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Rosemarie Mallett’s star has risen quickly in the Church of England. After a career in academia and a period of disenchantment with the institution, she became a priest in 2005, attracting the attention of senior members of the clergy for her engagement with communities and issues of social justice alike. Bishop Rosemarie was herself born into a situation shaped by slavery, in the then colony Barbados, before coming to the UK as a child. Now a senior cleric, she has co-authored a report on how the Church of England should make amends for its historic financial involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, which has attracted praise from some and criticism from others. Stephen Smith talks to those who know Mallett best, exploring how her life has shaped her approach to music, ministry, and racial justice. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producer: Nathan Gower Production team: Debbie Richford, Drew Hyndman Editor: Tom Bigwood Programme Coordinators: Sabine Schereck, Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar
Vaughan Gething this week became Wales’ new First Minister, and the leader of Welsh Labour. He’s the fifth person to hold the post and the first black leader of a national government in Europe. No stranger to breaking barriers, this employment lawyer rose apace to the top of student and trades unions alike, before election to the Welsh Senedd and ministerial office, charged with overseeing first health and then the economy. Mark Coles looks back at how a cricket-mad schoolboy became First Minister of the land of his father - a journey from Zambia to Cardiff by way of rural Dorset - and finds out what drives him from those who know him best. Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Nathan Gower Production Team: Debbie Richford, Drew Hyndman, Julie Ball Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison Editor: Tom Bigwood Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot
The current Secretary for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, first joined the cabinet in 2010 and has remained there for most of the past 14 years in various posts. He’s served four prime ministers. During that time he has provoked controversy from many areas - from teachers, lawyers, landlords for the policies he has championed. But he has also attracted friends and enemies in his own party due to his decisions over Brexit, leadership bids and party politics. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Charlotte McDonald and Debbie Richford Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Sound Engineer: James Beard Credits Sky News ITV
The millionaire hedge fund manager Sir Paul Marshall has recently hit the headlines, both for his growing media portfolio and controversy over his social media activity. After an eclectic career spent mostly in the background, from philanthropic work to high-powered finance, Sir Paul seems to be increasingly exerting his influence on the media and politics. He already backs GB News and UnHerd and is reported to be preparing a bid for the Telegraph and Spectator. Stephen Smith asks what shaped and drives Paul Marshall, by talking to those who know him best. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producer: Nathan Gower Assistant Producer: Debbie Richford Editor: Matt Willis Programme Coordinator: Sabine Schereck Sound Engineer: James Beard Archive: Speech by Paul Marshall to the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship Conference 2023 Citizen Kane, RKO Radio Pictures
Mother, widow... and now the face of Russian opposition? Yulia Navalnaya has risen to the spotlight in recent weeks following her husband's death in a Siberian prison. The wife of Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, has until now remained in the background. Navalnaya chose to focus on bringing up their children, supporting his political work from behind the scenes. When her husband was poisoned in 2020, she fought the authorities to release him to a German hospital for treatment. Navalny said she saved his life. Now, Yulia Navalnaya has taken on the role of the defiant widow in their tragic love story. Making speeches to the European Parliament, meeting with world leaders, and launching her social media profile, Navalnaya has vowed to continue the work of her late husband. Who is the woman taking on Putin? Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ellie House and Madeleine Drury Studio Manager: Hal Haines Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck Editor: Damon Rose
Frank Auerbach was sent to Britain from Nazi Germany by his parents at the age of 8. Growing up in a Quaker boarding school in Kent, he developed his artistic talents - later to be inspired by the landscapes of war-torn London in the Blitz. Worrying about how he would afford paint for much of his career, an Auerbach piece now commands a price tag in the millions. He has developed a reputation as a recluse - rarely giving interviews, or even attending his own exhibitions. Now, his wartime art 'The Charcoal Heads' is on display in London. Who is the 92-year-old artist still working seven days a week? Stephen Smith gets beneath the paint layers to learn more about one of our greatest living artists. CONTRIBUTORS Dale Berning Sawa, Journalist and Commissioning Editor William Feaver, Art Critic, Author Catherine Lampert, Curator and Art Historian Barnaby Wright, Deputy Head, The Courtauld Gallery PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Ellie House and Julie Ball Studio Manager: Neil Churchill Editor: Matt Willis Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck CREDITS: Omnibus, BBC TV, 2001. Jake Auerbach Films This Cultural Life, BBC R4, January 2024
Timpson - best known for its key cutting and shoe repair services - has become a household name, with over 1000 stores on town high streets and in local supermarkets. But its current CEO, James Timpson, is probably better known for his pioneering work on prison employment. After being impressed by a prisoner in 2002, and offering him a job on release, James Timpson has worked to develop employment schemes for ex-offenders and campaigns for prison reform. Now, ten percent of the Timpson workforce is made up of ex-offenders. He has recently published a new book on his unusual approach to business: 'The Happy Index: Lessons in Upside-Down Management'. With a passion for dance music and old cars, who is this businessman turned philanthropist? Presenter: Timandra Harkness Producers: Ellie House and Diane Richardson Studio Manager: Rod Farquhar Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Editors: Richard Vadon and Matt Willis
An insight into the character of an influential person making the news headlines
General Sir Patrick Sanders has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, rising through the ranks from Infantry Officer to Head of the Army. It's not a position he expected to reach and says "my first sergeant would never have seen this coming". He's spoken candidly about experiencing depression following a tour in Iraq, having lost a number of his own infantry regiment, encouraging others to seek help. Most recently General Sanders has ignited debate about the size of the army, suggesting that the "pre-war generation" should be prepared for the possibility of a potential land war, stating "Ukraine brutally illustrates that regular armies start wars; citizen armies win them." As he prepares to leave the post of Chief of the General Staff (CGS), Mark Coles looks at the life and career of General Sir Patrick Sanders, speaking to some of the family, friends and colleagues who know him best. Credits The Benedictine Monks of Worth Abbey Centre For Army Leadership Podcast British Army Time to Talk BFBS Sitrep Podcast GB News Presenter: Mark Coles Production: Ellie House and Diane Richardson Production Co-ordinators: Sabine Schereck and Maria Ogundele Sound: Neil Churchill Editors: Richard Vadon and Matt Willis
He’s led Liverpool Football Club to countless victories and is adored by fans for his touchline antics. As he announces his departure from Liverpool FC after nine years, Timandra Harkness looks at the life of Jurgen Klopp, from his childhood in the Black Forest to the young player who could run like the wind, before hanging up his boots to become a coach. Presenter: Timandra Harkness and Becky Milligan Production: Ellie House, Phoebe Keane, Diane Richardson Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele Editor: Richard Vadon
Stephen Smith looks at the life of the newly appointed French prime minister. The child of film producers, at one stage it looked like he was bound for a career in entertainment. Instead, Gabriel Attal has become the youngest PM in modern French history and he hopes to revive President Macron's government. One of his first tasks will be to lead the French government into the European Parliament elections in June. Contributors Marisol Touraine, former French Minister of Health, chair of Unitaid. Mireille Clapot, National Assembly member for Drôme. Philippe Marliere, Professor of French and European Politics, University College London. Dominic Gould, Actor. Sophie Pedder, Paris Bureau Chief, the Economist. Credits France 24 TF1, France. La Belle Personne, directed by Christophe Honoré Institut National de l'Audiovisuel Presenter: Stephen Smith Production: Daniel Gordon, Leontine Gallois, Diane Richardson Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Andrew Fell Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele, Katie Morrison, and Janet Staples
The ‘New Adult’ romance author topping book charts, and breaking records - she’s even outsold the Bible. Who is Colleen Hoover? The small-town Texan turned hit novelist is a TikTok sensation. Young women film themselves sobbing as they read her books, and queue for hours to meet her. Her meteoric rise to fame, from a small trailer on the family farm, reads like one of her stories. And now, her hit novel - ‘It Ends With Us’ - is set to hit the silver screen. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ellie House and Diane Richardson Editor: Richard Vadon Studio Manager: Neil Churchill Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele, Katie Morrison, and Janet Staples
Reform UK - formerly known as 'The Brexit Party' - has hit 10% in polls for the first time. And its leader, Richard Tice, is gearing up to contest the next general election. In a press conference this week, he vowed that Reform UK candidates would stand in every seat in England, Wales, and Scotland - posing a threat to Conservative candidates across the country. Dubbed a "bad boy of Brexit", who is the businessman turned politician leading this charge from the right? Presenter: Paul Connolly Producers: Ellie House, Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Editor: Richard Vadon Studio Manager: James Beard Production Coordinator: Janet Staples
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel, chief executive of education trust, Star Academies, which runs schools often in deprived areas, many of which have achieved outstanding results. Sir Mufti Hamid Patel left school in Blackburn at 16, without himself excelling academically. Having worked in local government in Blackburn, he then ran a Muslim girls school before starting Star Academies. The trust has grown to include 34 primary and secondary schools mainly in northern England, the Midlands and East London. New government ways of monitoring progress, show almost half the top twenty achieving schools in the country are run by Star. PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Bob Howard Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele
Polly Neate. CEO of the housing and homelessness charity Shelter. Recently rescued in a dramatic cliff top drama, Neate was determined to fight social injustice from an early age. She started life as a journalist and then worked for the charities Action for Children and Women's Aid before taking the top job at Shelter. Her climbing injury has left her on crutches but she continues her professional work campaigning to help the homeless and is still determined to carry on climbing. PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Bob Howard Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Graham Puddifoot Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele
Tucker Carlson, the American conservative political commentator and newscaster. He was born in California and from the age of six was brought up by his father after his mother left the family home. He followed in his father's footsteps when he left college and took up a career in journalism. He's worked for CNN, MSNBC and Fox News from which he was 'let go' in April this year. As he launches his own streaming website 'Tucker Carlson Network', Stephen Smith finds out about the man who has been described as one of the most influential people in American media in recent years. PRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Sabine Schereck Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: James Beard CONTRIBUTORS Neil Patel, Co-founder and CEO of Tucker Carlson Network Chadwick Moore , Journalist and Author of 'Tucker' a biography of Tucker Carlson Alex Shephard, Senior Editor, 'The New Republic' Heather Hendershot, Professor of Communications and Journalism, Northwestern University CREDITS Network, MGM 1976, Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway- Tucker Carlson Network, Last Country Inc Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Dreamworks Pictures
Olivia Colman, Oscar winning actress. Stephen Smith charts her career from an appearance at the age of 5 in the school Nativity through to her current project as Mrs. Scrubit in the new 'Wonka' film. She first came to public attention as a comedy actress in 'That Mitchell and Webb Show' and then 'Peep Show' but she always felt she could do more. It was being cast in the British film 'Tyrannosaur' that brought her to the attention of Hollywood. Now she's on her way to National Treasure status with the likes of Dame Judi Dench and Helen Mirren. CONTRIBUTORS Paterson Joseph, Actor, Producer, Writer. Screen Credits, Boat Story, Vigil Paul Hands, Former Director of Drama, Greshams' School, Norfolk Anna Smith, Film Critic, Broadcaster and host of 'Girls on Film' podcast. Catherine Shoard, Film Critic, The Guardian CREDITS Peep Show, Channel 4 Wonka, Warner Bros. Pictures L'Orchestre Cinematique, Pure Imagination (Newley/Bricusse) Oscars Award Ceremony 2019 - Best Actress Award - ABC Television, US The Crown, Netflix , Writer: Peter Morgan Life in Stages, Episode 1 Olivia Colman, National Theatre PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele
It is only a year since the controversial AI chatbot, ChatGPT was launched by Open AI, the company founded by this week's profilee, Sam Altman. For him the past year may have felt like a roller coaster but surely nothing compares with the last two weeks. Over the course of a week, he lost his job at Open AI and was immediately offered a job by Microsoft who'd invested heavily in the business. Next, Open AI employees threatened to resign in solidarity with their founder if he was not reinstated. The board had no choice but to take him back. Sam Altman is now back as CEO of Open AI, and those who ousted him are no longer on the board. But who is this relatively young tech entrepreneur who founded an AI company with Elon Musk and ran one of the most successful tech incubators in Silicon Valley? Timandra Harkness finds out. CONTRIBUTORS Andy Abbott, Head of School, John Burroughs School, St. Louis, Missouri Elizabeth Weil, journalist, New York magazine Mike Isaacs, Tech reporter, New York Times Madhumita Murgia, AI journalist, Financial Times Kate Bevan, Writer and Broadcaster, Technology Archive ABC World Tonight CBS News Open AI Development Day Nov 2023 CSPAN - 16th May 2023 PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Timandra Harkness Producers: Julie Ball, Diane Richardson Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck
The new President of Argentina, Javier Milei swept into power winning fifty-five percent of the popular vote. He's threatened to take a chainsaw to the economy, replace the peso with the dollar and blow up the Central Bank. With looks more reminiscent of a seventies rock star, will this unconventional economist be able to solve the hyperinflation that is crippling Argentina's economy once more. Or will his lack of experience and support in government cause this self-professed anarcho-capitalist to have to change tack? Contributors Juan Luis González, author, El Loco. Lilia Lemoine, Vice president of the Libertarian Party in Argentina. Ana Lankes, Latin America Correspondent, The Economist. Ezequiel Gonzalez-Ocantos, Professor of Comparative and Judicial Politics, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck Sound: James Beard Editor: Bridget Harney
Born and raised in south east London, James Cleverly once dreamed of being an artist, then opted for an army career. But never expected to become a politician. Yet now, after swiftly climbing the cabinet ladder, the high-flying statesman has made the step up from Foreign Secretary to Home Secretary. But with a bulging in-tray - including the government's troubled plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda - can he rise to the challenge? Charismatic, convivial and sometimes cautious, does James Cleverly have the skills needed for the job? Paul Connolly talks to friends and colleagues about Cleverly's fast political ascent, his ability to stay the course and his passion for spicy food. Presenter: Paul Connolly Producers: Sally Abrahams, Kirsteen Knight, Julie Ball Production co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound engineer: James Beard Editor: Bridget Harney
As President Biden's top diplomat, Antony Blinken is in the eye of the storm as the conflict rages in Israel and Gaza. The US Secretary of State has been preparing for this role his whole life. But has he got what it takes? After a gilded upbringing - living in New York and Paris, an Ivy League education and a passion for music - he reluctantly turned his back on rock and roll to pursue a career at the top of politics, becoming a confidante of three US presidents. Stephen Smith talks to friends and colleagues to find out more about the man whose father was an ambassador and whose stepfather survived Auschwitz. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Sally Abrahams, Natasha Fernandes, Kirsteen Knight Production co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Janet Staples, Rosie Strawbridge, Gemma Ashman Sound: James Beard Editor: Bridget Harney Credits: Without Ya, Ablinken (Spotify)
The US pop superstar, Taylor Swift, who's just become a billionaire entirely through music. Recent success includes a new re-recorded album, her live tour and accompanying film.
One of Britain's most popular comedians, Sir Lenny Henry, has spent nearly 50 years in show business. His new TV drama series 'Three Little Birds' is inspired by his mother's generation, who came to Britain from the Caribbean to make a new start in post-Windrush Britain. Timandra Harkness charts his life from impersonator and stand-up comedian, to Shakespearean actor, scriptwriter and campaigner for diversity in the media. She discovers how his talent as an entertainer was first discovered as a teenager on the disco floor in Dudley, in the West Midlands. Timandra talks to family, friends and colleagues to find out what drives Sir Lenny to keep trying new things. Presenter: Timandra Harkness Producer: Sally Abrahams and Natasha Fernandes Sound: James Beard Editor: Simon Watts Archive credits: Three Little Birds ITV - Douglas Road and Tiger Aspect Productions under Banijay UK Graham Norton Show New Faces - Associated Television (1973-1978), ITV Central (1986-1988) BBC Seaside Special BBC Comic Relief 1988 Northern Broadsides Othello on Radio 4 BAFTAs Guru 2014 Speech
After helping to secure strong results for opposition parties in Poland’s most recent election, former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk looks highly likely to return to his country’s top job. Best known in the UK as a former President of the European Council, Donald Tusk is a political survivor, forged in the struggle and resistance against communist-era Poland in the 1980s, but who then went on to scale political heights at home and abroad again and again. So how did this son of Gdansk and self-confessed former football hooligan become one of Europe’s most enduring politicians? Paul Connolly speaks to those who watched his ascent first hand. Presenter: Paul Connolly Producer: Natasha Fernandes Assistant Producer: Nathan Gower Editor: Richard Vadon Programme Coordinator: Sabine Schereck Sound Engineer: James Beard Archive: Speech by Donald Tusk as President of the European Council, 14th October 2016 Interview with Donald Tusk on the website of the European Council Speech by Donald Tusk as President of the European Council, 6th February 2019
Adam Kay is a Bafta-winning TV writer, author and comedian who previously worked as a hospital doctor. He's famous for using his medical experiences to highlight the pressures of working in the NHS. He recently spoke out in support of junior doctors and hospital consultants who've been demanding better rates of pay. Despite give up a career in medicine in 2010, celebrity friends occasionally ring him up seeking medical advice.
The Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer is hoping to become the UK's next prime minister. He first won his seat in Parliament in 2015 after a successful career working as a human rights lawyer and then being appointed the UK's Director of Public Prosecutions. He was previously rumoured to be the inspiration for the handsome but stuffy character Mark Darcy, a lawyer and love interest in the novel Bridget Jones's Diary, written by Helen Fielding. The author has denied the link, however interest in Mr Starmer has started to grow as polls suggest he could get the keys to 10 Downing Street. Steve Smith travels through the 'Starmersphere' speaking to friends, colleagues and critics finding out who he is and what he stands for.
Lachlan Murdoch will become the boss of one of the world's most powerful media empires. His father, Rupert, has said his eldest son will succeed him as chairman of Fox and News Corp. Lachlan's appointment ends years of speculation over which one of the siblings will take control of the businesses their father built. At one point Lachlan's younger brother James was favourite for the top job but it didn't go his way. So, who is Lachlan Murdoch, how did he win his father's approval and what impact will he make? Timandra Harkness pieces together what we know about him through interviews he's given and by speaking to people who've worked for and observed the Murdochs. Guest: Paddy Manning, Author, The Successor: The High-Stakes Life of Lachlan Murdoch. Michael Wolff, Author, The Fall: The End of the Murdoch Empire. Sarah Ellison, Washington Journal National Enterprise Reporter, Author, War at the Wall Street Journal. Kelvin MacKenzie, Former Editor, The Sun. Claire Enders, Founder, Enders Analysis. Credits: ABC Dynasties Presenter: Timandra Harkness Producer: Nick Holland Researcher: Diane Richardson Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: James Beard
Miriam Margolyes is at the peak of her career, even though she's been acting on our screens for decades. Her career started in the 1960 but despite playing many roles on stage, TV and film she is more famous now than ever before. She's in demand not only for her acting talents and presenting documentaries, but also as a sofa guest on chat shows. Her potty mouth, refreshing honesty and shocking stories have won her many laughs and new fans. However, her language isn't for everyone and there have been times, particularly in live broadcasting, when it's got her into trouble. Is who we see and hear on screen and radio the real Miriam Margolyes? Mark Coles looks back at her life and career. Presenter: MR MARK COLES Producer: Nick Holland Researcher: Ellie House and Diane Richardson Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Editor: Richard Vadon
Davina McCall is regularly referred to as the queen of reality TV and has been a familiar face on our screens for decades. From the unpredictable dating show Streetmate, to the iconic Big Brother and now her latest show Your Mum, My Dad, which features middle-aged singles looking for a second chance at love. She’s been open about overcoming addiction, taking drugs with her mum and surviving an overdose in her twenties. Now, with a long list of presenting credits under her belt, she’s turned to making documentaries raising awareness about the symptoms of the menopause and looking at contraception in the UK. Mark Coles looks at the life and career of the fitness fanatic who has even starred in a Kylie Minogue music video. Credits: My Mum, Your Dad, ITV. Big Brother, Channel 4. God’s Gift, ITV. Streetmate, Channel 4. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett Presenter: Mark Coles Production: Alix Pickles, Diane Richardson, Phoebe Keane Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon
The recently appointed defence secretary Grant Shapps is no stranger to getting his teeth into a new job, it’s his fifth cabinet role in less than a year. He's widely seen as a safe pair of hands and an effective communicator but has received criticism over his latest appointment because of his lack of military experience. A married father of three and a cousin of The Clash guitarist Mick Jones, he survived a car crash at the age of 20, which put him in a coma for a week, and also made a full recovery after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Mark Coles looks at the life and career of the cabinet veteran who is a spreadsheet whizz, enthusiastic TikToker and licensed pilot. Presenter: Mark Coles Production: Alix Pickles, Diane Richardson Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon
