On the box: our top telly picks for the week

MTV Video Music Awards 2014 – MTV, Monday at 8pm
From Beyoncé’s 15 minute medley and emotional (staged?!) smooch with her hubbie, to Nicki Minaj performing with her dress falling off and Blue Ivy’s impressive dance moves, the annual VMA's are a must see as always.

50 Ways To Kill Your Mammy – Sky 1, Monday at 9pm
This new extreme bucket list series sees the normally lovely Baz Ashmawy make his poor 71-year-old mammy go gambling, sky diving and stunt driving. God love the poor woman!

The 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards – Sky Living, Tuesday at 8.30pm
House Of Cards, Orange Is The New Black, The Good Wife, Homeland, Scandal and Breaking Bad are just some of the shows nominated at the TV world’s version of the Oscars. One to watch is Downton Abbey with an impressive 12 nods – one hopes one’s chances are not hampered by waterbottlegate….

Pet Island – RTÉ One, Thursday at 7pm
Tonight’s episode goes behind the scenes at the St. Patrick's Day Dog Expo in Dublin, which includes contests for doggy dancing, best trick and even waggiest tails – awwww!

The X Factor Top Ten Best Moments Ever – ITV2, Friday at 8pm
In the lead up to this weekend’s launch of Season 11 there is an hourly special on EVERY night this week on ITV2! There’s a show dedicated to Simon, one to Louis, one to Cheryl and one to Dermot as they each look back at their favourite moments from the past 10 years. What better way to warm us up eh?!