TV tonight: the revolutionary race to put the first black man in space

Black in Space: Breaking the Color Barrier

9pm, Smithsonian Channel

This fascinating documentary tells the little-known story of the race to put the first black man in space. Pulling up rich archive and interviews with surviving family members, it shows how both the US and USSR were focusing on the symbolic diversity of space as a power grab during the height of the cold war in 1962. Yet, for those black men and women involved, it was the chance to make a radical statement in the midst of the civil rights era. An inspiring story of tenacity. AK

Tonight: Inside MI5 – Keeping the UK Safe
7.30pm, ITV

Gaining access to MI5 at any time is tricky but this instalment of ITV’s current affairs strand was being filmed during the recent London attacks at Fishmongers’ Hall and in Streatham. Security correspondent Rohit Kachroo hears from the operatives involved in the fight against terror. GV

The Truth About Takeaways
8pm, BBC One

More than 3m takeaways are eaten by Brits every day, so this doc challenges a group to eat only takeaway food for two weeks, scientifically assessing the effects on their bodies. You can guess that the results are less than optimistic, yet the presenter Nikki Fox also looks into healthy alternatives. AK

Hospital
9pm, BBC Two

Two things are clear from this documentary series. First, the NHS is under serious strain. And second, those at the sharp end remain heroic. Tonight, we witness the logistical miracles behind complex and routine procedures and meet staff who won’t say how many days off they have had in the past fortnight. PH

10 Years Younger in 10 Days
9pm, Channel 5

The body-shaming reality show is back for a new spin, with presenter Cherry Healey transforming the unloved bodies of everyday Brits through a 10-day regimen of cosmetic treatments and makeovers. First up is farmer Gail, whose teeth need attention, and dog walker Sarah, who hates her nose. AK

Meet the Richardsons
10pm, Dave

Jon Richardson extends his misanthropic persona to a Curb-ish mockumentary, satirising his married domestic life with fellow comedian Lucy Beaumont. There are good gags about Richardson’s eccentricities, but the cringeworthy comeuppances are underpowered. JS

Film choice

The Go-Between, 12midnight, Talking Pictures TV

LP Hartley’s novel of doomed love, adapted by Harold Pinter, is a perfect evocation of time, place and social milieu: pre-first world war, rural Norfolk. Julie Christie and Alan Bates are the lovers defying class strictures, with Dominic Guard as the go-between boy marked for life by the experience. Paul Howlett

Live sport

Europa League Football: Espanyol v Wolves 5.15pm, BT Sport 1. Round-of-32, second-leg tie.

Cycling: Track World Championships 7pm, BBC Four. Including the men’s keirin final.

Europa League Football: Arsenal v Olympiakos 7.30pm, BT Sport 3. Round-of-32, second-leg tie. Man Utd v Brugge is on BT Sport 2.