Strictly Come Dancing (BBC1, Saturday, 7pm & Sunday, 7.15pm)
Who’d have thunk it? Mark Wright is not only still in Strictly but he’s recently suddenly become really good. He’s already been on what one can only describe in true reality TV talent show terms, as a “journey”. Of course his journey will only be complete if he actually wins this thing but I’ve got a feeling he might end up as runner-up, just as he did when he lost out to Dougie out of McFly when he was on I’m A Celeb. As for this Saturday’s show, the theme is “International” which means each of the seven remaining pro-celebrity duos has to perform a dance from somewhere round the world that isn’t the UK. Kind of like most weeks, really, with the added bonus of a Bollywood group dance from the professionals. Sunday’s show features Michael Flatley and his Lord Of The Dance. Oh well, can’t win them all. And look out for me holding forth on this Monday’s Strictly: It Takes 2 on BBC2 at 6.30pm. Again, can’t win them all.
The X Factor (ITV, Saturday, 8.15pm & Sunday, 8pm)
It’s random jukebox week on X Factor. Well they don’t officially call it random, but it does mean the contenders end up singing songs from a selection chosen by a combination of the home viewers and “friends of the show”. There’s no other theme whatsoever, so Cheryl should be happy because she’s been calling for this kind of creative freedom so that the acts can be cast away from the shackles of “disco week”, “big band week”, “alt-folk week” or whatever. Sunday’s Results show features performances from the great Ella Henderson and that new version of Queen with Adam Lambert.
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (ITV, Saturday, 8.45pm & Sunday, 9pm)
The “Jungle” is chugging along in fine style with ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard turning out to be the star of the show – likeable, honest, funny. He’s got all the required facets to help make him King Of The Jungle, although Mel is doing very well, too and even that hunky youngster Jake who has been drafted in from X Factor with rather unseemly haste by ITV (clearly his dream of being a singer is second only to his dream of being a reality TV star BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY), is a minor threat, too. There’s a week left and everything to play for. Unless you’re Edwina Currie in which case you’re going to be voted off ASAP.
And don’t forget… It’s the last in the series of the totally delightful and amazing The Mekong River With Sue Perkins (BBC2, 8pm) on Sunday, and obviously you’ll be watching The X Factor, but do record this show because it rocks.