TV Guide UK Tonight: Sat 28 Feb 2026 – BRIT Awards, Casualty & The Walsh Sisters

Saturday night is anchored by the BRIT Awards live from Manchester, but BBC One has quietly assembled one of the strongest Saturday schedules in weeks. Casualty returns at 8:30pm after its Six Nations break with a genuinely tense episode, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show at 6:45pm features Jade Thirlwall and Tasha Ghouri, and The Walsh Sisters continues at 9:20pm. Over on ITV1, Britain’s Got Talent keeps the auditions rolling at 7pm before handing over to the BRIT Awards 2026 at 8:15pm, where Sam Fender, Olivia Dean and Mark Ronson are the names to watch. Channel 4 premieres Bill Bailey’s Vietnam at 9:15pm. No EastEnders tonight — it’s Saturday — but there is plenty to fill the evening and then some.

Quick Picks: Tonight’s Best

• The BRIT Awards 2026 — ITV1, 8:15pm — Live from Manchester, Sam Fender & Olivia Dean lead nominations, Mark Ronson honoured
• Casualty — BBC One, 8:30pm — Matty goes rogue with a lumbar puncture, CQC Inspector returns
• Michael McIntyre’s Big Show — BBC One, 6:45pm — Jade Thirlwall, Tasha Ghouri & Jack Savoretti
• The Walsh Sisters — BBC One, 9:20pm — Episode 2: Rachel’s family suggests rehab
• Britain’s Got Talent — ITV1, 7pm — Auditions episode 2 with KSI on the panel
• Bill Bailey’s Vietnam — Channel 4, 9:15pm — NEW SERIES: Bill in Hoi An
• Classic Hits / Covers in the Piano Room — BBC Two, 8:30pm — Coldplay, Jessie Ware & Pink
• Gladiators — BBC One, 5:45pm — Shaun “the Shaunado” takes on the Gladiators
• Roman Empire by Train — Channel 4, 8:15pm — Alice Roberts in Parma and Turin
• Sneaker Wars: Adidas v Puma — Nat Geo / Disney+, 9pm — NEW SERIES
• The Turkish Detective — BBC Four, 9:20pm & 10:10pm — Double bill
• Match of the Day — BBC One, 10:25pm — Premier League highlights

Early Evening (5:45pm — 7pm)

Gladiators — BBC One, 5:45pm

Bradley and Barney Walsh welcome another batch of contenders to the arena, and this episode delivers one of the series’ most memorable hours. Internal friction between Hammer and Viper during Gauntlet adds a soap-opera dimension that the producers surely did not plan but will absolutely take, while Cyclone storms off yet again — apparently it is becoming a habit. Strictly alumnus Nitro is still butting in on other people’s victory dances, which at this point feels like his defining characteristic outside the actual events.

The standout story belongs to twenty-year-old aerospace apprentice Shaun, who has earned himself the nickname “the Shaunado” and is attempting to match a feat previously achieved by his father Murray. Whether he manages it or falls short, his run provides the emotional spine of the episode. Barney Walsh calls it “an Eliminator for the ages,” which is strong praise from a man who has seen quite a few of them by now. Available on BBC iPlayer.

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show — BBC One, 6:45pm ⭐

The pick of tonight’s schedule, and McIntyre has assembled a guest list that should produce some genuinely chaotic television. The headline segment is Send to All, where Michael commandeers a celebrity’s phone and sends a message to every single contact. Tonight’s victim is Jade Thirlwall — the Little Mix star hands over her device, and given the breadth of contacts a former member of one of Britain’s biggest girl groups must have, the potential for carnage is significant. The beauty of Send to All has always been that it works best with people who know a lot of famous people, and Thirlwall fits that brief perfectly.

Tasha Ghouri — who became a household name through Love Island and then cemented her status with an outstanding Strictly Come Dancing run — takes on Unexpected Star of the Show. This is the segment where an unsuspecting member of the public discovers they are about to perform on live television, with a celebrity there to guide them through it. Ghouri’s warmth and energy should make her ideal for the format.

Jack Savoretti provides the musical performance, bringing his distinctive raspy vocals and Italian-influenced songwriting to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane stage. McIntyre continues to demonstrate a knack for matching guests to segments, and this episode looks like one of the strongest of the series.

Prime Time (7pm onwards)

Britain’s Got Talent — ITV1, 7pm

The second set of auditions, and the new-look panel is settling in. KSI’s appointment as a permanent judge — replacing Bruno Tonioli, who departed last year due to commitments with Dancing With The Stars in the United States — still carries an element of surprise every time the camera cuts to him alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. But two episodes in, there are signs that his directness and willingness to react differently from the established judges bring something the show needed. Ant and Dec keep proceedings moving as reliably as ever. The auditions continue from the Blackpool Winter Gardens, and the show wraps at 8:15pm to hand the evening over to the BRITs.

Roman Empire by Train with Alice Roberts — Channel 4, 8:15pm

Episode four, and Alice Roberts has reached the north of Italy. In Parma, she surveys an underground hotel, examines a buried Roman bridge and visits a museum of offerings to the gods — the sort of archaeological access that continues to make this series feel like a privilege to watch. A train then takes her north to Turin, where she investigates how the city’s Roman grid system helped scientists crack a long-standing mystery. Four episodes in, Roberts’ combination of scholarly rigour and genuine enthusiasm continues to make ancient history feel alive and surprisingly relevant. The Italian landscapes do not hurt either.

The BRIT Awards 2026 — ITV1, 8:15pm

The BRITs have left London. For the first time in their history, the ceremony heads north to Co-op Live in Manchester — forty-nine years since Michael Aspel hosted the inaugural event. Jack Whitehall returns as host for a sixth consecutive year, and the move to a new venue should give him fresh material to work with beyond the usual backstage-at-the-O2 routines.

The domestic nominations are dominated by Sam Fender and Olivia Dean, both of whom are up for Best Artist. They are also competing against each other — and, in a sense, conspiring together — for Best Song, thanks to their massive collaboration “Rein Me In,” which spent months climbing the chart before eventually reaching number one. It hit number one and has been inescapable since.

On the international front, the nominees include Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Tame Impala and Geese — a group that spans reggaeton, pop and indie guitar. Mark Ronson receives the Outstanding Contribution to Music award, joining previous recipients including David Bowie, Oasis and Elton John. Given his work on Back to Black, A Star Is Born and the Barbie soundtrack, among many others, it is a richly deserved honour.

Whether the Manchester crowd gives the ceremony a different atmosphere from the O2 will be one of the night’s most interesting subplots. Streaming live on ITVX for those who prefer to watch on a device.

Classic Hits in the Piano Room / Covers in the Piano Room — BBC Two, 8:30pm

Radio 2’s Piano Room gets a double bill tonight, and Vernon Kay introduces some genuinely inspired cover versions. The highlights include Coldplay reimagining the Proclaimers’ Sunshine on Leith — stripping the terrace anthem back to something more intimate and emotional — Jessie Ware transforming Cher’s Believe into a torchsong that sounds like it was written specifically for her voice, and Pink delivering a rendition of Nothing Compares 2 U that reminds you just how powerful that song remains in the right hands. The Piano Room sessions have become one of Radio 2’s signature events, and these televised highlights demonstrate why. Perfect viewing for the gap between other programmes, or as an alternative to the BRITs if live award ceremonies are not your thing. Available on BBC iPlayer.

Casualty — BBC One, 8:30pm

Casualty is back after its enforced break for the Six Nations, and it returns with an episode that wastes no time raising the stakes. Matty goes rogue and attempts a lumbar puncture with only Kim’s phone guidance to talk him through it — not exactly the most reassuring setup for a delicate medical procedure. The tension of the sequence is built around Matty’s uncertainty and the distance between him and any reliable backup, and it makes for genuinely gripping viewing.

Meanwhile, CQC Inspector Ceri returns to the emergency department, hoping to find that things have improved since her previous visit. Given that one member of staff is currently performing a procedure while being coached via mobile phone, the timing could be better. The institutional pressure of the CQC inspection layered on top of the medical jeopardy gives the episode a satisfying dual structure — the personal and the systemic running in parallel.

This is Casualty doing what it does best: putting its characters under pressure and watching how they respond. Available on BBC iPlayer.

Sneaker Wars: Adidas v Puma — National Geographic / Disney+, 9pm (NEW SERIES)

The story of how a family argument in a small German town spawned two of the biggest sportswear brands on the planet. Adi and Rudi Dassler were brothers who built a shoe business together before their relationship fractured irreparably, leading to the creation of Adidas and Puma respectively. This documentary series traces their rivalry through some of the twentieth century’s defining sporting moments — the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the 1968 Games — and into the modern era with athletes like Usain Bolt and Noah Lyles. The intersection of sport, fashion and family grudges makes for compelling viewing. The series is also available in full on Disney+ for those who prefer to binge rather than follow the broadcast schedule.

Bill Bailey’s Vietnam — Channel 4, 9:15pm (NEW SERIES)

Fifty years after the Vietnam War ended, Bill Bailey arrives in a country that has transformed itself beyond recognition. Episode one begins in Hoi An, where Bailey takes to the water in a traditional boat that he memorably describes as “a precarious floating thimble” — and which does indeed look precisely as stable as that description suggests. From there, he explores a food market bursting with unfamiliar flavours, has a hand-made suit crafted in forty-eight hours (a turnaround that would impress most Savile Row tailors), tries his hand at a pottery wheel with predictably uneven results, and visits the World Heritage site of My Son Sanctuary.

The inevitable comparisons with Michael Palin’s travelogues are not unfair, because Bailey shares that same combination of genuine curiosity, physical willingness, and the ability to find humour without ever making the locals the butt of the joke. Vietnam is a country that rewards travellers who approach it with openness, and Bailey does exactly that. The landscapes are stunning, the cultural encounters feel authentic, and Bailey’s natural warmth ensures the quieter moments land just as effectively as the comic ones. A strong opening episode.

The Walsh Sisters — BBC One, 9:20pm

Episode two, and the fallout from last week’s shocking closing moments is immediate and painful. Rachel’s family suggest rehab, provoking a reaction that is as quotable as it is furious. She eventually agrees, but not before making her feelings about the suggestion abundantly clear. After what happened at the end of the premiere, however, Rachel is far from the only sister the family needs to worry about, and the episode settles into an anxious evening of bickering in A&E that captures the particular tension of families trying to hold themselves together in a hospital waiting room.

This is where the Marian Keyes adaptation starts to show its teeth. The Walsh sisters are warm and chaotic and deeply recognisable, but they are also capable of inflicting real damage on each other when the pressure mounts. Louisa Harland, Caroline Menton, Stefanie Preissner, Danielle Galligan and Mairead Tyers continue to find the rhythms of siblings who can shift from laughter to fury to tenderness within a single scene. All six episodes remain available on BBC iPlayer for anyone who has already binged ahead.

The Turkish Detective — BBC Four, 9:20pm & 10:10pm

A double bill of this Istanbul-set crime drama, with the full series also available on BBC iPlayer for anyone who wants to power through the lot. Police officer Mehmet finds himself caught between divided loyalties, Leyla’s conspiracy plotline thickens, and Inspector Ikmen — in a moment that perfectly captures the series’ eccentric tone — quotes Dylan Thomas while surrounded by gun-wielding bruisers. An arrest is made, but if you think that means the case is straightforward, you have not been paying attention. The Turkish Detective has carved out a niche as a reliably atmospheric Saturday night crime drama on BBC Four, and this double helping should satisfy anyone looking for something with a bit more grit than the main channels offer.

Late Night

Match of the Day — BBC One, 10:25pm

Highlights from the day’s Premier League action. The early kick-off is Bournemouth against Sunderland at 12:30pm on TNT Sports 1, while the late game is Leeds versus Manchester City at 5:30pm on Sky Sports Main Event.

This Cultural Life / Mark Ronson at Glastonbury — BBC Two, 11:30pm

A fitting companion piece to the BRITs. Mark Ronson — recipient of tonight’s Outstanding Contribution to Music award — sits down with John Wilson to discuss his creative influences, his work with Amy Winehouse on Back to Black, and the moments that shaped his career. Ronson is a generous, specific interviewee — worth watching on its own merits. At midnight, the mood shifts as BBC Two broadcasts Ronson’s Glastonbury 2015 set, which featured guest appearances from Boy George, Grandmaster Flash, George Clinton and Mary J Blige. If you enjoyed Ronson at the BRITs, this is essential late-night viewing.

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol — Channel 4, 10:15pm

The fourth and arguably best of the Mission: Impossible films. Tom Cruise scales the Burj Khalifa, runs through a sandstorm in Dubai and generally behaves as though the laws of physics are merely suggestions. Brad Bird directs with an energy that the franchise sometimes lacked before this instalment reinvented it, and Simon Pegg provides the comic relief. Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton round out a team that is far more likeable than any group of international spies has any right to be. Perfect post-BRITs viewing.

The Football Interview — BBC One, 11:40pm

Kelly Somers interviews England captain Leah Williamson in a conversation that covers her career, her leadership of the national team, and the state of women’s football in England. The programme airs later in Scotland at 12:55am.

Sport

Premier League: Bournemouth v Sunderland — 11am (kick-off 12:30pm) TNT Sports 1. Leeds v Manchester City — 5pm (kick-off 5:30pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League. Match of the Day at 10:25pm on BBC One.

Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup: Sri Lanka v Pakistan — 1pm, Sky Sports Cricket. Super Eight from Kandy.

Rugby League Super League: Warrington Wolves v Wakefield Trinity — 5:15pm (kick-off 5:30pm, not Wales) BBC Two. Hull Kingston Rovers v Leeds Rhinos — 11:30pm (kick-off midnight) Sky Sports Main Event.

The Viewing Schedule

What’s On Streaming

BBC iPlayer: Gladiators, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Casualty, The Walsh Sisters (all 6 episodes), Classic Hits / Covers in the Piano Room, Match of the Day (after broadcast), The Turkish Detective (full series), This Cultural Life, The Football Interview
ITVX: BRIT Awards 2026 (live from 8:15pm and catch-up), Britain’s Got Talent episode 2
Channel 4 streaming: Bill Bailey’s Vietnam (premiere), Roman Empire by Train with Alice Roberts, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
Disney+: Sneaker Wars: Adidas v Puma (full series)

Frequently Asked Questions

What time are the BRIT Awards 2026 on TV tonight?

The BRIT Awards 2026 are live on ITV1 and ITVX from 8:15pm tonight (Saturday 28th February 2026). Jack Whitehall hosts from Co-op Live in Manchester for a sixth year. Sam Fender and Olivia Dean dominate domestic nominations — both up for Best Artist, and both in contention for Best Song with their collaboration “Rein Me In.” Mark Ronson receives the Outstanding Contribution to Music award. International nominees include Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Tame Impala and Geese.

What time is Britain’s Got Talent on tonight?

Britain’s Got Talent continues on ITV1 at 7pm tonight (Saturday 28th February 2026) with the second set of auditions. Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI return, with Ant and Dec hosting. The show finishes at 8:15pm when the BRIT Awards begin.

Is EastEnders on TV tonight?

No, EastEnders is not on tonight. EastEnders does not air on Saturdays — it broadcasts Monday to Thursday on BBC One. You can catch up on any episodes you have missed via BBC iPlayer.

Is Casualty on TV tonight?

Yes, Casualty is on BBC One tonight at 8:30pm (Saturday 28th February 2026). In episode 7, “Learning Curve,” Matty goes rogue attempting a lumbar puncture with only Kim’s phone guidance, while CQC Inspector Ceri returns hoping to find improvements. You can also watch on BBC iPlayer.

What’s the best thing to watch on TV tonight?

Our top pick is Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on BBC One at 6:45pm — Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix hands over her phone for Send to All, and Tasha Ghouri stars in Unexpected Star of the Show. The BRIT Awards 2026 on ITV1 at 8:15pm will deliver live spectacle from Manchester. For drama, Casualty at 8:30pm and The Walsh Sisters episode 2 at 9:20pm on BBC One are both strong choices.

What’s on BBC One tonight?

BBC One tonight (Saturday 28th February 2026) includes Gladiators at 5:45pm, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show at 6:45pm with Jade Thirlwall, Tasha Ghouri and Jack Savoretti, Casualty at 8:30pm, The Walsh Sisters episode 2 at 9:20pm, Match of the Day at 10:25pm, and The Football Interview with Leah Williamson at 11:40pm.

What time is Bill Bailey’s Vietnam on Channel 4?

Bill Bailey’s Vietnam premieres on Channel 4 at 9:15pm tonight (Saturday 28th February 2026). The comedian travels to Vietnam on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, beginning his journey in Hoi An.

What’s on BBC Four tonight?

BBC Four has a double bill of The Turkish Detective at 9:20pm and 10:10pm tonight. Inspector Ikmen and officer Mehmet investigate amidst divided loyalties and conspiracy. The full series is available on BBC iPlayer.

Final Verdict

The BRITs are the headline, but BBC One has the stronger schedule. The BRIT Awards 2026 on ITV1 at 8:15pm should be a proper event — the move to Manchester’s Co-op Live gives the ceremony a genuinely fresh feel after decades at the O2, Jack Whitehall remains a reliable host, and the domestic battle between Sam Fender and Olivia Dean for both Best Artist and Best Song (for their collaboration “Rein Me In”) gives the nominations a compelling narrative. Mark Ronson’s Outstanding Contribution to Music award adds real prestige. International nominees Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Tame Impala and Geese ensure a global flavour.

Before the BRITs, Britain’s Got Talent at 7pm keeps the auditions rolling on ITV1 — KSI’s appointment as a permanent judge brings a different energy, and the second episode should reveal more about how the panel dynamic is developing.

BBC One’s evening is excellent. Michael McIntyre’s Big Show at 6:45pm is the pick of the evening — Jade Thirlwall handing over her phone for Send to All promises chaos, Tasha Ghouri should shine in Unexpected Star of the Show, and Jack Savoretti brings genuine musical quality. Gladiators at 5:45pm delivers one of the series’ most entertaining episodes, with Shaun “the Shaunado” attempting to match his father’s feat and Barney Walsh calling it an Eliminator for the ages. Casualty returns at 8:30pm with a tense episode that wastes no time putting Matty under pressure, and at 9:20pm The Walsh Sisters continues with an episode that deepens the emotional stakes as Rachel’s family confront the reality of her addiction.

Channel 4 has a strong evening too. Roman Empire by Train at 8:15pm takes Alice Roberts to Parma and Turin, and Bill Bailey’s Vietnam at 9:15pm premieres with the kind of warmth and curiosity that invites comparisons with Michael Palin — high praise, but not unearned. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol at 10:15pm is perfect late-night viewing.

On BBC Two, Classic Hits / Covers in the Piano Room at 8:30pm offers Coldplay, Jessie Ware and Pink delivering stripped-back cover versions, and the late-night This Cultural Life at 11:30pm pairs an intimate interview with Mark Ronson alongside his legendary Glastonbury 2015 set. BBC Four’s double bill of The Turkish Detective at 9:20pm provides atmospheric crime drama for those who prefer something grittier. And on National Geographic, Sneaker Wars: Adidas v Puma at 9pm launches a compelling new documentary series about the family feud that created two global sporting empires.

Match of the Day wraps things up at 10:25pm with Premier League highlights, and The Football Interview at 11:40pm features Kelly Somers talking to England captain Leah Williamson. Live sport today includes Bournemouth v Sunderland at 12:30pm on TNT Sports, Leeds v Manchester City at 5:30pm on Sky Sports, Sri Lanka v Pakistan in the T20 Cricket World Cup on Sky Sports Cricket, and Warrington Wolves v Wakefield Trinity in the Super League on BBC Two.

Related: Friday 27 February 2026 TV Guide | Saturday TV Guide | Sunday TV Guide

Clint Edgar

Clint is a writer and self-proclaimed professional binge-watcher who treats the "Skip Intro" button with the suspicion it deserves. When he isn't dissecting plot holes or getting emotionally invested in fictional characters, you can find him scrolling through streaming queues or arguing about why The Office is a masterpiece. Clint lives in London with a dangerously comfortable couch and a remote control that he guards with his life.