TV tonight: fascinating documentary explores the rise and fall of a Russian spy
Nothing was ever quite as it seemed as Anna Chapman charmed her way into the higher echelons of society. Plus: Tinie Tempah channels his inner Kevin McCloud. Here’s what to watch today
Spy Next Door: The Anna Chapman Story
9pm, Channel 4
The tale of Anna Chapman (AKA Anya Kushchenko) is uncannily emblematic of recent relations between Russia and the west. Chapman was a shrewd spy who charmed her way into the higher echelons of society in London and New York. This fascinating two-part documentary explores her rise and fall, hearing from some of her entirely unwitting companions (who ranged from a Brighton techno DJ to a Mayfair financier) and agents who were involved in surveilling her. As Vladimir Putin briefly played at diplomacy with prime ministers and presidents, Chapman was among his foot soldiers. But, inevitably, in her case and that of Putin, nothing was ever quite as it seemed. Phil Harrison
Athens: Birth of Democracy
9.35am, PBS America
Modern populations sometimes take democracy for granted. But the concept’s inception was troubled and this documentary visits Athens to investigate its origin story. The exploration is very literal – it focuses on an archaeological quest to unearth everything from the bodies of dissidents to ancient voting machines. PH
Extraordinary Extensions
8pm, Channel 4
Musician Tinie Tempah continues to channel his inner Kevin McCloud in the third series of this show about ambitious renovation projects. This week, he meets a couple planning a “Korwegian” conversion (that’s Korean and Norwegian), and a solo renovator who is starting to feel as though her project is cursed. Hannah J Davies
Murder Trial: Death of a Dog Walker
9pm, BBC Two
Featuring footage from the trial, doorbell camera film and face-to-face interviews, this is a closeup look at the murder of Brian Low, a groundsman who was shot while walking his dog in rural Scotland. The accused is David Campbell, a gamekeeper who was, according to the prosecuting lawyer, good at concealing the evidence. Priya Elan
999: Critical Condition
9pm, Channel 5
When an unconscious young mother is rushed into the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham after banging her head, doctors don’t have much time to work out what caused her to collapse. Elsewhere in the emergency room, octogenarian Clive has fallen off his ladder and is at risk of pneumonia. Hollie Richardson
Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee
10pm, BBC Three
A double helping of the daft spelling quiz from Australia. Eye-popping retro production design and Montgomery’s heroically smarmy hosting make for a heightened, campy experience. The comedic contestants – including standup Rose Matafeo – rise to the challenge. Graeme Virtue
Film choice
Gladiator II (Ridley Scott, 2024), Netflix
It has taken 24 years for Ridley Scott to get back to the Colosseum. But there’s still a lot of familiarity in his ancient Roman sequel – from returning characters to elaborate fight scenes and animal antics. Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, the son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus, who is living a quiet life in north Africa until an invading Roman army take him into slavery. From there, it’s a short hop to becoming a rebellious gladiator, under the gimlet gaze of his owner Macrinus (a lip-smacking Denzel Washington). Simon Wardell
Live sport
Pre-season football: Man United v Leeds, 7pm, ITV1 A friendly at Croke Park in Dublin.
Uefa Super Cup final: Paris Saint-Germain v Aston Villa, 7pm, TNT Sports 1 At Red Bull Arena in Salzburg.