Victory in Europe Day celebrations kick off this week and it’s not just all about street parties – there are a series of specials airing to mark the 80th anniversary
With Victory in Europe Day set to fall on Thursday, there is plenty of coverage to tune into across the week as the nation marks the 80th anniversary since Germany surrendered and brought an end to World War II. From news coverage and films to music events, both the BBC and ITV are marking the event with a series of programming throughout the week.
Starting today on Bank Holiday Monday, BBC One kicked off with VE Day 80: The Nation Pays Tribute – coverage of the military procession and flyby to honour the Second World War generation, hosted by Sophie Raworth from St James’s Park in London. While the programme ended at 2:30pm, it is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Later this evening, The One Show at 6:30pm will be marking the occasion with its own VE Day 80 Special. Hosted by Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, the hour-long episode looks ahead at this week’s events and also sees comedian Al Murray meet Britain’s oldest man – a 110-year-old veteran.
Meanwhile, after EastEnders at 8pm, BBC One is showing 2017 war drama Darkest Hour starring Gary Oldman as Prime Minister Winston Churchill towards the start of World War II.
The celebrations continue on Tuesday, with BBC Two airing Dad’s Army at the BBC – a special that looks into the history of the iconic World War II sitcom, hosted by Toby Jones.
On Wednesday, The Repair Shop returns for a VE Day special, where the team are tasked with restoring four items with wartime stories behind them on BBC One. While on BBC Two, VE Day 80: We Were There – a documentary that gathers first-hand accounts from the last veterans – airs at 11:30pm.
That leads to Thursday, when BBC One marks VE Day with The Nation Remembers – three-hour coverage of the service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation. Sophie Raworth hosts the special, which begins at 10:45am.
In the evening, Zoe Ball introduces A Celebration to Remember at 8pm on BBC One – a live concert from Horse Guards parade featuring stars of stage and screen. The likes of Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Calum Scott and a host of other performers are set to take to the stage, while the professionals of Strictly Come Dancing will also be performing.
Later in the night, viewers can tune into wartime comedy Their Finest on BBC Two at 11pm, starring Gemma Arterton, Bill Nighy and Sam Claflin. While ITV1 is airing a repeat of Vicky McClure: My Grandad’s War at 11:15pm, with the Line of Duty star heading on an emotional journey with her 97-year-old grandfather Ralph to learn about his experience with World War II.
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