The weekend is here at last which means it's also time for our weekend TV picks. We've trawled through the TV listings and have picked the cream of the crop of what's on the box over the next couple days. All you need now is the remote in one hand, and a cuppa in the other!
FRIDAY
The Late Late Show Eurosong Special
RTE1: 9.35pm
Hard to believe it's Eurosong time again, feels like only last week we were watching Linda Martin turn Incredible Hulk on us with your man from Aslan. However, we doubt anything even half as exciting will happen tonight but sure we'll remain optimistic. Tubridy will be introducing the five acts in the running to represent Ireland at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, with the competitors including Zambian-born R&B performer Alex Saint and accompanying vocal group the MJs, former Rose of Tralee contestant Kat Mahon, talent show star Erika Selin, ex-Eurovision entrant Nikki Kavanagh and self-taught teenage musician Molly Sterling, and God willing, a judging panel that includes Linda Martin.
The Graham Norton Show
BBC1: 10:35pm
This may just be the most attractive couch on Graham Norton for quite some time, as sporting legend and bonafide roide David Beckham will be on the show, along with stars of upcoming flick 'Focus', Will Smith and Margot Robbie - there's just no stopping that lady in Hollywood at the moment! While Hugh Jackman will also be on to chat about acting alongside a CGI robot in the sci-fi adventure Chappie. On top of all that, Noel Gallagher will be on for a song as he performs his new single Ballad of the Mighty I. Although that may not be the only music if Will Smith continues his recent party piece of performing his nineties hit 'Summertime' with the audience... why DOES he keep doing that? I mean, it's barely spring WiIl Smith...
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Film: Total Recall
RTE2: 9.15pm
Colin bleedin' Farrtell stars in this remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic where he plays a man living somewhere in a very bleak future after a nuclear war, so decides to have some better memories implanted into his brain about once being a secret agent, sure why not? However, the procedure uncovers the fact that he really IS a spy with his memory erased, (what ARE the chances?) and he is forced to become a fugitive from the totalitarian government. He does meet Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel along the way though, so how bad.
SATURDAY
Live Boxing: Carl Frampton v. Chris Avalos
UTV Ireland: 10.50pm
They've been trading insults on the run-up to this fight, but it looks reasonably certain that Avalos doesn't stand much of a chance here. Considering he's lost two previous fights and Frampton has home advantage and has an undefeated streak, we can expect a pretty short fight here. Frampton, who's the reigning IBF World Super Bantamweight champ, is defending his title against Avalos in Belfast's Odyssey Arena.
The Saturday Night Show
RTE1: 9.35pm
Brendan has quite the high flier guest on this week, because he's in a band called High Flying Birds! See what I did there?? (Sorry.) Mr Noel Gallagher himself will be joining Brendan for a chat and performing a couple songs. You'd normally expect to see him chatting to Ryan on The Late Late Show but sure Ryan's too busy getting his Eurosong on this week to be chatting to the likes of Noel. As well as his good self, Kathryn Thomas will be chatting about The Voice of Ireland and Operation Transformation, as well as her new business venture. While controversial GAA pundit Joe Brolly discusses the importance of organ donation as well as player welfare and the growing injury crisis within the GAA. But Noel bleedin' Gallagher folks!
How We Got to Now with Steven Johnson
BBC2: 7.45pm
We live in a modern world where we've long surpassed thinking of something like a freezer as a luxury, or any kind of cooling device really. This programme takes a look a the unsung heroes who made technological innovations in the sphere of cooling and refrigeration. From the engineer who learned how to cool homes meaning people could move to previously inhospitable desert areas, to the doctor who was determined to beat fever and created a refrigerator. As science author Steven Johnson looks at how these inventions had far-reaching and unexpected consequences for creating the modern world.
SUNDAY
RBS Six Nations: Ireland v England
RTE 2: 2.00pm, BBC One: 2.30pm
The last two undefeated teams in the competition face off against one another, and it's sure to be a tense affair. England have shown their quality in the games to date, with plenty of tries to their name and impressive pace on the flanks, and if they manage to break through to score early, Ireland will have to dig deep to find any answers. Joe Schmidt will set his team out to be tactically disciplined and not give much away either however, something which this England team has not come up against yet in the competition this year so far. There's just on change for the Boys in Green from the team that started against France, as Jamie Heaslip is out through injury and will be replaced by Jordi Murphy. The bookies have this as a draw, so don't expect a high-scoring affair, but you should probably be prepared to be sitting on the edge of your seat and biting your nails as you watch this one. Kick off is at 3pm.
The Meaning of Life with Gay Byrne
RTE1: 10.30pm
Last in the current series of Gay Byrne's deep and meaningfuls with some famous folk, with Stephen Fry's interview undoubtedly being the standout interview so far. There's still one more to go though as Gay speaks to Dr Rowan Williams about his time as Archbishop of Canterbury. As well as discussing the tabloid press's coverage of his views on Islam, along with his own deep personal faith.
The Casual Vacancy
BBC1: 9pm
Also the last episode in the TV adaptation of author JK Rowling's first book since Harry Potter. It's proved to be a decent enough watch, although can't say we will miss it too much. It will be interesting to see how things pan out though as the parish council election approaches and each side steps up its campaign, with the fate of Sweetlove House hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, Krystal returns home to find Terri back to her old ways, while Howard's dark secret is revealed in the Ghost's final post, and finally, news of a tragedy leaves the whole community reeling...
Peaky Blinders
RTE2: 9.55pm, 11.05pm
Double bill to mark the end of the first season of this gangster drama set in early 20th century England, and starring are own Cillian Murphy as well as Sam Neil. Things are set to reach a dramatic climax in these last episodes as Thomas deals with an IRA chief who has come to Small Heath to avenge his cousin's death. While Campbell gets closer to finding the stolen guns and Grace has to decide whether her loyalties lie with the inspector or with Thomas. Obviously Thomas, Grace. Come on!
