An evening of television offers viewers a moving portrait of a musician's brief life, a competitive baking show with a twist, and several crime dramas. Here are the highlights to watch this evening.
What's the story behind the Beldina Odenyo documentary?
In October 2021, singer-songwriter Beldina Odenyo delivered a triumphant performance at Usher Hall in Edinburgh that appeared to mark the beginning of a promising career. Within weeks, in November of that year, she died by suicide at the age of 31. The documentary Bel, airing at 10pm on BBC Four, follows her half-sister Leah as she assembles Odenyo's unreleased demos into a cohesive album while exploring the emotional struggles and musical talent that defined her life. Directed by Louise Lockwood and produced by Sarah Howitt, the 1 hour 29 minute film began as a short memorial project before expanding into a full-length documentary. The film served as the closing-night premiere of the 2026 Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Odenyo performed under the name Heir of the Cursed, and her posthumous work has already gained significant recognition. Her debut album, also titled Heir of the Cursed, has been longlisted for the 2026 Scottish Album of the Year Award. The 12-track double vinyl was released in August 2025.
What's different about this season of Bake Off?
The Great British Bake Off returns at 8pm on with an unprecedented format change: fans of the show will set the challenges in the tent. Contestants will face a signature challenge and a showstopper round featuring wearable treats, with the unpredictability that comes from audience-designed tasks likely to create more chaos than usual episodes.
What crime stories are on offer tonight?
Anna Pigeon Mysteries debuts at 8pm on U&Drama, introducing viewers to a straight-talking US national parks ranger based on Nevada Barr's award-winning novel series. The character navigates her weeks through work and wine, though her duties involve considerably more crime-solving than typical park service roles. In her first case, she investigates the death of a colleague, rejecting the official explanation that a mountain lion was responsible.
Blue Lights, the Belfast police drama created by two former investigative journalists, returns at an unspecified time in its fourth season. The episode picks up after a cliffhanger gunshot in the season opener, delivering answers to viewers' questions. Meanwhile, Blackthorn station faces closure, officer Tommy struggles with romantic heartbreak, and Grace receives more unwelcome news.
What documentaries and personal stories air tonight?
Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over USA airs at 9pm on BBC Three, following Scarlet, a 26-year-old married mother who works as a sex worker at Mustang Ranch in Nevada, the only US state where brothels operate legally in certain rural counties. While the arrangement is presented as a safer and more empathetic option for sex workers compared to illegal alternatives, workers must still generate income to sustain themselves. Dooley's investigation reveals that some workers, including Scarlet, may be paying a significant emotional cost for this arrangement.
Gemma Collins: Everything. All at Once airs at 9pm on Sky One, presenting an unexpectedly candid portrait of the former Towie star navigating family illness, fertility challenges, and her partner's drinking problems. In episode six, viewers will see whether a change of location helps Collins make difficult personal decisions during what she describes as a pivotal moment in her life.
When will the Scottish Album of the Year Award be announced?
The Scottish Album of the Year Award ceremony, which will determine whether Odenyo's Heir of the Cursed wins the prize, is scheduled for 5 November 2026 in Dundee.
