Coming to a TV near you

Heroes (BBC Two, 10.10pm)

What's it all about? The sci-fi drama series returns for a new fourth season, with fans treated to a double-bill to ease them back into the proceedings after the long wait for new episodes.

This new series marks the beginning of Volume Five: Redemption, a new chapter in the story that sees some of the heroes trying to regain some sense of normality following recent events.

Claire has gone off to college, while Noah is trying to distance himself from Angela's plans to rebuild the Company. However, Matt faces some serious consequences after putting Nathan's memories into Sylar's bodies at the end of last series.

Look out for: Former Prison Break star Robert Knepper, who joins the cast in the opening episode as the enigmatic Samuel. But is he a new hero or the latest villain?

Sunday, January 10

Wild at Heart (ITV1, 8.30pm)

What's it all about? It's time to forget the cold outdoors, curl up on the sofa and pay a visit to warmer climes as the popular drama, set beneath the African sun, returns for a fifth series.

The series follows the adventures of Bristol vet Danny Trevanion, played by Stephen Tompkinson, as he runs South African game park Leopard's Den.

Look out for: Elephants. In this opening episode, Danny and Alice are stuck with too many elephants and are faced with the problem of moving the herd to the National Park.

That involves one major catch - they need to go through Mara land, which means talking to Vanessa and Rowan, and the two reserves are still on bad terms.

Monday, January 11

Paul Merton in Europe (Five, 9pm)

What's it all about? The last time Paul Merton went abroad for our benefit, he joined a transsexual protection racket, took part in a street party wearing nothing but ash and an old woman's hat - and kicked a man between the legs for about 20 minutes. But he's staying closer to home this year, following his hugely enjoyable sojourns to India and China. Yet far from gorging on sumptuous food and wine, lying on ravishing beaches and enjoying breathtaking architecture, viewers will see Paul exploring some of the lesser-known areas of the continent.

Look out for: The tour begins in Berlin, the capital city of Europe's biggest economic power. Paul stumbles upon what looks like a neo-Nazi rally - but is surprised to find the protesters' uniforms adorned with apples instead of swastikas.

A friendly protester called Henry explains that they are the Apple Front, a peaceful organisation that holds demonstrations outside the offices of far-right parties.

Tuesday, January 12

Survivors (BBC One, 9pm)

What's it all about? Most actors would be pleased if their drama series came back for a second series, but for Julie Graham it's an especially big achievement.

Her presence in the cast list of Survivors means that her character Abby is still proving resistant to the virus that has wiped out most of humanity.

For anyone who didn't see the first run, the drama - which is based on the cult Seventies series of the same name - is set in the not too distant future, where a band of people have gathered together following the breakdown of society.

The first episode throws us straight into the action as Abby is held captive by scientists who believe her immune system could hold the key to creating a vaccine against the virus, while Al and Anya try to save a critically wounded Greg.

Look out for: More drama in forthcoming episodes. Julie Graham promises us that her character will undergo some big changes, and hints at an intriguing ongoing storyline.