Thursday Night on U&Dave: The Showdown of Top Gear, Rick, and Reality
The U&Dave lineup on Thursday is a mixed bag of motoring, reality and comedy. Below is a quick guide to the must‑watch moments, with live times in London (BST) and a bit of personal take on each show.
Top Gear – 07:25‑08:20 BST
Having transformed an ordinary BMW into a racing car in just ten days, the chaps head to Silverstone’s Britcar 24‑hour race – Jeremy describes it as the scariest thing he’s ever done. S10 Ep9. Opinion: The episode delivers the expected mix of automotive bravado and cheeky banter, but the plot feels a touch predictable.
Border Force America’s Gatekeepers – 08:20‑09:20 BST
Officers seize meth hidden in fruit crates and catch a former teacher surprised by a warrant. A Syrian man begs for help. S5 Ep9. Opinion: A gritty look at border enforcement that stays true to the series’ reputation.
Rick Stein’s Fresh Food – 10:20‑10:50 BST

Rick explores how baguettes helped reform a former drug addict. S1 Ep1. Opinion: A warm, human‑interest episode that showcases food’s power to inspire change.
Yukon Gold – 11:20‑12:20 BST
New hard lessons as Ed and Riley’s hunting plans clash with a sluice plant overhaul. S5 Ep4. Opinion: The series keeps its rugged appeal, but the latest episode feels a little rushed.
Top Gear – 12:20‑13:20 BST
The manic motoring series continues with Italian sports cars and a trip to Belgium. Tom Hiddleston laps the Reasonably Priced Car. S21 Ep2. Opinion: Clarkson’s antics stay sharp, though the pacing is uneven.
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing – 14:20‑15:00 BST
Bob and Paul fish for grilse in Devon and shore‑fish at Bossington Beach. S5 Ep1. Opinion: A light‑hearted outing that delivers good banter.
Speed with Guy Martin: F1 Challenge – 15:00‑16:00 BST
The motoring fan joins the Williams pit crew for a privileged look at Formula 1. Opinion: A niche but rewarding watch for F1 aficionados.
Hairy Bikers’ Best of British – 16:00‑17:00 BST
Celebrating dairy with cheese and onion turnovers and a look at school milk history. S2 Ep18. Opinion: A deliciously nostalgic journey through British cuisine.
Rick Stein’s Fresh Food – 17:00‑17:35 BST
Rick supplies low‑fat diet ideas to the Bradford Bulls and tries Yugoslav salami. S1 Ep2. Opinion: Adds a playful culinary twist to the series.
Rick Stein’s Fresh Food – 17:35‑18:05 BST
Rick visits a Bristol initiative helping low‑income families cook healthy food. S1 Ep3. Opinion: A socially conscious spin that broadens the series’ appeal.
Rick Stein’s Fresh Food – 18:05‑18:30 BST
Rick meets a former schoolteacher who lives and eats like a Victorian. S1 Ep4. Opinion: A charming exploration of historical eating habits.
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing – 19:00‑19:40 BST
Bob and Paul fish for grilse and shore‑fish at Bossington Beach. S5 Ep1. Opinion: Continues to offer relaxed banter and scenic shots.
Would I Lie To You? – 19:40‑20:20 BST
David Mitchell and Lee Mack host with Kevin Bishop, Brian Blessed, Josh Widdicombe and Kate Williams. S10 Ep5. Opinion: The panel keeps its sharp wit, though the jokes can feel uneven.
Would I Lie To You? – 20:20‑21:00 BST
Same hosts with Rhod Gilbert, Jamie Laing, Tracy‑Ann Oberman and Claudia Winkleman. S10 Ep6. Opinion: Offers a solid mix of trivia and banter for the night’s finale.
New: Hit Point – 21:00‑22:00 BST
A crime drama where Hubble’s body is pulled from a canal and the team frames someone else for murder. S1 Ep3. Opinion: The plot is intriguing, though it feels rushed.
Have I Got a Bit More News for You – 22:00‑23:00 BST
Professor Hannah Fry hosts with Carol Vorderman, Phil Wang, Paul Merton and Ian Hislop to dig into the news. S68 Ep3. Opinion: The show remains informative, though the pacing could be tighter.
Taskmaster – 23:00‑24:00 BST
Greg Davies sets bizarre tasks for Sally Phillips and Aisling Bea. S5 Ep5. Opinion: The show’s quirky challenges keep it reliably funny.
Bottom line: U&Dave’s Thursday schedule offers a solid mix of classic motoring, culinary curiosity, and light‑hearted panel fare. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or craving a relaxed banter, there’s something to keep you entertained throughout the night.