SERIES WATCH
The Android Prophecy
Pearl, 9.30pm
For the past 100 years, motion picture directors presented a portrait of the future that often appeared fanciful, even mad. But as the 20th century rolled on and technology took hold, it became clear these fantasies were coming closer to reality. By tracing the history of robots, androids and cyborgs in the movies, The Android Prophecy warns of a future that may be only too real and sets out to prove that Tinseltown's soothsayers have already predicted the end of humanity as we know it.
Elizabeth: From The Prison To The Palace
World, 10pm
David Starkey returns with another glittering four-part series packed with dramatic reconstructions, beautiful costumes and historic locations. This time he focuses on the extraordinary story of England's greatest queen, Elizabeth I.
Return To River Cottage
World, 8pm
It's late summer at River Cottage but the weather is far from seasonal. Torrential rain washes out Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's (above) hay harvest and his tomato crop is beset with blight. He decides to exploit the bad weather and gangs up with expert foragers Nick and Paddy. Armed with a shopping list, they visit several woods with the aim of collecting a free meal. Later, local expert Jo Forsey comes over to give Fearnley-Whittingstall's sheep Joanna a shampoo, set and trim before the Melplash agricultural show.
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration - The Solo Years
Star World, 8pm
Taped before a live audience at New York's Madison Square Garden, this special is Michael Jackson's (above) first live US performance in nearly 11 years and the first reunion with his brothers in 20. The list of performers and guests includes Marc Anthony, Destiny's Child, Missy Elliott, Gloria Estefan, Nelly Furtado, Whitney Houston, James Ingram, Al Jarreau, Gladys Knight, Liza Minnelli, Gloria Gaynor, Usher, Shaggy, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick. Elizabeth Taylor, Samuel L Jackson, and Chris Tucker are among the many celebrities making a special appearance.
Acknowledging the achievements of Motown's Jackson Five, the brothers perform such hits as ABC, The Love You Save, I'll Be There, I Want You Back, and Can You Feel It, and are joined by boy band favourites 'N Sync for the finale of their hit, Dancing Machine. Jackson, who choreographed all the numbers, also performs some of his greatest solo hits, including Billie Jean, The Way You Make Me Feel, Black Or White, Never Can Say Goodbye, and Beat It, as well as his latest release, Rock My World.
In addition, many of the performers pay tribute to the gloved one with electrifying versions of such Jackson hits as Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Houston, Mya and Usher), Ben (Billy Gilman) and Man In The Mirror (Vandross, Usher and 98 Degrees).
