From costumed chaos to Arctic endurance and royal scandal, Valentine’s night TV mixes spectacle, sport and storytelling.
Saturday night television leans heavily into escapism this week, with grand finals, icy adventures and glossy drama competing for attention across the schedules. Whether you are settling in for light entertainment or something more atmospheric, there is plenty to hold viewers through the evening.
The Masked Singer, 7pm, ITV1
After weeks of speculation, wild guesses and increasingly elaborate costumes, the final arrives. Moth, Toastie and Conkers remain standing, with the last celebrity identities set to be revealed. Guest judge Samantha Barks joins the panel, while previously unmasked contestants return for duet performances. It is knowingly absurd, but that is precisely the appeal, a Saturday night spectacle that does not pretend to be anything else.
Sailing the Shipping Forecast With the Rev Richard Coles, 7pm, Channel 4
For viewers seeking calmer waters, Richard Coles continues his reflective maritime journey. This episode finds him in the Faroe Islands, exploring local food culture, meeting musicians and absorbing the rhythms of life shaped by the Atlantic. It is gentle, curious television that moves at its own pace.
Gladiators, 8pm, BBC One
The rebooted competition reaches the end of its preliminary heats. Contenders face the familiar mix of strength trials and endurance tests, with Apollo returning to the Duel podium. It remains knowingly nostalgic, though the physicality feels no less real for it.
The Great Icelandic Swim With Ross Edgley, 8pm, Channel 4
Edgley’s attempt to swim Iceland’s coastline grows more punishing. Freezing conditions, violent swells and physical injury all mount. It is equal parts sporting feat and psychological test, best watched from the warmth of a sofa.
The Roman Empire by Train With Alice Roberts, 9pm, Channel 4
Roberts’ rail‑based historical exploration continues through southern Italy. From the buried remains of Herculaneum to the cult history of Mithras worship, the series blends travelogue with accessible archaeology.
Crime of Passion? The Trial of Jane Andrews, 9pm, Channel 5
This documentary revisits the case of Jane Andrews, former dresser to Sarah Ferguson, convicted of murdering her partner in 2001. With contributor testimony and trial analysis, it examines the personal and media narratives that surrounded the case.
Film highlights
Predator: Badlands, Disney+
The long‑running sci‑fi franchise pivots perspective, placing the Predator itself at the centre of the story. It is a shift that refreshes the formula, leaning more into world‑building than pure survival horror.
Romancing the Stone, 3pm, Film4
A matinee adventure that still charms, pairing jungle escapism with romantic comedy beats.
The Taste of Things, 9.35pm, BBC Four
A slower, more meditative Valentine’s option, centred on food, companionship and unspoken affection.
Live sport
Sport provides a strong counter‑schedule.
Winter Olympics coverage continues from 8am on BBC Two, with alpine skiing, moguls and curling among the day’s highlights.
Rugby takes centre stage in the Six Nations, Ireland face Italy at 1pm before Scotland meet England at 4.10pm on ITV1.
FA Cup action follows, Aston Villa host Newcastle at 5.30pm on BBC One, while later ties air on TNT Sports.
Watching from anywhere
For viewers travelling or living outside the UK, access to familiar broadcasts can become fragmented. Rights restrictions and platform blocks often mean domestic services do not travel well.
Services such as LibertyShield provide a UK connection that allows subscribers to stream their usual platforms securely across devices. A 48 hour free trial is available, which can be useful across busy sporting weekends or major TV finals such as this one.