‘Dad please don’t scare him off!’ squeals one contestant on new dating show Meet the Parents

New! Meet the Parents 7pm ITV

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With everything from Take Me Out to Naked Attraction, is there room for another dating show?
On the evidence of the first episode of this new offering, with Holly Willoughby at the helm, we reckon so.

There can’t be many ideas more terrifying than having your potential date meet your parents for the first time – especially when you’re trapped inside a soundproof box helplessly watching it all unfold.

“Dad, do not scare this guy away, I really like him!” warns one anxious daughter. Naturally the mums and dads take not a blind bit of notice, breaking out the old baby pics (one of their little treasures used to dress up as Noddy) and even indulging in a bit of dad dancing.

The only thing we’re not sure about is the mums and dads listening in on the date afterwards!

Live! Strictly Come Dancing 6.30pm BBC1

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In these uncertain times, there’s no better balm for a troubled soul than a cosy Saturday evening spent with presenters Tess and Claudia and the Strictly contestants.

There are now 13 couples left – so it will definitely be unlucky for one pair on tomorrow’s results show, which also features a performance from Madness. Hold tight.

Live! The X Factor 8pm ITV

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At least none of the remaining contestants have to bear the shame of being ‘the first one out’ now we’re in the second week of the Live shows.

But any excuses of jitters simply won’t fly any more, so the final 11 hopefuls must bring their A-game for judges Simon, Nicole, Sharon and Louis. And which songs will the jukebox choose for next week?

New! The Secret Life Of Sue Townsend (Aged 683/4) 9pm BBC2

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Julie Walters narrates and Stephen Mangan and Ian Hislop contribute to tell the story of Sue, writer of the best-selling book series of the entire 1980s The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole, Aged 133/4.

The tale of her rise from poverty in Leicester is remarkable, but the hilarious readings from her books are the real highlight.