Alan Dee’s guide to the pick of the week’s television

The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV1, 9.15pm)

A quarter of a century after Wossy first hosted Channel 4 chat show The Last Resort, he’s still going strong with this series.

Past editions have attracted some of the world’s biggest stars and there’s no shortage of famous faces in the latest offering.

David Attenborough will be discussing his incredible career, surreal comic Noel Fielding will be discussing his new E4 show and many film fans will be keen to tune in for Daniel Radcliffe. There’s also music from Seal

SUNDAY

Birdsong (BBC One, 9pm)

A two-part adaptation of the much-loved Sebastian Faulks novel of the same name which tells the story of star-crossed lovers Stephen and Isabelle, who meet in France in 1910. Six years later, Stephen, now an officer in the British army during the First World War, is serving on the Western Front, in the same area where he met Isabelle.

Eddie Redmayne and Clemence Poesy, pictured, take the central roles in the new Sunday night period drama.

Monday

Mrs Brown’s Boys (BBC One, 9.30pm)

Brendan O’Carroll plays the eponymous foul-mouthed Dublin widower and mammy in this broad comedy which has become a cult hit.

In this instalment, the family’s not-so-subtle words about her weight leave Mrs B feeling self-conscious and frumpy. So she joins the rest of the world and his dog in a new year diet, however she hadn’t reckoned with the lure of her favourite foods, and she struggles to resist temptation.

Tuesday

Farewell Becky (ITV1, 7.30pm)

Becky McDonald (née Granger) first crashed onto the cobbles of Coronation Street in 2006, which in Weatherfield terms makes her something of a newcomer - after all, some of her neighbours have been there for decades.

But in just under six years, she’s become one of the show’s best-loved characters, and many soap fans were disappointed last year when Becky’s off-screen alter ego, actress Katherine Kelly, announced she was leaving.

But at least she’s not going without a proper send-off, as the soap pays tribute with Farewell Becky.

Wednesday 25/01/12

The National Television Awards 2012 (ITV1, 7.30pm)

These awards are a little bit special because they’re voted for by the viewers who actually watch the programmes rather than stuffy critics who are paid for their opinions.

Now in their 17th year, the NTAs are bigger and better than ever before, and this time around feature some seriously close-run categories.

There is sure to be an almighty battle between the mighty forces of Doctor Who and Downton Abbey, which go head-to-head in the drama category, while The X Factor faces off with Strictly Come Dancing for the Best Talent Show trophy.

But, perhaps most intriguing of all is the recipient of the Special Recognition Award – lips are sealed about who might be following in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Bruce Forsyth.

THURSDAY

Earthflight (BBC One, 8pm)

Earthflight is mesmerising, and deserves every one of the superlatives used to describe it so far. The magnificent natural history series from the BBC captures some of the world’s greatest wildlife phenomena and natural wonders through the eyes of birds.

Friday

Celebrity Big Brother: Live Final (Five, 9pm)

After almost three weeks of tasks, giggles and drama, we get to see who emerges victorious from TV’s most famous pre-fab as Brian Dowling whips the whipping the crowd into a frenzy before announcing the winner.

Regarding some negative comments about his hosting, Dowling says: “Some people can be quite hateful, but you’ve got to take it on the chin.”