TODAY'S TV WITH SARA WALLIS: Chilling footage sees a daughter find her parents murdered in ITV's new doc

The true crime genre is as popular as ever - and ITV's latest offering is set to send chills down the spines of its viewers across the UK. The Essex Millionaire Murders looks at the , who were discovered dead by their daughter in their Mersea Island home in 2023. Featuring chilling footage and interviews with the investigating detective, the new documentary explores how police caught the real killer in this strange case.

Meanwhile, BBC Two is looking into fraudsters as reporter Sam poling looks into con artists within Scotland's whisky industry. On a lighter note, Vicky Pattison is hosting E4's new dating show, which sees whether singles can avoid lying while on the quest to find love.

Here are the top TV picks from Emma Bullimore, who is filling in this week for Mirror columnist Sara Baalla.

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Top Pick The Essex Millionaire Murders, ITV, 9pm

Sometimes true crime cases come along that feel so unlikely, they almost seem fictional. This documentary shines a light on the murders of happily married couple Carol and Stephen Baxter, who were found dead in their armchairs in their Mersea Island home in 2023, in a case described by Essex police as one of the ‘most complex’ they’ve ever undertaken.

Chilling footage shows the couple’s daughter Ellena finding her parents, and calling 999, hysterical and confused about the circumstances of their deaths. When lead detective DI Lydia George first heard the details of the case, she instantly knew something wasn’t right. Even though she had to explore the possibility of accidental death or a suicide pact, she reveals that she also wanted to look into the possibility of murder from the off.

As she and her team investigated, they couldn’t believe what they discovered. Both Carol and Stephen had been poisoned with Fentanyl, but they had also been manipulated and gaslit for years in the run up to their deaths. An employee and close family friend abused their trust, allowing Carol to believe she was becoming dangerously ill with her thyroid condition, when in fact this was completely untrue. As they grapple with the evidence, the police end up finding a fake will, which leads them to suspect daughter Ellena. Even when they find the real killer, the police still have shocking details to uncover. While they initially assume the motive must be financial, they soon realise the truth was far more sinister…

The best of the rest... Hunting the Whisky Bandits, BBC2, 9pm

We’re used to hearing about dating scams, and fraudsters imitating banks, but this documentary explores a very different kind of con that has been flying under the radar for years. It’s a multi-million pound scam at the heart of Scotland’s thriving whisky industry, a market adored by connoisseurs worldwide.

Reporter Sam Poling goes undercover to learn what’s really going on, as it’s revealed that cask whisky investment is putting big money in the pockets of ruthless criminals. Investors think they are buying a cask, ready to sell on for a profit in a few years, but instead they’re purchasing thin air. Sam meets victims who were duped out of huge sums of money – sometimes all of their savings – as they tried to make a sound investment, but came up against conmen masquerading as professional brokers. Her investigation takes her to dangerous places as she meets members of an international criminal network.

The Honesty Box, E4, 9pm

The most basic thing you might expect from your other half is honesty. But it’s a quality that’s surprisingly hard to come by in the modern dating world. Vicky Pattison is hosting a new relationship experiment, exploring whether singletons are capable of being completely upfront with prospective partners.

A group of people looking for love join her in ‘Truetopia’, a paradise resort where the only rule is that you’re not allowed to tell a lie. There are two prizes up for grabs – a cash reward of up to £100,000, and a new relationship if they’re really lucky, but both opportunities could be scuppered if they start fibbing. In case you’re wondering, it won’t be easy for the daters to get away with porkies, as they’ll all be forced to take regular lie detector tests. Co-hosted by relationship counsellor Lucinda Light, who encourages the idea that honesty really is the best policy.

EastEnders, BBC1, 7.30pm

Teddy confronts Nicola about Shireen’s death. He tells her Harry has a right to know what really happened, but Nicola convinces him to keep schtum. Ravi is upset that Avani is spending time with Joel. Meanwhile, Jack tells Priya that the police are dropping Avani’s complaint. Priya knows Avani will be devastated, so decides to keep the news a secret. Later, Priya loses her temper at the police station.

Johnny tells Elaine he’s serious about Felix. Kojo takes dating advice from Harry.

Emmerdale, ITV, 7.30pm

Sarah realises she’s not worried about having a boyfriend – it’s a baby that she really wants. Vanessa tries to hide her concern as Sarah shares her IVF plans.

Liam and Chas are surprised to hear that Ella has an alibi for the attack. They’re unsettled to realise they have no idea who was responsible. Cain leaves a voicemail for Nate, which John picks up. While listening, he accidentally answers a call, and panics that he can’t keep up with his own lies.

Coronation Street, ITV, 8pm

Debbie has an appointment with the neurologist, who gives her the news she feared. As she comes to terms with her dementia diagnosis, she confides in Carl that she’s not ready to tell the family yet.

Eileen slips in the kitchen. She’s upset when George says he’s too busy to take her to A&E, so sends Brian instead. Daisy is suspicious when Christina doesn’t want to let go of her burner phone. Carl kisses Abi, after dropping round to discuss Kevin.

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