WHETHER you’re looking for shocking viewing, something Outrageous or TV that’s truly Amazing, all your options are there today.
You’ll be horrified by the story of scammer Medi Abalimba, while the Outrageous Homes presented by Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen are a feast for the eyes, and the Amazing Spaces George Clarke sees will take your breath away .
Here are TV Mag’s picks of the best six shows to watch on Wednesday 3 July 2024…
The Football Fraudster (9pm ITV1)
![A Collective Media Production for ITVX..THE FOOTBALL FRAUDSTER.Available on ITVX from Thursday 9 November 2023..Pictured: Love Island star Georgia Steel..When his promising football career ends, Medi Abalimba turns to an astonishing life of crime. This brand new film for the ITVX Swindles & Cons season tracks what followed as the fraudster poses as stars from the world of sport and business to scam multiple unsuspecting victims. ..We hear from Medis victims, including Love Island star Georgia Steel, revealing how this accomplished fraudster earned their trust, before betraying them in the most devastating ways...Forensic psychologist Dr Donna Youngs provides context and insight into what might have driven the escalation in Medis crimes and how easy it was to fall under his spell. ..The film shows how, over a criminal career spanning two decades, Abalimba develops his MO - coming up with bigger and more elaborate scams, featuring multiple personas and targets, all while living the life of a millionaire with designer clothes, flash cars, helicopters and five star hotels. ..(C) Collective Media Production ..For further information please contact Peter Gray.Mob 07831460662 / peter.gray@itv.com..This photograph is (C) *** and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned herein...Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged...Any subsequent usage may incur a fee...This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk...This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk...Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/the_football_fraudster_04jpg-JS910558106.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Former Sun showbiz writer turned TV presenter Martel Maxwell is among contributors in this fascinating documentary, part of ITVX’s Cons and Swindles series.
It’s the story of Medi Abalimba, who, when his football career crumbled, funded a luxury lifestyle with outrageous lies and false identities.
Jail for impersonating Chelsea player Gale Kakuta didn’t stop Congo-born Medi.
And in 2019 he scored with Love Island star Georgia Steel, claiming to be an American named Miguel.
Weeks later, he was exposed following a paparazzi picture of the pair.
“I’d never experienced someone so twisted and sinister,” admits Georgia, who lost £32,000. “I didn’t believe someone like that could walk this planet.”
But while she’d quickly shown him the red card, Medi merely moved on to another victim – Thierry Henry’s ex-wife…
Outrageous Homes (10pm C4)
While George Clarke concerns himself with the structure of a home, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is more invested in the interior bells and whistles.
Tonight, LLB meets a couple whose house is a gothic vampire fantasy.
Everything is on-theme, including the four-poster bed adorned with heavy black lace, the red-grouted bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe that is to die for…
Elsewhere, potter Mary Rose’s colour scheme is so bold, you’re going to need your sunnies!
A Killer Makes A Call: Black Widow (9pm C5)
When 66-year-old retired accountant Penelope Jackson admitted – on police camera to stabbing her husband David to death, having finally snapped following years of terrible abuse at his hands, it seemed an open-and-shut case.
But subsequent evidence suggested Penelope had subjected David to abuse as well.
Was she really a victim – or a manipulative murderer?
The jury must decide.
George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces (9pm C4)
George has been in his element this current series, casting his eye over the most ambitious collection of abodes he’s ever come across.
However, there is a self-builder from the last series worthy of a re-visit – the then 16-year-old Eli built a shepherd’s hut that George deemed “brilliant” as he gazed around in awe.
Now Eli has completed a new project and we’re pretty sure our architecture-obsessed host is going to be rendered speechless.
Battle Of The Bagpipes (9pm Sky Arts)
“You’re taking an art form – and turning it into a sport,” says one bagpipe player about the internationally renowned World Pipe Band Championships held in Glasgow, Scotland.
And, just like any good match, this three-parter shows there’s plenty of rivalry, as pipers from around the planet compete.
Featuring interviews with star players from both military and civilian groups – plus fascinating history of the iconic Highland instrument – we follow them every step of the way.
And it doesn’t take long to discover that some of the firm but fair pipe majors are on a par with the likes of notorious tough taskmaster Sir Alex Ferguson…
Legends Cricket – England v India (12pm TNT Sports 1)
Get set for some cricketing nostalgia as a team of England legends, including Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell, take on a similarly star-stacked Indian eleven at Edgbaston, in the World Championship of Legends.
The throwback fun continues on Thursday, when the England icons face South Africa, whose line-up will boast past heroes including Dale Steyn, Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis.
