hertz (Lia Williams) to reveal exactly what went on in Iraq in 1991.  Faultless performances and an astonishing final scene of the penultimate episode.

EastEnders (BBC1, 7.30pm) More tawdry tales of The Mitchells as they rally round Phil when he gets an update on his ravaged liver. Sharon does her best to make Phil reconsider his decision, although Billy is the one to give his cousin food for thought. So many dreary plots, especially when you compare it to the Phelan saga in Corrie.

By Andy Simon @AndySimon55

Let's not mess about here. Freddie Mercury was an icon, a genius, a master songwriter, showman and towards the end of his life, an incredibly brave man.

Who would have thought a boy from Zanzibar would have made such an impact on so many lives? But he did.

And for many I'm certain; Freddie Mercury left behind a legacy that very few (if any) could equal. Like many of my generation, I too grew up with the music of Queen ringing in my ears. 

I blame this primarily on my older brother, Pete.

“She doesn’t have the stamina” boomed Donald Trump way back when he was trying to cash in on Hillary’s bout of pneumonia. “I said she doesn’t have the stam-in-a. I don’t believe she has the stamina.”

Got it? Mrs Clinton has a stamina problem. In case you didn’t quite get the message, Donald employed his favourite televisual trick, the three-peat. Say something three times and it’ll hit home.

By Andy Simon @Andy Simon55

BBC's Children In Need Appeal has grown greatly since their humble beginnings in 1980. The annual TV charity extravaganza hosted by the legendary Terry Wogan was indeed, good telly.

Primarily because back then it was so . . . different?

Since then it's been shown every year and predictably, it has got worse with the passage of time. And judging by last night's addition to the show's continued growing record of TV dullness . . .

It doesn't look like the trend is ending any time soon.