**PICK OF THE WEEK: James May: Our Man In Italy, Prime Video, 18 July**

Need a little travel escapism? James May is back on Amazon with another dose of his solo travel series, Our Man In… After his escapades in Japan, he’s now touring Italy, starting in Sicilian capital Palermo and heading for the Dolomites over six episodes. Using his charm (or perhaps lack thereof?) May investigates – via almost every region – whether the Italians really have sussed the secret to the good life. Food porn, laughs and insights aplenty.

The Control Room, BBC iPlayer, 18 July

Nobody quite does drama like the BBC and they don’t disappoint with this three-part series. Set in Glasgow and starring Iain De Caestecker (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D) and Emmy Award nominee Joanna Vanderham (The Runaway) this gripping thriller tells the story of emergency call handler Gabe, whose life changes irrevocably after taking a life-or-death call from a women who claims she knows him… Not to be missed!

Best Foot Forward, Apple TV+, 22 July

This charming new family comedy will inspire even the most truculent of teenagers. Based on the book Just Don’t Fall by Paralympian Josh Sundquist, the series follows 12-year-old Josh Dubin, who has a prosthetic leg, and his transition from homeschooling to being the newest kid in school, with the help of his friends and family. It’s cheesy and heartwarming in equal measure – but who doesn’t need a little of that these days?

The Gray Man, Netflix, 22 July

It’s promised to be the big blockbuster of the year and to be fair, Muddy’s interest was piqued when we heard that Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans were involved. The spy film, which is reportedly the most expensive film Netflix has ever made (Wow! No pressure then…) stars Gosling as a CIA contractor on the run after learning incriminating information, and Evans as the hitman hired to kill him. Talk about a seriously sexy case of cat and mouse.

Maryland, BBC Two, 20 July

This compelling 30-minute adaption of real-life events tells the story of two women, both called Mary, who meet at a police staton in the aftermath of their respective sexual assaults. Originally a play shown at the Royal Court last year, it’s now made its way onto the small screen, and stars British talents Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat, not to mention an upcoming Marvel blockbuster), Daniel Mays (Line of Duty) and Hayley Squires (The Essex Serpent). Thought-provoking and powerful.

The Thing About Pam, Paramount+, 21 July

Time for some true crime! Renee Zellweger and Josh Duhamel join forces for this six-part series based on the 2011 murder of Betsy Fair. She was dying of cancer when she was stabbed multiple times at her suburban home in Missouri. Her husband Russ, was convicted of her murder but he insisted he didn’t kill her. So who did…? You’ll be hooked.

Remote at the ready! 6 of the best things on TV this week

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