ITV’s Weekend Line‑up: From Gardening to Grand Prix – A Guide to the Best Bits
Here’s a quick, opinionated look at what ITV has on offer this weekend. We’ve highlighted the most popular shows, grouped them by genre and age‑group, and added a word of recommendation for each.
Gardeners & Foodies (6:30‑9:25 BST)
Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh – 6:30‑8:25. Alan, Stephen Tompkinson and Kerry Ellis explore the Globe Theatre and give gardening tips. Still entertaining, especially for anyone who enjoys a calm, practical approach to the outdoors.
Ainsley’s Fantastic Flavours – 8:25‑9:25. Ainsley cooks comfort foods and a spicy penne con pollo. One of the better options for families who want a quick, tasty meal.
News & Current Affairs (9:25‑10:30 & 13:55‑14:25 BST)
ITV News – 9:25‑9:30. A short national bulletin that’s reliable for a quick briefing.
ITV Evening News – 17:55‑18:05. A concise recap of the day’s top stories.
ITV News London – 18:05‑18:15. Focuses on local weather and events, useful for London residents.
Good Morning Britain – 6:00‑9:30 BST. A mix of news, interviews and light‑hearted banter that keeps you updated while you start the day.
Sports & Racing (10:30‑17:00 & 20:15‑23:30 BST)
The Opening Show: Derby Day Special – 9:30‑10:30. Oli Bell reports from Epsom on the big day in racing. Holds up well for racing fans.
ITV Racing: The Derby – 13:00‑17:00. Live coverage of the Derby from Epsom. Reliable for those who love the thrill of the track.
International Football: England v New Zealand – 20:15‑23:30. England’s penultimate World Cup warm‑up, a solid choice for football enthusiasts.
Game & Quiz Shows (18:15‑20:15 & 19:15‑20:15 BST)
Celebrity Catchphrase – 18:15‑19:15. Natalie Cassidy and friends compete for 50,000 pounds for charity. Still entertaining for a quick laugh.
The Chase Celebrity Special – 19:15‑20:15. Bradley Walsh hosts celebrities battling a Chaser for charity. Holds up well for a casual evening.
Deal or No Deal: Celebrity Special – 16:25‑17:25. Stephen Mulhern guides a celebrity contestant through the tense game. A decent option for those who enjoy high‑stakes tension.
Tipping Point: Lucky Stars – 17:00‑17:55 and 17:25‑18:30. Ben Shephard hosts a charity quiz with famous faces. A reliable, light‑hearted quiz night.
Drama & Reality (21:00‑23:45 BST)
Emmerdale – 20:00‑20:30. The latest drama twists keep the storyline engaging. Still entertaining for fans of soap.
Coronation Street – 20:30‑21:00. Classic British soap with new twists. Holds up well for long‑time viewers.
New: Who Wants to Be a… Millionaire? – 21:00‑22:00. Jeremy Clarkson hosts the quiz. A one‑of‑the‑better‑options for trivia lovers.
New: The Assembly – 22:00‑22:25. A collection of unseen moments featuring Stephen Fry and others. Still entertaining for a quick watch.
The Gentlemen – 22:45‑00:45. An action comedy film that offers a light narrative. Holds up well for a relaxed film night.
Late‑Night & Misc (23:40‑02:00 & 03:00‑05:05 BST)
Taken 2 – 23:40‑01:25. An action thriller sequel that keeps the adrenaline up. Still entertaining for fans of the franchise.
Shop on TV – 01:25‑03:00. Tele-shopping segment; useful for bargain hunters.
Josie’s Taste of the Westcountry – 03:00‑03:50. Josie explores Devon cuisine and culture. A reliable pick for food lovers.
Unwind with ITV – 03:50‑05:05. A calming series to relax after a long day.
Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club – 05:05‑06:00. Gardening tips from a seasoned pro. Still entertaining for hobbyists.
James Martin’s French Adventure – 06:00‑06:50. James explores Arles and its markets. One of the better options for culinary travelers.
Motorsport UK – 05:05‑06:00. A quick look at racing from Donington. Holds up well for motorsport fans.
Bottom Line
ITV offers a diverse range of content this weekend, from practical gardening tips to high‑energy sports broadcasts. Whether you’re looking for light entertainment or a deep dive into a particular genre, there’s a reliable option for every mood. Grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the mix of fresh shows and classic staples that make ITV’s weekend a solid choice for viewers of all ages.