What’s on TV tonight: Russell Kane brings his Evil Genius podcast to Sky History

Pick of the day: Evil Genius with Russell Kane

9pm, Sky History

Given that it’s so popular to reassess formerly revered historical figures, it’s no surprise that this has been turned into a comedy discussion show – and even less of a surprise that it should begin with Winston Churchill. Considering the man once voted the Greatest Briton (but whose alleged racism led to his statue in Parliament Square being defaced in 2020) are Judi Love and Geoff Norcott (“the UK’s only declared Conservative comedian”). Joining them and host Russell Kane is writer and Fast Show veteran Charlie Higson, who once suggested Churchill might have been gay, while future subjects include Coco Chanel, Albert Einstein and Richard Nixon.

Live England International Football

7pm, Channel 4

North Macedonia v England (kick-off 7.45pm). Jules Breach presents coverage from Skopje of both teams’ concluding Uefa Euro 2024 Group C qualifier. England secured their place in the finals with two games to spare and thrashed tonight’s opponents 7-0 at Wembley in June.

MasterChef: The Professionals

8pm, BBC One

The first Knockout Week gets under way, as the 12 remaining chefs face an Invention Test in which they must design one outstanding dish from the larder ingredients. Seven chefs will secure a ticket into the next round while embroiling the others in further challenges.

Dad’s Army: The Animations

8pm, Gold

This week’s animated lost episode (from March 1969) sees Private Frazer (John Laurie) and Lance Corporal Jones (Clive Dunn) vie with each other for the full corporal stripes. Having given Frazer the chance to lead, Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) quickly regrets his decision as the pessimistic Scotsman lets power go to his head.

Boat Story

9pm, BBC One

Viewers who like their crime dramas served neat might not appreciate this black humour-tinged offering from the Williams brothers (creators of the far more straight-up Missing and Baptiste). Anyway, Janet and Samuel (the attractively cast Daisy Haggard and Paterson Joseph) need to find a buyer for the stolen drugs, so visit a former dealer in prison to try to gain access to his contacts.

Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius

9pm, BBC Two

The year is 1603 as we reach the final part of this fascinating look at the life of William Shakespeare. He’s now 40 and the Elizabethan equivalent of a millionaire, but changes are afoot. Queen Elizabeth I has died, succeeded by James VI of Scotland, who doesn’t share Elizabeth’s love of theatre. In fact, he’s known to fall asleep during plays. The new king does however have a sharp eye for propaganda
and enlists Shakespeare as his court dramatist. Constitutionally incapable of writing propaganda, what is our man to do?

Rooney

10.15pm, Channel 4

Given the success of the recent Netflix series about David Beckham, there should be a ready audience for this more modest one-off documentary about the life and career of former England striker and current Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney. The programme examines his playing days and delves into his off-field life. Beckham himself makes a guest appearance.