Brian Cox and Dara O’Briain’s enthusiasm brings moon landing to life

Our rundown of the best TV picks for Monday (July 15) night.

STARGAZING live: MOON LANDING SPECIAL

BBC2, 9pm

Like two very overexcited ­schoolboys, Professor Brian Cox and fellow science geek Dara O Briain just cannot believe their luck.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing on July 20, 1969, they are standing at the top of a rocket launch tower in the place where the Apollo 11 mission began.

From their lofty position at the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral in Florida, the pair can barely contain their glee.

Dara says: “Tonight we are ­celebrating the anniversary but also looking forward, because right now, here, new spacecraft are being designed, built and launched with the ultimate aim of bringing ­astronauts back to the moon, to Mars and even beyond.”

There is plenty to get excited about as Dara and Brian reveal the future of human space travel, with privileged access in the place that is going to make it happen.

As they tour the rockets, towers and assembly lines, there are dozens of ­fascinating facts and figures. A tower chief reveals an unusual ritual – that astronauts pee on the back wheel of the bus before blast off.

They chat to General Charlie Duke, the 10th man to walk on the moon, about what it was like to fly Apollo 16 into space.

He says: “At lift-off it was real shaky which surprised me. I was so excited I found out later that my heart rate was 144bpm at that point!”

And later, they discover the latest in spacewalk technology and test a future Mars buggy.

A fascinating film that ventures to infinity and beyond!

EMMERDALE

ITV, 7pm

Lydia still wants to leave Emmerdale, but Sam is determined to stop her. After stepping outside for some fresh air, Lydia secretly orders a taxi to pick her up. But when it arrives, Sam stands in front of the car – will she still go?

Meanwhile, Robert finds out that Dawn wants money to support Lucas and has an idea to use the situation to stitch up Lee.

Elsewhere, Victoria receives a letter from Lee’s mum Wendy demanding a DNA test.

CORONATION STREET

ITV, 7.30pm and 8.30pm

Poor Maria is lonely, with Audrey deciding to play matchmaker and sort out her love life. But a case of mistaken identity, a married man and a cancellation later, and Maria is just about ready to give up dating for ever.

Meanwhile, Eileen is curious when it’s clear Paula recognises Jan. She confronts her, but Paula says she’s imagining it. Eileen tells Liz who then Googles Jan and makes a worrying discovery.

Elsewhere, Kelly is watching Gary’s every move.

EASTENDERS

BBC1, 8pm

Max is desperate to get Abi back, but whenever he calls Rainie she just hangs up. Has he lost her for good? Fortunately, Jack turns Sherlock as he recognises the hotel logo in the picture that Rainie sent. Time for them to do some detective work and track her down.

Meanwhile, Chantelle tries to talk to Keegan about his feelings for Tiffany, but he’s not keen. Elsewhere, Kathy grills Ian about him and Max.

NADIYA’S TIME TO EAT

BBC2, 8pm

Bake Off standout star Nadiya Hussain has a few confessions to make in this latest cookery show that promises to save us time.

Brace yourselves – not only does she buy tinned vegetables and instant noodles, but one of her recipes features that classic ingredient, Spaghetti Hoops.

Now if that last revelation doesn’t spark joy for kids everywhere (and a few adults, too) I’m not sure what will.

In a bid to save us from the fear of foams, reductions and deconstructed apple crumbles, the busy mum-of-three wants
to show us that it’s OK to use time-saving hacks in the kitchen.

“Stop feeling guilty about taking shortcuts,” she says. “Embrace it.”

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