James Nesbitt cuts deep in new medical drama Monroe

This week, Kirsty opens an ill-advised chi-chi vintage clothes boutique, gets stuck into spring planting, teaches some unruly kids a lesson and tries her hand at a spot of brain surgery – all to bring you this week’s TV highlights.

Pass me the scalpel

James Nesbitt stars in a new series following the professional and personal life of neurosurgeon Gabriel Monroe. When a woman is admitted to hospital with a brain tumour, Monroe has to help her decide whether to undergo surgery that could save her life, but also carries terrible risks. James Nesbitt is a huge TV ratings draw, and this new prime-time drama looks set to continue his winning streak for ITV.
Monroe – ITV1, Thu 10 Mar, 9pm

Lily gets The Fear

Lily Allen’s new clothing boutique. Mounting pressure not pictured.

Lily Allen has jacked in music to run a vintage clothing store with half-sister Sarah Owen. This new series follows the pair as they follow their dream – despite Lily’s lack of previous experience and their chequered relationship. In the first episode, they come up with the concept for their shop, but get bad news from retail guru Mary Portas…
Lily Allen: From Riches to Rags – Channel 4, Tue 15 Mar, 10pm

Monty’s back

Thank fork for that – Monty’s back on TV

Monty Don is back where he belongs – fronting the BBC’s ever-popular gardening show. In the first episode of the new series, he gets to grips with the onset of spring, starting work on his vegetable garden and planting varieties of hellebore – all from the comfort of his own garden.
Gardeners’ World – BBC2, Fri 11 Mar, 8:30pm

It’s all to play for

Adrian presides over a battle of the footie giants

Adrian Chiles introduces live coverage of Manchester United v Arsenal (Kick-off 5.15pm) at Old Trafford, where the sides compete for a place in the semi-finals. Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend take on commentary duties, and everyone’s favourite penalty taker Gareth Southgate gives his two-penneth with Gordon Strachan.
Live FA Cup Football – ITV1, Sat 12 Mar, 4:45pm

It’s life, but not as they know it

The Comic Relief team put on a brave face in Kenya

In the final part of the Comic Relief documentary series, the celebs move in with four families to experience day-to-day life in the Kenyan slum of Kibera. Lenny Henry stays with a 16-year-old and his four siblings, who face a daily struggle with poverty, while Samantha Womack spends time with a woman trying to support her children by working in the sex trade.
Comic Relief: Famous, Rich and in the Slums – BBC1, Thu 10 Mar, 9pm

That’ll teach ‘em

What kind of example is that? Sit up straight, Jamie!

Jamie Oliver grabs the many-headed hydra of the youngsters and tackles the issue of discipline, while Alastair Campbell tries to get them whipped into a frenzy about politics. Simon Callow lays on a trip to the theatre for a modern take on Romeo and Juliet, celebrated photographer Rankin shoots portraits of the pupils, and Jazzie B starts to win over even the most difficult of students…
Jamie’s Dream School – Channel 4, Wed 9 Mar, 9pm

What are you looking forward to on TV this week? Let us know below.

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