Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer
10.05pm, BBC Four
The historian David Olusoga and the science writer Steven Johnson host this fascinating series. It looks back at scientific developments to see what we have learned from previous epidemics and global health crises to prompt the doubling of the human lifespan in a century. In tonight’s opening episode, Olusoga and Johnson chart the history of the vaccine, from smallpox to the remarkably efficacious Covid jabs – researched and developed in only a year. Ammar Kalia
Holby City
7.50pm, BBC One
If you are familiar with Holby lingo, you will know that the announcement of a “majax” means it is all hands on deck. But as staff mobilise to deal with the major accident involving a school bus smash, Hanssen and Kian are each wrestling with secrets that threaten to spill over into their work on the ward. Graeme Virtue
All That Glitters: Britain’s Next Jewellery Star
8pm, BBC Two
Katherine Ryan ushers the three finalists back to the workshop to slug it out in tonight’s grand finale. In the first challenge, they must create a pair of beautiful pearl earrings. Meanwhile, Nikki, a bride-to-be, craves a special maang tikka headpiece for her wedding. Ali Catterall
Eurovision Song Contest 2021
8pm, BBC Four
As the biggest night in europop looms, tonight sees the first of two semi-final shows. The likes of Lithuania, Slovenia and Malta bring out the power ballads and improbable outfits, before the next tranche of entrants – among them San Marino, Finland and Latvia – compete on Thursday. Hannah J Davies
Hospital
9pm, BBC Two
This week at University Hospital Coventry, the effects of the overload of Covid patients in critical care continues as increasing numbers of patients have their treatments delayed. With two-week referral targets in the oncology department, doctors and nurses face a struggle to assess waiting lists. AK
The Money Maker
9pm, Channel 4
Takeaways have boomed during the Covid lockdowns; this week, the entrepreneur Eric Collins is in Birmingham to check on his investment in Shaun Sookoo’s Caribbean-inspired frozen-meal delivery company. The business has been growing, but Sookoo’s books are in dire need of help. AK
Film choice
The Killer Inside Me (Michael Winterbottom, 2010), 10.55pm, Sony Movies Action
Michael Winterbottom’s disturbing piece of American noir, crafted from Jim Thompson’s pulp novel, attained some notoriety for its stomach-churning violence. Set in a 50s Texas town, it is narrated by Casey Affleck’s deputy sheriff Lou Ford, whose amiable exterior hides a monster. Paul Howlett
Live sport
Premier League football: Chelsea v Leicester City 8pm, Sky Sports Main Event. The race for the Champions League continues at Stamford Bridge. Follows Man Utd v Fulham at 5.30pm.
Rugby union: London Irish v Exeter Chiefs 7.30pm, BT Sport 2. Premiership match from Brentford Community Stadium.
NBA Play-In 11.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event. The Charlotte Hornets take on the Indiana Pacers.
