Popstar to Operastar ITV1, Friday 9pm
A variety of popstars are trained to sing in a classical style, mentored by mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins and tenor Rolando Villazon, and then have to perform in front of critics Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen and Meat Loaf. The show is presented by Myleene Klass (what isn’t these days?) and Alan Titchmarsh. The whole thing sounds like one of those weird dreams you occasionally have after eating too much cheese. But no, it is all too true. Contestants include Blur’s Alex James, Bernie Nolan, McFly’s Danny Jones, Darius from Pop Idol, Jimmy Osmond, Kym Marsh, Marcella Detroit and the Saturdays’ Vanessa White.
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross BBC1, Friday 10.35pm
A new series, the first after Ross announced he would not be seeking to renew his controversial BBC contract, with guests including Ray Winstone, So You Think You Can Dance judge Arlene Phillips and Catherine Tate. Speculation is still rife over who may take over this slot once Ross’s time is up. It sounds as if NBC’s Tonight Show host Conan O’Brien may be free, as former host Jay Leno is rumoured to be returning to his old slot (in response, O’Brien has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with NBC). Conan the Beebarian, anyone?
So You Think You Can Dance BBC1, Saturday 6.30pm & 8.20pm
It’s never going to be the glitziest show around — the same people who criticised last week’s show for not having the flair of the US parent’s show would then complain the BBC was spending too much on shiny floor shows — but it’s fun. And I still can’t help flicking back to watch Tommy and Charlie’s hip hop routine from last week’s show
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Casualty BBC1, Saturday 8.50pm
Poor Jessica’s still in her coma after the car crash into the icy lake that meant she lost her baby. Tonight’s episode is a flashback-filled show that’s full of eerie moments (we’re in Jessica’s head, in a Life on Mars kind of way). Nice to see that telly’s most formulaic drama can still try something different.
Glee Channel 4, Sunday 5.35pm
A musical comedy drama that’s better than those three words alone can imply. The double bill that aired on Monday on E4 start a regular ‘terrestrial’ run, and will be repeated again next Saturday in case you miss it. Watch out for Golden Globe-nominated Jane Lynch as cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester stealing every scene she’s in — but in my view, the far more villainous character is Jessalyn Gilsig’s Terri, wife of Glee Club teacher Will Schuester.
