Des O’Driscoll picks the best of the box this week

Alison Williams and Lena Dunham bow out in the final episode of Girls at 10pm on Monday on Sky Atlantic.

Will Thalia Heffernan and Aoibhín Garrihy survive the first elimination in ‘Dancing With The Stars?’on RTÉ One at 6.30pm on Sunday.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Gay Byrne presents a documentary on the Catholic Church in Ireland, Last Orders With Gay Byrne, at 9.35pm, RTÉ One on Tuesday.

Tom Vaughan-Lawlor and Aoibhinn McGinnity feature in Trial of the Century, on TV3 at 9.15pm tonight.

Game of Thrones returns to Sky Atlantic on Monday at 9pm.

First Dates Ireland begins on RTÉ2 on Thursday at 9.30pm.

Des O’Driscoll shares five things to do this week in the world of arts

A new series on RTÉ One tomorrow looks behind the scenes of the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney.

Idris Elba writes and directs King For A Term on Sky Arts, Thursday, Idris Elba as Dad and Omar Agyei as Akuna.

MUSIC NEWS: Perhaps it’s fortunate for the Glastonbury organisers that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs isn’t on their bill this weekend. 

Kevin McCloud spends time with a family who have escaped the rat race and are now living in Tonga.

Russell Crowe is set to return to Irish shores next month — just in time for St Patrick’s Day.

 

Mary McEvoy introduces us to some of the themes in her new book – from growing old to keeping dreams alive.

Olympia, Dublin

‘Blackadder’ producer John Lloyd has ruled out a return for the show, saying it would be “difficult to top” the existing episodes.

Christmas means catching up with friends and family but running the risk of missing out on favourite television programmes — but maybe not any more.

Graham Norton, the return of Sherlock and the Ronan O'Gara documentary feature among the highlights.

MUSIC NEWS: U2 have revealed they hope to finish their new album by the end of next month, with a release date yet to be specified for 2014.

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

Des O’Driscoll picks his highlights from the coming week’s TV schedule

Richard E Grant was given just four days to get ready for his part in a new TV drama, writes Pádraic Killeen

Harry Shearer voices Principal Skinner and other beloved characters on The Simpsons. Now he’s playing Richard Nixon, says Pádraic Killeen

Tom Jones has revealed he wants to play a “bad guy” after making his acting debut playing an ageing teddy boy.

Model and actress Lily Cole is to become a TV arts presenter, visiting leading figures to watch them at work.

Model and actress Lily Cole is to become a TV arts presenter, visiting leading figures to watch them at work.

Michael Parkinson is returning to TV.

Emma Thompson is to play the British Queen in a TV drama based on a famous Buckingham Palace break-in 30 years ago.

SATURDAY

TRIBUTES have been paid to the “unique” talent of British film director Ken Russell, following his sudden death at the age of 84.

SATURDAY

R.E.M. had been planning their split since 2008.

Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb is battling liver cancer.

SATURDAY

'This is Spinal Tap' star Harry Shearer is to play disgraced US President Richard Nixon in a new show based on secret White House tapes.

SATURDAY

ROLLING STONE Ronnie Wood is getting his own television show.

Ronnie Wood will launch a music programme based on his radio show next year.