How To Die: Simon’s Choice (BBC2 9pm)

TIME for a big intake of breath as we put aside TV in terms of entertainment and confront the all too real world of motor neurone disease sufferer Simon Binner and his family. This powerful documentary shows Simon grappling with the moral, emotional and legal dilemmas that surround euthanasia.

His wife and friends express their concern about his determination to kill himself, but award-winning filmmaker Rowan Deacon takes us through the life and soul of an ebullient businessman being crushed by an aggressive form of the condition.

Simon’s loving family and large circle of friends can only watch from January, 2015, when he is diagnosed with the condition and given two years to live. Soon Simon has lost his voice and has to rely on writing notes. The story went public following his death in a Swiss clinic, and was the subject of much media interest. The documentary, made in partnership with the Open University, was allowed to take cameras into Switzerland's second largest assisted suicide clinic where Simon made his initial appointment to die.

In tackling such a difficult and emotive subject, the programme which follows Simon to the end of his painful journey seems bound to stir up controversy, but the people behind the programme have tried to handle it with the utmost sensitivity.

Patrick Holland, BBC head of documentary commissioning, says: "This is a hugely important and powerful film about one of the most contentious issues facing families in the UK. Simon, his wife, family and friends have allowed us into their lives as they face one of the biggest dilemmas imaginable."

Adam Barker, BBC2 channel editor, adds: "BBC2 has a strong track record of showing ambitious, compelling authored singles, such as Vanessa Engle's film on domestic violence or Robb Leech's film, Welcome To The Mosque, and we're very proud to be bringing this thought-provoking film from award-winning film-makers Rowan Deacon and Colin Barr to the channel."

Simon's family and friends aren't the only ones discussing his decision. The documentary was shot against the backdrop of the recent parliamentary debate on the subject.

Simon's wife, Debbie, admits to being initially relieved when the assisted suicide bill is defeated. During the course of the film she says: "I've always been quite anti-assisted dying. It's one of those dinner-party conversations you have, never dreaming that you'd ever actually be having the conversation."

One of my younger brothers had a friend who died in agony from cancer in a hospice weighing little more than six stone. A few months later my brother was diagnosed with a similar cancer and spoke to me of his fear that he’d finish up the same way as his friend. The fact that he did, after an incredibly brave battle, is something that will haunt me to my own meeting with the grim reaper.

The Great Sport Relief Bake Off (BBC1, 8pm)

ED Byrne takes on the role of host as ex-Spice Girl Geri Horner, BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson, footballer and pundit Jermaine Jenas and19 90s pop star Louise Redknapp face three baking-related tasks set by judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry. For the signature challenge, they must make savoury tarts, before taking on Mary's chocolate and beetroot tray bake in the technical. Finally, the celebrities must use their imagination as they attempt to create 3D models of their favourite sporting moments using biscuits.

Midsomer Murders (ITV, 8pm)

A Saint's bones are discovered during an archaeological dig, causing a stir in the village of Midsomer Cicely. However, when the dig's leader is murdered, DCI Barnaby and DS Nelson are presented with a complex investigation as they hunt for the perpetrator. As the duo unearth more evidence, they soon discover that it is not only skeletons that have been long buried in the hallowed ground. Detective drama, starring Neil Dudgeon, Gwilym Lee, Manjinder Virk, Ralf Little and Julia Sawalha.

Viv Hardwick