The world's eyes will be on Paris as the city hosts the Olympic Games for the third time, marking a century since the last time they were held there. The opening ceremony promises to be a spectacular event, taking place not within a stadium, but along the picturesque Seine River.
Under the direction of stage director Thomas Jolly, the ceremony will feature over 10,500 athletes parading down boats, travelling a 6km route that passes iconic landmarks like the Grand Palais and Eiffel Tower. BBC One will provide extensive coverage, with Clare Balding and her team leading the presentation.
While the performers for the evening have yet to be officially announced, the presence of Sabrina Carpenter in an event advertisement sparks speculation that she may be gracing the stage.
Other Highlights on TV Tonight:
Gardeners' World (8pm, BBC Two): Monty Don prepares his garden for a holiday break, planting phlox and sowing seeds for late-summer salads. Meanwhile, Adam Frost takes viewers on a Mediterranean journey without leaving the country, visiting an Italian-inspired garden in Devon.
Lake District Rescue (8pm, Channel 4): The Cumbrian wilds are once again the backdrop for a rescue mission. This episode features a paraglider crash, leaving the fliers with serious injuries on top of Great How Crag.
Verdi's Requiem at the Proms (8pm, BBC Four): Even if you aren't a Verdi aficionado, you'll likely recognize the stirring "Dies Irae" section of his Requiem. Ryan Bancroft leads the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, two choirs, and a team of soloists in a powerful rendition of this cinematic and apocalyptic masterpiece.
Champions: Full Gallop (9pm, ITV1): The world of horse racing is full of exhilarating highs and agonizing lows. This week, viewers follow two prominent jockeys, Sean Bowen and Harry Cobden. Bowen's injury provides an opportunity for Cobden, who is described as a "laidback and mild-natured" but "ruthless" competitor.
Terror at 30,000 Feet (9pm, Channel 5): This episode takes viewers back to 2010, where an Airbus A380 travelling from London to Sydney experienced an engine blowout after a refueling stop in Singapore. The pilot faces a difficult decision, as the plane is too heavy to land safely shortly after takeoff.
Film Choice:
It (Andy Muschietti, 2017), 1.45pm, Sky Cinema Greats: This chilling horror film, based on Stephen King's novel, follows a group of children in Derry, Maine, as they face a terrifying clown creature known as Pennywise. The film features a chilling atmosphere of dread and suspense, and Bill Skarsgård's performance as Pennywise is sure to leave a lasting impression.
