Well, it’s the weekend again and there’s some great viewing tonight for those of us without social lives who’ll be in with the box for company!

Fossil Detectives, BBC2, 7pm ~ Central England: In the first of this new series, Hermione Cockburn investigates some of the world’s most important fossil discoveries and the science used to study them. The journey begins in the heart of England as Hermione offers new insight into the iconic dinosaur tyrannosaurus rex and meets David Attenborough, who recalls his early days as a fossil detective. This is the sort of show that Ross from friends would Sky+.

Escape from Colditz, Five, 7.30pm ~ Saul David investigates the audacious attempts to escape from the infamous high-security Nazi prison housed in an imposing castle high on a cliff overlooking a river. Featuring the stories of British inmates who were caught trying to tunnel out using tools made from metal bed parts, a man who hid inside a straw mattress which was put onto a lorry, but later recaptured in Vienna, and a French cavalry officer who successfully vaulted over the wall. Very interesting and often moving documentary.

Coronation Street, ITV1, 7.30pm ~ The Rosie-kidnap storyline is getting closer to its conclusion as tonight, Fiz grows tired of John’s frequent trips to feed his gran’s ‘cat’, and a terrified Rosie makes a bid to escape from the attic. Elsewhere, oblivious to Tony’s anger, Carla turns her back on the wedding arrangements and continues to stay away from work, while Deirdre realises she’s been conned by Blanche. Second of tonight’s episodes is at 8.30pm.

Public V Police: Tonight, ITV1, 8pm ~ Former detective Mark Williams Thomas investigates allegations that the target-driven culture of Britain’s police forces prompts officers to focus on low-level crimes that are easily solved, while ignoring serious offences that might prove more difficult. Sounds about right doesn’t it?

Police Interceptors, Five, 8pm ~ Another police programme but this time, the focus is on the ‘front line’ of policing. Tonight, the police are led on a high-speed chase across north London by car thieves and respond to reports of a driver swerving across a motorway. Meanwhile, the interceptors stop a vehicle, but find the occupants armed and ready for any encounter.

My Shocking Story, Discovery Channel, 8pm ~ Octopus Man: Tonight’s episode of the aptly titled documentary series follows the story of Filipino Rudy Santos, known locally as ‘Octoman’ because of his extra limbs which are the remnants of a parasitic twin that didn’t fully develop alongside him in his mother’s womb. Grim but fascinating stuff.

Wire in the Blood, ITV1, 9pm ~ The Dead Land: Part one of two kicks off tonight with a killer dumping the bodies of homeless men in the financial district of Bradfield, leaving little for Tony to work on except the bizarre ritualistic nature of the crimes. Oxbridge graduate DI Andy Hall fills in for Alex when she suffers a family bereavement and Kevin moves into Tony’s flat to offer police protection when it becomes clear a stalker has the clinical psychologist in his or her sights.

Gordon Ramsay: Cookalong Live, Channel 4, 9pm ~ New series in which the f****** chef sets out to teach the nation how to cook, using menus designed to be within the grasp of even the most reluctant beginner. Gordon will be joined by a celebrity guest to cook a three-course meal of warm goat’s cheese salad, salmon en croute with herbed new potatoes and garlic sauteed broccoli, and a dessert of caramelised rhubarb and ginger crumble. Oh that sounds good! I wonder if he’ll still be swearing as it’s live?

Gosford Park, More 4, 9pm ~ This lovely period drama film follows a disparate group of aristocrats and the nouveau riche who gather for a weekend at a country estate. However, while loyal servants drink in every drop of scandalous chatter, personal vendettas bubble to the fore, leading to murder. Robert Altman’s marvellous Thirties-set mystery is a treat for the senses and boasts an all-star cast, including Maggie Smith, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Gambon, Clive Owen, Kristin Scott Thomas and Jeremy Northam.

Situation Critical, National Geographic, 10pm ~ Al Qaeda Ambush: This documentary looks at the amazing story of how a US Navy Seal survived being flung out of a helicopter over Afghanistan during an al-Qaeda attack and then managed to single-handedly fend off advancing fighters.

Goldfrapp at the Electric Proms, BBC4, 10pm ~ The electropop pair play a unique gig at Cecil Sharp House in London – the home of The English Folk Dance and Song Society – accompanied by a string section and choir. In front of a specially-designed set, the duo perform acoustic re-workings of their current album Seventh Tree as well as old favourites.

Bill Bailey Live: Part Troll, Channel 4, 10.50pm ~ The bearded – and extremely funny – star of Black Books and Never Mind the Buzzcocks delivers a stand-up performance at the Hammersmith Apollo as part of his acclaimed 2004 tour, which played to packed houses all over the country.

Whatever you’re up to tonight, have fun and we’ll see you tomorrow!