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THURSDAY

DOCUMENTARY CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM PALACE

A new series goes behind the scenes of some of Britain’s most iconic stately homes as they prepare for the festive season, beginning with Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill and a 300-year-old baroque property set in 2,000 acres of Capability Brown-designed parkland. As befits the imposing Oxfordshire mansion, Christmas is done on a grand scale, and visitors are greeted by Snow Queen-themed rooms and afternoon tea.

Channel 4, 8pm

DRAMA I AM RUTH

Kate Winslet stars in and co-writes – with award-winning film-maker Dominic Savage – this one-off drama, a searing depiction of the mental-health crisis afflicting today’s young. Ruth (Winslet) feels hopeless as her teenage daughter Freya (played by Winslet’s own daughter, Mia Threapleton) becomes increasingly cut off by social media – but can anything stop Freya retreating into herself and bring her back to reality? See Pick Of The Week, front page. Channel 4, 9pm

DOCUMENTARY THE MAN WHO TOOK SHANNON MATTHEWS

The disappearance of nine-year-old Shannon Matthews gripped the nation in 2008, yet relatively little is known about Michael Donovan (played here in a re-enactment of the kidnapping by actors), the man who kept her in his flat for 24 days. Now, family members, neighbours and professionals who knew him offer an insight into his life and the motivation behind the abduction. Channel 5, 9pm

ARTS HOPPER: DAWN TO DUSK

Edward Hopper was famed for finding the poetry and mystery in everyday scenes – as detailed in one of his most famous works, Nighthawks (below), painted in 1942, which depicts customers in a late-night diner illuminating a deserted streetscape. This documentary looks back over his life and career, and assesses his impact and continuing influence on American art. Sky Arts, 9pm

Tv & Critics

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2022-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

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