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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Hollie Richardson, Ali Catterall, Phil Harrison and Ellen E Jones

TV tonight: what history warns us about being on the brink of disaster

A senator counts coins on a sunlit table while his servant makes notes in a ledger
Making hay while the sun shines … ancient Romans in BBC Two’s Civilisations: Rise and Fall. Photograph: Marcell Piti/BBC/BBC Studios

Civilisations: Rise and Fall

9pm, BBC Two
As the world hurtles towards oblivion, what did the great civilisations that came before us do when on the brink of disaster? This four-part history-buff series gains access to the British Museum in London and top experts for answers. It starts with Rome, using artefacts to trace its downfall: from the eye-popping head of Augustus to a terracotta theatre mask that evoked a barbarian with a ponytail (“Romans don’t wear man buns”). Hollie Richardson

Inside the World’s Most Luxurious Motorhomes

8pm, Channel 4
With its automatic sliding door, 732 sq ft interior, roof deck and £30,000 bed, the Marchi EleMMent Palazzo Superior (just five in existence) pushes motorhome design “into the realm of science fiction”. Plus, we meet the young couple who sold their mansion to live in a bespoke, quartz-bedecked £1m recreational vehicle full-time. Ali Catterall

Celebrity Scam Interceptors

8.30pm, BBC One
Amanda Holden’s name and face were used to con victims out of thousands of pounds. Now, she has teamed up with the Scam Interceptors for a special episode to mark BBC Scam Week. The star will track real-time frauds by hacking with remote access – and then help to confront the scammers. HR

University Challenge

8.30pm, BBC Two
The annual battle of the brains continues, and with another pair of teams making their second appearance in the series, we’re starting to get a sense of this year’s strong contenders. In this round-of-16 tie, Bristol and Warwick universities face off with a quarter-final spot on the line. Amol Rajan asks the questions. Phil Harrison

Fake Friend: The Ticket Scammer

9pm, BBC Three

“After we left school Miles was selling some Glastonbury tickets. He probably realised it was a great way to make money …” This documentary follows claims about a Somerset local selling hundreds of tickets for last year’s festival – only none of the customers received them. It digs deep into the story, speaking with friends, alleged victims and those involved. HR

Leonard and Hungry Paul

10pm, BBC Two
In the finale of this endearing Julia Roberts-narrated series, Leonard (Alex Lawther) faces another disappointment at work – only this time he summons some self-respect in response. Hungry Paul (Laurie Kynaston) sets up a Quiet Club, reminding us that it’s possible to build a good life. And there’s no need to be loud about it. Ellen E Jones

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