A Woman of Substance continues its sweeping drama, while Hostage reaches its conclusion and We Might Regret This signs off with chaos.
Wednesday night television blends period storytelling, real-world reflection and sharp comedy. Channel 4’s A Woman of Substance continues its tale of ambition and betrayal, while BBC Two’s Hostage reaches its final episode with a careful look at a complex real-life case.
Elsewhere, ITV’s The Stolen Girl moves towards its climax, and the comedy We Might Regret This ends its short run with a chaotic hen do.
A Woman of Substance
9pm, Channel 4
The adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novel continues to follow Emma Harte’s rise from hardship to influence.
In this episode, a younger Emma chooses a secret relationship with Edwin Fairley rather than pursuing independence in Leeds. The decision carries long-term consequences, reflected in the bitterness of the older Emma, played by Brenda Blethyn.
The drama continues to explore the tension between ambition and personal attachment, with future resentment already taking shape.

The Marlow Murder Club
8pm, U&Drama
The cosy crime drama returns with a new mystery.
A town council meeting is interrupted when the mayor dies suddenly, leaving a room full of suspects. The case offers a classic locked-room setup, giving DS Tanika Malik and her team a puzzle that relies as much on observation as deduction.
Beyond the Brush
8pm, Sky Arts
This art documentary takes a closer look at one of the most recognisable paintings in history, Edvard Munch’s The Scream.
Art historian James Payne explores the emotional and psychological context behind the work, linking it to Munch’s personal experiences and the broader anxieties of the period.
Hostage
9pm, BBC Two
The final episode examines the story of British journalist John Cantlie.
The programme considers the controversial footage released during his captivity and asks whether his actions were a means of survival under extreme pressure. The series has approached the subject with restraint, allowing space for uncertainty rather than easy conclusions.

The Stolen Girl
9pm, ITV1
The penultimate episode brings new developments in the investigation.
Reporter Selma uncovers a connection between Elisa’s past and a fatal accident, adding another layer to a story that has gradually expanded beyond its initial premise.
We Might Regret This
10pm, BBC Two
The comedy concludes with a wedding looming and tensions rising.
A chaotic hen do forces Freya to question her decisions, while Abe faces unresolved issues from his past. The series ends having balanced humour with more serious themes around relationships and independence.

Live sport tonight
Football dominates the evening schedule with European and domestic fixtures.
Champions League
7pm, TNT Sports
- Liverpool v Galatasaray, TNT Sports 1
- Barcelona v Newcastle, TNT Sports 2
- Tottenham Hotspur v Atlético Madrid, TNT Sports 3
Women’s Super League
- West Ham United v Manchester United, 7.05pm, BBC Three
- Chelsea v Brighton, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event

Watching UK TV while travelling
Streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 typically restrict access outside the UK because of licensing agreements.
For viewers travelling abroad, this often means losing access to programmes they would normally watch at home.
A UK based VPN can allow access by routing connections through domestic servers. Performance varies depending on provider and network conditions. LibertyShield runs UK-based servers designed to support stable access to common streaming platforms. Readers can try the service using the 48-hour free trial, allowing time to test it across devices before deciding whether to continue.
