What to watch INSTEAD of the World Cup on TV

For some, it's the greatest spectacle on earth - a once-every-four-years sporting event no football fan wants to miss.

But not everyone is stoked about the month-long footballing bonanza that is the 2018 World Cup.

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If your idea of entertainment does not involve watching 22 men chasing a ball around for 90 minutes, then worry not.

There are some top picks on TV while the big matches are on '“ with no football in sight.

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Read more: Corrie, EastEnders and Emmerdale red-carded during World Cup '“ here...

Here, we take a look at WHAT ELSE is on while the prime-time matches from the first week of 'action' in Russia are being screened.

Friday 15 June

Spain v Portugal (7pm, BBC One)

Watch instead: Friends (7pm, Comedy Channel)

Who wants to watch Cristiano Ronaldo acting like a preening prima donna when you can relive the laughs with Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross, right?

Saturday 16 June

Croatia v Nigeria (8pm, ITV)

Watch instead: Legally Blonde 2 (7.05pm, ITV 2)

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Ignore the recent trend of footballers bleaching their locks... here platinum-haired Reese Witherspoon stars as the seemingly dizzy teenager who is heartbroken when her boyfriend dumps her because he thinks she's not smart enough to help his political career.

ABBA: The Secret Life of Agnetha & Anni-Frid may provide an alternative to football on TV this summer

Sunday 17 June

Brazil v Switzerland (7pm, ITV)

Watch instead: ABBA: The Secret Life of Agnetha & Anni-Frid

Forget Neymar and co. If you want flares over flair, this docudrama tells the untold story of ABBA's female members in the words of their close circle and through their eyes, tracing the highs and lows.

Monday, 18 June

Tunisia v England (7pm, BBC One)

Watch instead: Twilight (6.05pm, ITV2)

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Sweaty footballers or impossibly good-looking vampires? Yes, it's a no-brainer. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson star in this hugely popular tale of teenage bloodsuckers.

Tuesday 19 June

Russia v Egypt (7pm, BBC One)

Watch instead: Great Indian Railway Journeys (7pm, BBC 2)

Forget Russia... Michael Portillo is off to visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar. You haven't lived until you've seen a former defence secretary in a copper-coloured headscarf.

Wednesday 20 June

Iran v Spain (7pm, ITV)

Watch instead: The Simpsons (7pm, Sky One)

Everyone knows Spain are going to win this one at a canter, so instead get ready for laughs as Bart uses a radio transmitter to trick the townsfolk of Springfield into thinking a child has fallen down a disused well.

Thursday 21 June

Argentina v Croatia (7pm, BBC One)

Watch instead: The Wonderful World of Puppies (7pm, Channel 5)

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Little Leo or little puppies? Opt for the latter to see first-time mum Beans, a Hungarian vizsla, give birth to 12 healthy puppies and an unlucky 13th, Gilbert, who faces a challenge to get its legs working.