Television Programming for Monday, July 28: Spotlight on Animal Park
Mayfair Witches, based on Anne Rice's trilogy, returns for an eight-part second season on BBC1 at 11.10 pm. Alexandra Daddario plays neurosurgeon and reluctant witch Rowan Fielding, while Nicola Peltz takes on the role of Rowan's ex, Sam 'Lark' Larkin, played by Ben Feldman. The show also introduces Alyssa Jirrels as Mayfair cousin Moira. Rowan is grappling with dark maternal instincts and protecting her family, as she wrestles with her witch powers.
Meanwhile, on BBC2 at 10 pm, Mandy, a new series, stars Diane Morgan as a hapless jobseeker. In the second episode, Mandy finds herself in over her head when she accepts an offer from Lee, her neighbour, played by Pearce Quigley from The Gentlemen. The situation quickly escalates into death, danger, and destruction.
Animal lovers can tune into Animal Park, airing on BBC One at 9 am, where Ben Fogle, Kate Humble, Megan McCubbin, and Hamza Yassin explore Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. During the show, Megan meets a red panda in need of a health check.
In other news, Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould are investigating potential lost masterpieces by Pierre-Auguste Renoir on Fake or Fortune, BBC1, 9 pm. Two potential masterpieces are under scrutiny - a portrait of a young girl owned by Jackie from Bristol since the 1930s, and a landscape painting owned by two sisters, bought for their mother's 50th birthday in 1989 for £58,000. Paint analysis reveals a possible forgery in the landscape painting.
In Lion Country, Ben Fogle encounters problems with macaques who are dismantling their new playground. There's also concern about the health of 20-year-old lion matriarch Malaika, and potential danger if the rest of the pride senses her distress. The show focuses on the lives of the park's staff and animals, with a new resident hippo being introduced.
Don't miss the second episode of Mandy and Mayfair Witches this week. Mayfair Witches airs at 11.10 pm, while Mandy continues at 10 pm. Catch up on both shows on iPlayer.
