FRIDAY 7 December

Today's Choices

Odd One Out Challenge TV, 7pm Last seen on BBC1 in 1980something, this one-time haven of naffness has undergone a new look for the 21st century. A new set, a new version of the theme tune, and - most surprisingly of all - no Paul Daniels. In his place as host comes a newcomer to television by the name of Mike Taylor. Or is it? Look behind the moustache and the mullet and you might think you're watching the patron saint of Pringle sweaters, Steve Coogan (aka Alan Partridge). So can it be? Well, it can, and this in itself is worth racing home for. Coogan is magnificently oily throughout, whether leering ironically at the female competitors or swapping motoring anecdotes with the male ones. And yes, the contestants are real. But if all of this sounds a little bit like an O-level history project, don't fret. It's a brilliantly terrible show, packed with non-jokes that fall flat and bemused members of the public trying to win mediocre prizes. A joyous waste of time, and utter rubbish, but ultimately compelling and hilarious stuff from the genius that is Steve Coogan. Alison Graham, TV editor Ill-Met By Moonlight UK Horizons, 1.55pm If this all sounds a bit like an indepth discussion on Shakespeare comedies, then worry not. This welcome repeat of a BBC1 series about insomniac couples who met during their respective bad illnesses makes for difficult viewing, and viewers of a sensitive disposition might like to look away while Francis is undergoing radiotherapy, as it will be more painful for them than it could ever be for Francis. He even cries out in pain at certain points in the programme, so make sure you have the volume control to hand throughout. But the use of Barber's Adagio With Strings will have you in tears. A touching series, apart from the bits of treatment and graphic descriptions of illness that had me vomiting into a bucket. Jane Rackham Michael Parkinson Wipes His Eyes UK Gold, 10.35pm The chat-show king sits in front of an oversized widescreen TV wholly unsuited to screening classic clips like Basil's funny walk, Delboy's accident in a wine-bar, Frank Spencer on roller-skates, and Ronnie Corbett saying fork handles,though it transpires that he meant four candles, or something like that. Parky then tries to give the impression that he's only just seen them all for the very first time by wiping his eyes, and drying his trousers on a clothes-horse next to the house band. Essential viewing, and if there's a better sketch than the ones we've listed above, don't bother wasting your time and ours by writing in. Jane Rackham Egad, It's Igor! BBC Knowledge, 9pm To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Igor Stravinsky's death, a profile on one of the 20th century's foremost composers. And if all this sounds like a third-year music lesson, and you're about to start singing Molly Malone, then why the scrotum shouldn't it? You're supposed to be the educated ones, aren't you? Well, start acting accordingly then, for God's sake. Alison Graham/SOTCAA Daisy Chain E4, 11.30pm Following her appearances in My Family, where she was the only cast member not to be recalled for its second series for some unknown reason, The 11 O'Clock Show's Daisy Donovan goes on to bigger and better things - interviewing unsuspecting stars from a public toilet at The London Studios. Ms. Donovan thought up the idea all by herself with Ali G hanger-on Dan Mazer. David Butcher Manimal Marathon Granada Plus, 2pm A whole nine hours dedicated to the cult 80s series starring Simon McCorkindale, which will entice students for its opening two minutes, before everyone ho-hums and goes out. Still, for those who are baffled by its anthropological dimensions, a box set of the first series is about to hit the shops on DVD and video. Daniela Soave