Must-see TV this week: Celebrity SAS, The Fortune Hotel and David Attenborough series

Another week of TV is set to keep fans on the edge of their seats, with two beloved series making their comebacks on the box.

After a successful first run, Stephen Mangan helms the second season of The Fortune Hotel on ITV, with another batch of UK contestants and a fresh set of cases to swap around.

Over on Channel 4, a handful of beloved household names push themselves out of their comfort zones in a new series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, as they encounter gruelling challenges.

BBC One also delivers its fair share of emotions with a new show delving deep into the animal world. Parenthood is narrated by natural historian and national treasure David Attenborough.

Meanwhile, streaming platforms have their own gripping dramas and documentaries to offer. Here's everything you need to know about this week's TV.

Saturday, 9pm, U&Drama

Sam Claflin stars as Edmond Dantes in this new adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo, a French classic by Alexandre Dumas. Falsely accused of treason and imprisoned after a rival grows jealous of his success, Edmond plots revenge after years of captivity.

Returning under a new identity, he sets out to dismantle the lives of those who betrayed him. Expect emotional twists, explosive turns and compelling performances from Blake Ritson, Ana Girardot and Jeremy Irons.

Saturday, C4

Comedian Griff Rhys Jones heads to Charleston, South Carolina, where the American Civil War began. With his signature wit and charm, Griff explores grand architecture, mouthwatering delicacies and Southern hospitality, he dives into the city’s rich and controversial past.

But along the way, he also meets with the descendants of enslaved people to explore how the region’s difficult past still shapes its present.

Saturday, 7pm, 5

Join Bettany Hughes on a breathtaking journey through time as she sets off across Egypt, Greece and Turkey to rediscover the greatest monuments of the ancient world ever built.

From the Great Pyramid to the Colossus of Rhodes, Bettany weaves history and myth into an eye-opening travelogue. Her signature warmth and insight breathe life into ruins, revealing not only their grandeur but the civilisations behind them.

Saturday, 9pm, Sky Documentaries

He’s sold millions of records and filled stadiums worldwide - but who is Billy Joel? And who is the man behind the performer? This revealing two-part documentary offers rare access to never-before-seen performances, intimate interviews and personal archives as it unpacks the heartache, hope and triumph behind the music.

Now 76, the Piano Man lets his guard down as he reflects on the moments that shaped him and the songs that still resonate across multiple generations.

Saturday, 8:30pm, 5

From cradle to crown-in-waiting, this new documentary traces Prince William's life through his most iconic photographs - from shy schoolboy to future king.

With exclusive footage and expert commentary, this documentary reflects on the impact of Diana’s death, the lifelong pressures of royal duty, his wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011, and the family he’s built. Now at 43, and first in line to the throne, the question remains - how will he shape the monarchy’s next chapter?

Sunday, BBC1

David Attenborough returns to screens with Parenthood - a wild and emotional ride through the highs and lows of raising the next generation.

Filmed across 23 countries, this enlightening series captures extraordinary moments of animal parenting, from orcas teaching their young to hunt, to spiders sacrificing themselves for their offspring. Packed with stunning visuals and a stirring score, it's a powerful, raw look at the lengths animals go to for love, survival and legacy.

Sunday, 9pm, C4

Fourteen famous faces sign up for the ultimate endurance test in the seventh series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Led by Chief Instructor Billy Billingham and his team, the group faces military-level challenges across remote Welsh terrain.

Through eight episodes, celebrities are pushed to breaking point and stripped of all comfort as they mirror real Special Forces training. This year’s line-up includes Tasha Ghouri, Harry Clark, Troy Deeney, Rebecca Loos and Conor Benn.

Sunday, Disney+

Thousands of unnamed bodies lie forgotten across America. This gripping five-part series follows the race undertaken to uncover their identities.

With the help of DNA Doe Project - a leading organisation in genetic investigation and identification - forensic teams and law enforcement tackle decades-old cold cases, using new cutting-edge technology to bring answers and closure to families left in limbo. Part detective story, part human drama, this show combines heartbreak and science.

Sunday, ITV

Eight celebrities swap the spotlight for the stove in season five of Cooking with the Stars. Through six episodes, all hosted by Emma Willis and Tom Allen, this culinary competition pairs well-known faces in the likes of Natalie Cassidy, Jordan North, Ekin-Su and Kelly Hoppen with professional chefs.

Together, they tackle intense cooking battles, hoping to win the Golden Frying Pan. With eliminations judged by the pros themselves, it’s a test of nerves, skills and team work.

Sunday, BBC1

After a storm separates 11-year-old Michael from his parents, he finds himself shipwrecked on a remote, seemingly deserted, island with his dog Stella. Together, they fight to survive - until they meet mysterious island-dweller Kensuke.

Voiced by Cillian Murphy, Sally Hawkins, Raffey Cassidy and Ken Watanabe - among many more - this moving animated adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s beloved 1999 novel explores survival, unlikely friendships and the scars of war - both mental and physical.

Tuesday, C4

Dr Clare Bailey Mosley and Dr Karan Rajan front this enlightening documentary on ADHD, diving deep into the realities behind the complex condition.

From children and adults waiting in long queues for clarity to specialists supporting life post-diagnosis, the show sheds light on the growing demand for answers.

For Clare, it’s personal: she steps into the patient role herself, undergoing testing to explore whether ADHD might explain aspects of her own behaviour.

Tuesday, ITV2

Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallet are back - but it’s not all glam and gloss. After more than a decade together and two wedding ceremonies, the TOWIE alumni lift the lid on married life and parenthood in this feel-good six-part series.

From chaotic mornings with Brody and Gigi to the realities of romance after babies, it’s an unfiltered look at the power couple in their most intimate moments as they navigate their Happy Essex After.

Wednesday, Apple TV+

Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne return as chaotic besties Will and Sylvia in Platonic’s second season. After a one-year time jump at the end of season one (and Will’s surprise engagement), the pair are still navigating midlife mayhem - from career hiccups to romantic disasters - all while pushing each other into deeper trouble.

With familiar faces like Luke Macfarlane and Carla Gallo returning, and comedy favourites Aidy Bryant and Beck Bennett joining in, the mayhem is far from over.

Wednesday, 8pm, U&Yesterday

In 1945, Winston Churchill led Britain to victory - and the Conservative Party straight into political defeat, just weeks later, when he was swept from office in Labour’s landslide defeat.

Narrated by actor Paul McGann, this revealing documentary revisits one of the biggest shocks in British political history, exploring why voters turned to Churchill’s opponent, Clement Attlee, and how the former Prime Minister’s leadership in war failed to secure trust in peace.

Wednesday, ITV

After a successful first run last year, eleven new pairs check in for another sun-soaked, high-stakes stay in The Fortune Hotel with Stephen Mangan as their host. Each team receives a briefcase - one holds £250k, another an Early Checkout card.

Throughout their stay in the Caribbean, players must complete palpitation challenges, build solid alliances and outwit each other to stay in the game. With case-wapping ceremonies and secret twists, only one duo will walk away with the jackpot.

Wednesday, Netflix

Nevermore Academy reopens its gates as Jenna Ortega returns as Wednesday Addams in Season two of Netflix’s hit gothic drama - and things are off to a tense start when she gets kidnapped.

With a new headmaster (Steve Buscemi), her younger brother Pugsley joining the student body and Morticia now working at her school, Wednesday faces pressure from all sides. As mysteries unfold, viewers explore the Addams’ family dynamics with national treasure Joanna Lumley as Morticia’s mother Hester.

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