What's worth watching on the box: something for the weekend

Or big screen depending on the size of your television...

Sparkling conversation, award-winning comedy, spectacular scenery, a dash of Shakespeare and a touch of magic should make this weekend bright and shiny!

After a lot of buzz over the contents of Piers Morgan’s interview with Coronation Street stalwart William Roache, finally it is being aired. Piers Morgan’s Life Stories: William Roache (ITV1) is shown this Friday evening and it seems that not only did William have a series of dramatic storylines in Coronation Street but his real life has been full of surprises too. William talks openly about his drinking, relationships, days behind the scenes of a popular soap and the tragedies that have occurred in his life. It promises to be an emotional and interesting conversation.

If a spot of conversation is what you’re looking for – The Graham Norton Show (BBC One) starts a new series on Friday night with all the usual glitz, glamour and beguiling guests. Graham Norton is in his element as the bubbly host in his eleventh outing of his popular chat show. This week he is joined by Cate Blanchett, Ewan McGregor, Michael Sheen and Matt Lucas. With music from Keane the show is bursting with celebrities and fun to be had by all.

Friday night also offers up the treat of a new episode of fantastic comedy Modern Family (Sky One); for anyone who hasn’t seen this before, it is truly hilarious and always worth a look. The show follows a family in documentary style, often breaking the fourth wall and the performances from the actors, adults and children, is top-notch. This week it seems like two of the characters may have met their match when Cam meets his ex-clown partner and Phil is forced to face his opponent in real-estate leading to no doubt amusing consequences.

On Saturday night, the life of Johnny Cash is explored in biographical film Walk the Line (Channel Four). Country music artist Johnny Cash led a fascinating life, from his humble beginnings to fame and fortune, his early life was tinged with tragedy that shaped the man he became. The film charts his childhood, first marriage and enduring relationship with singer June Carter. Joaquin Phoenix plays the country music star with brooding ease and Reese Witherspoon plays the beautiful, feisty June Carter. Well worth a watch.

From walking the line to walking the toughest route of her life: Julia Bradbury’s Icelandic Walk (BBC Four). In this programme, Julia Bradbury walks 60 Kilometres to the height of the volcano in Iceland that caused much of the European air traffic to come to a standstill back in 2010 – Eyjafjallajökull. Dodging lava fields, terrifying rivers, sulphuric gas and the type of ash that caused havoc in Europe – Julia and her guide Hanna make their way through the treacherous route to view some of the most amazing breathtaking scenery with lots of interesting facts and stories on the way.

On Sunday, Simon Callow brings his one man show to our screens with Being Shakespeare (SkyArts2). Bringing the tale of the Bard to life with intertwining tendrils of the famous playwright’s plays, Shakespeare's story is played out with a versatile and rich performance from Simon Callow. A veritable theatrical feast for all; fans of Shakespeare and newcomers to the Bard’s work alike.

To round off the weekend, what better than a bit of magic - Dynamo: Magician Impossible (Watch). Dynamo travels the worlds wowing everyone he meets with his magical abilities. This magician truly has to be seen to be believed – his tricks are nothing short of amazing and will have even the most cynical of people clutching at straws as to how he did it. Dynamo reawakens the child inside and makes us stare in astonishment at some of the unbelievable feats. Surely a bit of wonderment is a great way to ease your way into another week.

Have a fantastic weekend from all of us at Bright Shiny News!