Welcome to our weekly round up of all the best shows to delight and titillate you over the next week, and as this week sees the launch of Big Brother on Thursday, I’m currently in a state of edge-of-my-seat anticipation ahead of meeting the new victims/housemates. Yippee!

However, before that, there’s loads of brilliant telly to keep you entertained…

Monday

Why I Ran: Angie/Paul, 9:00pm, Biography Channel

In this documentary, we hear from some of the people who’ve led the police on some of the most dangerous high-speed pursuits ever.

Up-close and personal, we’ll be along for the entire ride with gritty, uncensored stories, and all of them are true.

Tonight, after stealing designer shoes and attempting to return them for money, single mother of two Angie and her accomplice run from the law on a crowded San Diego motorway. Speeds reach 140 mph as the two women are pursued by both air and ground patrol.

Also, after attending one too many parties, intoxicated young man Paul rolls through a stop sign as police watch from their parked car. What ensues is a wild street and off-road chase that ends with the man fleeing on foot… but not for long! It’s always fun to watch someone else being stupid isn’t it?

Baby Hospital, 9:00pm, Discovery Home & Health

This often very moving documentary series – so have the tissues handy – follows the lives and routines of those in the maternity department at Stepping Hill Hospital near Stockport.

Tonight, a mother’s worried about her baby’s breathing and we follow midwives on a series of antenatal home visits.

Tuesday

I’m Running Sainsburys, 9:00pm, Channel 4

This new series follows Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King as he explores new business ideas that were all suggested by Sainsbury’s employees, an example of which is 21-year-old Becky Craze’s idea; she wants to design a “revolutionary new product” that could, if put into practice, change the way we shop… apparently.

Meet the British, 9:00pm, BBC4

Semi-naked women, wurlitzers and prize goats are just a selection of items used by the British government to promote the country’s image abroad.

For four decades, the government has produced thousands of often bizarre little films in order to sell an ideal Britain overseas and now, for the first time, they’re going to be shown here, in the country that inspired them.

Wednesday

River Cottage, 8:00pm, Channel 4

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is back tonight presenting a new series of the ever popular River Cottage.

In this premiere episode, he celebrates the arrival of spring and summer by attempting to change public opinion about veal and by throwing a sheep-shearing party… as you do.

Survivorman: Alaska, 9:00pm, Discovery Shed

If you love shows of the like of Bear Grylls, Born Survivor, then you’ll love this documentary series in which Les Stroud deliberately gets stranded for seven days in an Alaskan bay.

Whilst there, he not only braves the elements but also confronts the bay’s huge black and grizzly bears to demonstrate survival skills… fruitloop!

Thursday

Big Brother Launch Show, 9:00pm, Channel 4

It’s back! So, prepare to give up any life you might have for the next 3 months as Davina McCall introduces this year’s housemates direct from the Big Brother complex. Plus, there’s an exclusive tour of the house itself and a preview of the torments that BB has up his/her sleeve for the newbies!

Big Brother: A Decade in the Headlines, 11:40pm, Channel 4

As it’s most definitely BB’s night, why not take a look at this documentary in which journalist Grace Dent looks at the impact the show’s had over the last ten year and how and why it’s become a worldwide phenomenon.

Featuring interviews with Mark Frith, Paul Flynn, Carole Malone, Oona King, Peter Tatchell, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Ian Hyland and a whole host of former housemates. I just hope they don’t have that god-awful Aisleyne on or I’ll be switching off!

Friday

Build a New Life in the Country – Was It Worth It? 8:00pm, Fiver

In this episode, entitled St Ives Revisited, we catch up with Peter and Andrea who moved to St Ives in Cornwall to convert a disused hotel into three five-bedroom houses.

They’d planned on turning one into their own home and to run it as a B&B. So how have they fared, or not, as the case may be? Find out tonight!

Keep on Running: 50 Years of Island Records, 9:00pm, BBC4

This fascinating documentary tells the colourful story of the history of Island Records, the record label built by the now legendary Chris Blackwell.

The show celebrates Island’s 50th anniversary and features a rare interview with Blackwell as well as contributions from a variety of former Island Record’s artists including Grace Jones, Amy Winehouse, Sly and Robbie, U2, Brian Eno, Paul Weller and Keane.

There’s also news archive footage and rarely seen performances which will all help tell the story of Island’s part in making popular reggae and ‘progressive’ rock.

Saturday

Totally Saturday, 7:30pm, BBC1

Graham Norton brings his trademark wit and friendly banter to Saturdays as he gives viewers a new show full of – according to the BBC – “unpredictable excitement, along with special guests, for all the family.”

Totally Saturday will apparently turn the tables on members of the audience as it gets hold of their possessions and puts them centre stage. No-one is safe and their lives could be laid bare in front of millions of viewers… so it sounds like a hybrid of Beadle’s About, You’ve Been Framed  and Punk’d. Still, Graham Norton’s in it so it can’t be bad can it?

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, 10:10pm, Gold

This is without question one of the funniest films I’ve ever seen, and even though I’ve already seen it dozens of times, I’ll be watching it again tonight! In case you’ve never seen it, here’s what it’s about…

To be a Pet Detective, you have to understand both the criminals and animals. Ace Ventura goes even further; he behaves like a criminal animal. So when a football team’s mascot – a dolphin – is stolen just before the Superbowl, Ace is on the case but who would want to steal a dolphin, and why? Well you’ll find out. Also starring Courtney Cox.

Here’s the film’s trailer…

Brilliant stuff!

Sunday

Fear of Snakes, 6:00pm, Nat Geo Wild

If you’re scared of snakes, you might want to give this one a swerve, on the other hand, you might want to watch to find out why it is you’re scared witless by the slithery, slimy critters.

In this documentary, scientists and herpetologists discuss the myths and realities surrounding poisonous snakes, and snakebite victims relive their experiences, just to scare us that bit more. Plus, a rattlesnake round-up in Kansas offers locals the chance to view these creatures at close quarters.

Erm, no ta…

Alan Carr: Chatty Man, 10:00pm, Channel 4

Our final Primetime Pick for this week is Alan Carr’s new chat show which promises to be packed with celebrity guests, sketches, “topical chat” and lots of audience participation, which, loosely translated means Alan’s going to take the pi** out of several members of the audience. Can’t wait!

Have a great week and don’t forget that you can keep up with all the latest news and gossip from the BB house right here on Unreality TV! You lucky peeps!