The Replacement (BBC One, 9pm)

Who says there are no decent scripts for women these days?

Well, whoever it was should take note of three dramas starting this week that have actresses in leading roles - Broadchurch, the Prime Suspect prequel and this offering.

In fact, The Replacement has two for the price of one - Morven Christie and Vicky McClure are the stars of the show.

Christie plays Ellen, a successful architect who, after landing a major new client for her firm, discovers she is pregnant. Into her life comes Paula (McClure), a brilliant, enthusiastic woman who seems to be the ideal person to provide maternity cover.

Initially, they get along, but Ellen soon realises that there's something not quite right about Paula, although she can't put a finger on what it is that rankles her. Can her suspicions be explained a mere rivalry and her own insecurity of opting out of her much-loved job, or is something else going on? And could Paula be as disturbing and dangerous as she fears?

The script is by Joe Ahearne, whose previous credits include The Secret of Crickley Hall, Doctor Who and This Life, while filming took place in Glasgow.

Ellen's pregnancy plays an important part in the drama too, as her loved ones suspect her raging hormones are responsible for her paranoia - will they live to regret not taking her worries seriously?

The Secret Chef (ITV, 8pm)

If you think you're a great cook and want to show off your skills, you can always go on MasterChef. But if you struggle to even boil an egg, Secret Chef may be the show for you.

Mel Giedroyc narrates the new series in which someone with minimal culinary skills is given five weeks to learn how to make a show-stopping, restaurant quality meal that will be served up to their unsuspecting friends and family.

The first person to take the plunge is Julie from Rochdale, who admits she's tired of being teased about her kitchen calamities.

Top chef Nisha Katona has been given the job of training Julie to make an Indian banquet, but her first attempt at a simple chicken-and-rice dish results in 'white carb sludge', while the trainee cook struggles to keep her cooking lessons a secret from her husband.

The Secret Science of Pop (BBC4, 9pm)

Many people who want to become pop stars turn to reality TV to launch their careers, but would they be better off concentrating on science instead?

Evolutionary biologist Professor Armand Leroi believes so, as he gathers a team of scientists and researchers to analyse over 50 years of UK chart music in the hope of finding the algorithms that hold the key to pop success.

Once the results are in, Armand will be teaming up with legendary producer Trevor Horn to take a song by unsigned artist Nike Jemiyo and turn it into a potential chart-topper.

Play to the Whistle (ITV, 9pm)

Some may have seen this as ITV's answer to A League of Their Own or A Question of Sport, but obviously host Holly Willoughby and team captains Frank Lampard and Bradley Walsh are doing something right as it's back for a third series.

For the first of the new run they are joined by Chelsea and England footballer John Terry, Paralympic gold medallist Jonnie Peacock and Countdown star Rachel Riley. Lending a hand with the laughs are Romesh Ranganathan and Seann Walsh, with the latter helping Holly maintain order and to keep score.