Aliens: The Big Think is a one-off documentary broadcast on BBC Four on 21 April 2016. Narrated by Peter Capaldi. Professor Martin Rees discusses the modern search for extra-terrestrials, and the theory that our idea of alien life is all wrong: that it's not organic life we should look for out there, but machines.

Aliens: The Big Think
Documentary
BBC Four
21 April 2016
Narrated by Peter Capaldi

Professor Martin Rees discusses the modern search for extra-terrestrials, and the theory that our idea of alien life is all wrong: that it's not organic life we should look for out there, but machines.

Elizabeth at 90 - A Family Tribute was a special programme broadcast on Her Majesty's Birthday on BBC One on 21 April 2016. A unique celebration of the Queen's ninety years. Film-maker John Bridcut was granted special access to the complete collection of Her Majesty's personal cine films, shot by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen herself, as well as by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Much of it has never been seen publicly before. A Crux production for BBC.

Elizabeth at 90 - A Family Tribute
BBC One (Crux production)
21 April 2016

Film-maker John Bridcut was granted special access to the complete collection of Her Majesty's personal cine films, shot by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Shakespeare: The Legacy with John Nettles was a one-off biographical documentary first shown on UKTV channel Yesterday on 21 April 2016. To the world, Shakespeare left a lasting legacy and an awful lot of unanswered questions. Follow John Nettles as he recounts the life of William Shakespeare. A 3DD production for UKTV.

Shakespeare: The Legacy with John Nettles
Biographical documentary
UKTV - Yesterday (3DD production)
21 April 2016

To the world, Shakespeare left a lasting legacy and an awful lot of unanswered questions. Follow John Nettles as he recounts the life of William Shakespeare.

Long Lost Family is a reality documentary series broadcast on ITV from 21 April 2011 to the present day. It is based on the Dutch series Spoorloos. Hosted by Nicky Campbell and Davina McCall. The series offers a last chance for people who may be desperate to find or learn more about long lost relatives. Given the large numbers contacting the show, the series only helps a selection of people, most of whom eventually appear and participate on screen. With the help of the hosts, each guest is then guided and supported through the process of tracing the member of their family they have been seeking, in some cases for more than 50 or 60 years. To date, there have been 15 series totalling 91 episodes. 2 spin-off series (LLF: What Happened Next, and LLF: Born Without Trace) have made another 14 series totalling 40 episodes. There has also been 2 specials - LLF: Switched at Birth and LLF: Shipped to Australia. A Wall to Wall production for ITV.

Long Lost Family
Documentary
ITV (Wall to Wall)
from 21 April 2011
133 episodes and specials to date

The series offers a last chance for people who may be desperate to find or learn more about long lost relatives. Given that large numbers contact the show, the series only helps a selection.

A History of British Art is a 6 part documentary series broadcast on BBC 2 from 21 April to 26 May 1996. Written and presented by Andrew Graham-Dixon. The series traces the history of British art from 1066 to the modern day. Starting with a revelatory account of the almost unknown masterpieces of the Catholic Middle Ages, Graham-Dixon celebrates the beauty and brilliance of Britain's artistic heritage - from Thomas Gainsborough to Damien Hirst, William Hogarth to David Hockney, John Constable to Henry Moore.

A History of British Art
Documentary
BBC 2
21 April to 26 May 1996
Written and presented by Andrew Graham-Dixon

The series traces the history of British art from 1066 to the modern day. From Thomas Gainsborough to Damien Hirst, William Hogarth to David Hockney, John Constable to Henry Moore.

Remembering... Elizabeth II 21 April 1926 - 8 September 2022 Age 96 Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her passing in 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during her lifetime and was the monarch of 15 realms. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British monarch, the second-longest of any sovereign state, and the longest of any Queen in history.

Remembering...

Elizabeth II
21 April 1926 - 8 September 2022
Age 96

Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her passing in 2022.

Her reign of 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British monarch and the longest of any Queen in history.

Opportunity Murder was a 6 part drama mystery series broadcast on BBC tv from 21 April to 26 May 1956. The episodes were titled: A Choice of Victims View the Weapon A Choice of Motives A Choice of Killers A Choice of Suspects A Choice of Solutions The cast included: Alexander Knox Anne Crawford Roderick Lovell Adrienne Corri (pictured) Duncan Lamont Barry Lowe Patrick Connor Meadows White Michael Harrison Raymond Francis

Opportunity Murder was a 6 part drama mystery series broadcast on BBC tv from 21 April to 26 May 1956.

The cast included:

Alexander Knox
Anne Crawford
Roderick Lovell
Adrienne Corri (pictured)
Duncan Lamont
Barry Lowe
Patrick Connor
Meadows White
Michael Harrison
Raymond Francis

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21 April 1981 Period drama When the Boat Comes In shows its last new episode. The series began in 1976 and ran for 4 series totalling 51 episodes. Episodes are currently being repeated on That's TV.

21 April 1981

Period drama When the Boat Comes In shows its last new episode.

The series began in 1976 and ran for 4 series totalling 51 episodes.

Episodes are currently being repeated on That's TV.

tvark.org/when-the-boa...

21 April 1966 The State Opening of the UK Parliament was shown on television for the first time.

21 April 1966

The State Opening of the UK Parliament was shown on television for the first time.

Excellent spot. From "revolting children" to "revolting pets!!"

Balamory returned to television today with a brand new series on CBeebies. Julie Wilson Nimmo (Miss Hoolie), Andrew Agnew (PC Plum), Kim Tserkezie (Penny Pocket) and Juliet Cadzow (Edie McCredie) have returned for the new series. Joining them in the reboot are Danielle Jam (Ava Potts), Carl Spencer (Dr Ollie the vet) and William Andrews (The Harbour Master). So what's the story in Balamory? You'll find out every weekday at 17:00 on the CBeebies channel or on BBC iPlayer.

Balamory returned to TV today with a brand new series on CBeebies

Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, Penny Pocket and Edie McCredie have been joined by newcomers Ava Potts, Dr Ollie the vet and The Harbour Master

So what's the story in Balamory?
Find out weekdays at 17:00 on CBeebies or anytime on BBC iPlayer

Patrick Muldoon - US actor, film producer, and musician 27 September 1968 - 19 April 2026 Age 57 Richard Hart in 35 episodes of Melrose Place. Austin Reed in 496 episodes of Days of our Lives.

Patrick Muldoon - US actor, film producer, and musician
27 September 1968 - 19 April 2026
Age 57

Richard Hart in 35 episodes of Melrose Place.
Austin Reed in 496 episodes of Days of our Lives.

Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎈🎁 Doctor Who actress Louise Jameson was born on 20 April 1951.

Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎈🎁 Born on 20 April 1956 is Call the Midwife's Georgie Glen.

Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎈🎁 Brookside actor Paul Usher was born on 20 April 1961.

Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎈🎁 Nicholas Lyndhurst of Only Fools and Horses was born on 20 April 1961.

Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎈🎁

Doctor Who actress Louise Jameson is 75 today.

Turning 70 today is Call the Midwife's Georgie Glen.

It's a Happy 65th to Brookside actor Paul Usher.

Nicholas Lyndhurst of Only Fools and Horses also turns 65.

20 April 2001 Celador Productions, makers of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, is awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise for selling the ITV game show to over 60 countries worldwide.

20 April 2001

Celador Productions, makers of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, is awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise for selling the ITV game show to over 60 countries worldwide.

20 April 2001 The final ever Right 2 Reply was shown on Channel 4.

20 April 2001

The final ever Right 2 Reply was shown on Channel 4.

tvark.org/right-to-reply

20 April 1991 As part of the BSkyB merger, BSB's The Sports Channel was rebranded as Sky Sports and launched on the Astra satellite.

20 April 1991 As part of the BSkyB merger, BSB's The Sports Channel was rebranded as Sky Sports and launched on the Astra satellite.

20 April 1991

As part of the BSkyB merger, BSB's The Sports Channel was rebranded as Sky Sports and launched on the Astra satellite.

tvark.org/sky-sports-l...

Caravanner of the Year was a 2 part challenge series broadcast on BBC Two on 20 & 27 April 2016. Narrated by Arabella Weir. Six top caravanning enthusiasts are out to prove they have the skills to be named the Caravan Club's first Caravanner of the Year over two tough days of competition. The judges were Grenville Chamberlain, Andy Harris and Lucy-Jayne Grout. John & Jenny Marsland were the winners. An October Films production for BBC.

Caravanner of the Year
Challenge series
BBC Two (October Films)
20 & 27 April 2016
2 episodes
Narrated by Arabella Weir

Six top caravanning enthusiasts are out to prove they have the skills to be named the Caravan Club's first Caravanner of the Year over two tough days of competition.

Desmond Morris 24 January 1928 – 19 April 2026 Age 98 Zoologist, ethologist, surrealist painter, author and television presenter Famous on television for: The Human Sexes The Animal Contract Horse X:enius SexTV The Way We Went Wild Reading the Decades Because You're Worth It The Rise and Rise of Animal Rights Personal Passions The Big Breakfast Charlie Rose The Human Animal Family Affairs Animal Country 60 Minutes Plunder The Media Show The Garden Party Nature On the House Saturday Review Wogan The Time of Your Life Pebble Mill at One The Quest for Fire Adventure Did You See..? Friday Night, Saturday Morning This Is Your Life The Late Great Planet Earth The Mike Douglas Show 90 Minutes Live The World About Us Parkinson The Book Programme The Irv Kupcinet Show The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Betty Hughes and Friends The Phil Donahue Show National Geographic Specials The Country we are Making Man of the Decade 24 Hours: The World of John and Yoko Frost on Sunday Pat Boone in Hollywood Today The Biz Quiz Merry-Go-Round Life Zoo Time

Desmond Morris
24 January 1928 – 19 April 2026
Age 98
Zoologist, ethologist, surrealist painter, author and TV presenter

Famous on TV for:

The Animal Contract
The Human Animal
Animal Country
The Late Great Planet Earth
The World About Us
Merry-Go-Round
Zoo Time

tvark.org/zoo-time

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We remember... Victoria Wood - comedian, actress, musician, screenwriter, and director 19 May 1953 - 20 April 2016 Age 62 Probably the most talented female comedian in the world. The list of Victoria's talents are some of the most endearing shows on British television. These are some of them: Fungus the Bogeyman Case Histories Ruddy Hell! It's Harry & Paul Comic Relief: Uptown Downstairs Abbey Eric & Ernie Ballet Shoes Housewife, 49 dinnerladies Wetty Hainthropp Investigates Screen One: Pat & Margaret Anytime Tales Jackanory Victoria Wood Puppydog Tales Comic Relief Insight Nearly a Happy Ending Screenplay The Summer Show Victoria Wood - From Soup to Nuts Our Friend Victoria ITV Playhouse That Day We Sang Victoria Wood: That Musical We Made Victoria Wood's Nice Cup of Tea Little Crackers Victoria Wood: What Larks! or... What I Did on My Holidays Mid Life Christmas Victoria's Empire Loving Miss Hatto Victoria Wood: Moonwalking Victoria Wood's Big Fat Documentary Victoria Wood: With All the Trimmings Don't Panic! The Dad's Army Story Great Railway Journeys Victoria Wood: Live in Your Own Home Victoria Wood's All Day Breakfast Victoria Wood: Sold Out Julie Walters and Friends An Audience with Victoria Wood Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV Up Our Street Wood and Walters

We remember...

Victoria Wood - comedian, actress, musician, screenwriter, and director
19 May 1953 - 20 April 2016
Age 62

Some of Victoria's shows are:

Housewife, 49
dinnerladies
An Audience with Victoria Wood
Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV
Wood and Walters

tvark.org/victoria-wood

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Balamory returns with a brand new series at 17:00 BST today on CBeebies.

Alias Smith and Jones was a US Western series first broadcast in the UK on BBC 1 from 19 April 1971. 3 series totalling 50 episodes were made. Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry, two of the most wanted outlaws in the history of the West, are popular with everyone...except the railroads and the banks!! The cast includes: Ben Murphy Roger Davis Pete Duel Monty Laird Walt Davis Dennis Fimple JD Cannon Burl Ives Ford Rainey Bill Fletcher Jon Lormer Slim Pickens Mills Watson John Russell Clarke Gordon Bill McKinney Steve Gravers Gary Van Ormand Keenan Wynn Walter Brennan Cesar Romero A Universal/Public Arts production.

Alias Smith and Jones
US Western
BBC 1 (Universal/Public Arts)
From 19 April 1971
3 series - 50 episodes

The cast includes:

Ben Murphy
Roger Davis
Pete Duel
Monty Laird
Walt Davis
Dennis Fimple
JD Cannon
Burl Ives
Slim Pickens
Keenan Wynn
Cesar Romero

tvark.org/alias-smith-...

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Brett was a 19 part drama broadcast on BBC 1 from 19 April to 23 August 1971. Brett is a journalist with a taste for the high life and a penchant for trouble. A powerful and ambitious man who would become a tycoon. Sadly, his shady past catches up with him - bringing him into conflict with people he had crossed. The cast includes: Patrick Allen Robin Bailey Hannah Gordon Peter Bowles Michael Hawkins Hugh Cross Jean MacFarlane Tom Watson Noel Willman Judith Arthy Clive Revill Windsor Davies Glyn Houston Michael Earl Raymond Brody David Bauer Anthony Ainley Paul Maxwell William Lucas Fulton Mackay Aubrey Richards John Savident

Brett
Drama
BBC 1
19 April to 23 August 1971
19 episodes

The cast includes:

Patrick Allen
Robin Bailey
Hannah Gordon
Peter Bowles
Michael Hawkins
Hugh Cross
Jean MacFarlane
Tom Watson
Noel Willman
Windsor Davies
Glyn Houston
Anthony Ainley
William Lucas
Fulton Mackay
John Savident

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Tribal Teens... Here Comes Trouble is a 3 part documentary series broadcast on Channel 5 on 19 & 26 April, and 23 August 2016. Lazy British teenagers get the wake-up call of a lifetime as they are challenged to live with the planet's toughest tribes.

Tribal Teens... Here Comes Trouble is a 3 part documentary series broadcast on Channel 5 on 19 & 26 April, and 23 August 2016.

Lazy British teenagers get the wake-up call of a lifetime as they are challenged to live with the planet's toughest tribes.

The Tiny Tots Talent Agency was a 4 part documentary series broadcast on Channel 4 from 19 April to 8 May 2016. A group of children who spend their lives living in the spotlight. From stage to screen to modelling jobs. From pushy parents and stuck up children, sibling rivalries and support systems, this show documents the crazy life of children that act. A TwoFour production for Channel 4.

The Tiny Tots Talent Agency was a 4 part documentary series broadcast on Channel 4 from 19 April to 8 May 2016.

A group of children who spend their lives living in the spotlight. From stage to screen to modelling jobs.

A TwoFour production for Channel 4.

Fierce is a 6 part nature documentary broadcast on ITV from 19 April to 31 May 2016. Steve Backshall comes face to face with some of the scariest creatures on the planet. He visits Australia, Guyana, Indonesia, Mexico, Namibia and South Africa. A Shiver production for ITV.

Fierce is a 6 part nature documentary broadcast on ITV from 19 April to 31 May 2016.

Steve Backshall comes face to face with some of the scariest creatures on the planet. He visits Australia, Guyana, Indonesia, Mexico, Namibia and South Africa.

A Shiver production for ITV.

Happy Birthday 🎁🎂🎉🎈 Former Wimbledon and A Question of Sport presenter Sue Barker was born on 19 April 1956.

Happy Birthday 🎁🎂🎉🎈 Dr Frank-N-Furter himself Tim Curry was born on 19 April 1946.

Happy Birthday 🎁🎂🎉🎈

Former Wimbledon and A Question of Sport presenter Sue Barker is 70 today.

Dr Frank-N-Furter himself Tim Curry is 80 today.

On 19 April 2006, ITV Play was launched on Freeview. A channel devoted purely to phone-in quiz show programmes. It expanded upon ITV1 and ITV2's late-night quiz programmes Quizmania and The Mint. The channel was closed on 13 March 2007 after its programmes faced scrutiny for their semblance to gambling. Around the same time, a series of scandals emerged surrounding the use of premium-rate telephone numbers on TV. https://tvark.org/itv-play-ident-2

On 19 April 2006, ITV Play was launched on Freeview.

A channel devoted purely to phone-in quiz show programmes. It expanded upon ITV1 and ITV2's late-night quiz programmes Quizmania and The Mint.

The channel closed on 13 March 2007.

tvark.org/itv-play-ide...

Australian animated kids series Bluey made her first appearance on UK televisions on CBeebies on 19 April 2021. To date, 4 series totalling 196 episodes have been created. Bluey is an anthropomorphic Blue Heeler puppy who is full of energy, imagination, and curiosity about the world. She lives with her father, Bandit; mother, Chilli; and younger sister, Bingo, who regularly joins Bluey on adventures as the pair embark on imaginative play together. Voices are provided by: Dave McCormack Melanie Zanetti Brad Elliott Dan Brumm Myf Warhurst Megan Washington Chris Brumm Guest voices include: Sam Simmons Lin-Manuel Miranda Robert Irwin Natalie Portman Eva Mendes Mick Molloy Adam Hills Kate Miller-Heidke A Ludo Studio production for ABC Kids Australia, CBeebies and BBC Studios.

Bluey
Kids cartoon
CBeebies (Ludo Studio)
From 19 April 2021
4 series - 196 episodes (to date)

Voices are provided by:

Dave McCormack
Melanie Zanetti
Brad Elliott
Dan Brumm
Myf Warhurst
Megan Washington
Chris Brumm

Guest voices include:

Lin-Manuel Miranda
Robert Irwin
Adam Hills

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Peter Kay's Comedy Shuffle is a compilation show broadcast on BBC One from 18 April 2016 to 1 May 2020. 4 series totalling 25 episodes were broadcast. Peter Kay, returns to screens in a series celebrating 20 years of his work and takes a look back at his finest and funniest moments, including clips from `Phoenix Nights', `Britain's Got the Pop Factor' and `Max & Paddy's Road to Nowhere'. The show also features highlights from stand-up shows, music videos, out-takes and unseen material. A Goodnight Vienna production for BBC.

Peter Kay's Comedy Shuffle
Comedy
BBC One (Goodnight Vienna)
18 April 2016 to 1 May 2020
4 series - 25 episodes

Celebrating 20 years of Peter's work and taking a look back at his finest and funniest moments. The show also features stand-up show clips, music videos, out-takes and unseen material.

The Code was a daytime gameshow broadcast on BBC One from 18 April 2016 to 21 April 2017. Hosted by Matt Allwright and Lesley-Anne Brewis. 2 series totalling 50 episodes were broadcast. The cash prize begins at £3,000 and increases by £500 per game in which it isn't won. The prize is locked in the safe and secured with a random combination code of three unique digits. Series 1 - Gogglebox Media for BBC. Series 2 - Primal Media for BBC.

The Code
Gameshow
BBC One (Gogglebox Media/Primal Media)
18 April 2016 to 21 April 2017
2 series - 50 episodes

The cash prize begins at £3,000 and increases by £500 per game in which it isn't won. The prize is locked in the safe and secured with a random combination code of three unique digits.