Newscast

Professor Neil Ferguson’s advice played a big part in the government imposed lockdown. But he’s now quit after the Daily Telegraph reported he allowed a woman to visit his home. Also, as Scotland considers introducing social bubbles, the stars of the TikTok house tell us what it’s like to live in one. And football legend, John Barnes and Radio 1 legend, Chris Stark, on when the football season should return.Sound Engineer: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Nick Rotheram, Ben Weisz and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

How will government’s new test, track and trace strategy work? BBC Technology Correspondent, Rory Cellen-Jones, joins Adam, Laura and co to talk about the new NHS mobile app trial, the ins and outs of manual contract-tracing and the wonder that is the Isle of Wight. Producers: Nick Rotherham, Jo Deahl, Ben Weisz, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

What happened in Wuhan? Our woman keeping her eye on China, Carrie Gracie, joins us to delve into wet markets and government labs. Back on home soil, Matt Hancock succeeded in meeting his target for testing, but there is some sobering data about the people most impacted by Covid-19. Producers: Nicholas Rotherham, Harriet Noble and Seren Jones. Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos Sound Engineer: Emma Crowe

The PM says that UK has "past the peak" of the coronavirus pandemic and announces that he'll be setting out plans for how lockdown restrictions will be eased this time next week. And are you missing the pub? We are. So we speak to two pub owners about how social distancing measures could affect their industry. We're also missing a good pub quiz so Anne Hegerty from The Chase hosts a virtual one for us!Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz and Harriet Noble Editor: Dino Sofos

As the number of UK deaths from Coronavirus rises even further, Fergus visits a hospital taking part in a large scale clinical trial that hopes to find a treatment. Professor Martin Landray, one of the trial’s leads, tells Adam, Laura and Fergus how the 8,000 person trial aims to see if any existing drugs could offer a solution.Also on the podcast, we discuss if home schooling could have a long-term impact on some children with Joanna Clark, a primary school head in Durham, and, Adam finds out why finishing his 1,000 piece puzzle was so satisfying. Producers: Nick Rotherham, Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Jon Culshaw and the former Foreign Secretary join us.David Miliband, who now heads up the International Rescue Committee, predicts there will be up to one billion cases of coronavirus in conflict affected and fragile countries. And Dead Ringers star Jon Culshaw joins the pod to celebrate the return of Alan Bennett’s (or should that be Chris Mason’s) Talking Heads. Producers: Nick Rotherham, Jo Deahl, Ben Weisz, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Boris Johnson resumed his duties as prime minister today, starting with a speech outside No 10 urging the public to stick with the lockdown restrictions. Adam, Laura, Chris and Fergus look at what's in the PM’s in tray and discuss how far away we might be from ‘phase two’ of the coronavirus response. Plus, Izzy Wheatley tells us how zoos are responding to the crisis and gives a tour around the panda enclosure. Producers: Frankie Tobi, Nick Rotherham, Ben Weisz and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

On this side of the Atlantic, scientists at Oxford University inject two volunteers with what they hope will be one of the vaccines that beats coronavirus. In the US, President Trump suggests scientists try researching the efficacy of putting disinfectant into the body to fight the virus.Producers: Nick Rotherham, Harriet Noble, and Seren Jones Assistant Editors: Emma Close and Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

While Westminster remains tight-lipped on how lockdown restrictions could be lifted, Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has spelled out what an exit strategy might look like there. But, emphasised it won’t happen anytime soon… Adam, Laura and Chris are joined by Scotland Editor Sarah Smith to discuss. And how can creativity help us during times of crisis? The model and activist, Adwoa Aboah, and psychologist Dr Ciara Dockery, of Gurls Talk tell us about their campaign.Sound Engineer: William Allott Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Although talk of a vaccine and an exit plan for lockdown grows, England’s Chief Medical Officer says it’s “wholly unrealistic” to think life can return to normal soon. We find out where all the money raised by Captain Tom will go. And Adam and Chris make plans to recreate Oktoberfest. Producers: Frankie Tobi, Nick Rotherham, Nat Ktena and Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham, Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Are people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds at greater risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19? Rianna Croxford delves into the data. Plus Tolly T, Milena and Audrey, hosts of The Receipts Podcast, join Adam and Laura to answer your lockdown dilemmas. Producers: Harriet Noble, Nick Rotherham, Nat Ktena and Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

School's back and the BBC is here to help! We're joined by Deborah James, the new host of the new BBC Bitsesize Primary and Secondary Planner podcasts, for some homeschooling tips.And we're always hearing about Personal Protective Equipment but what actually is it? Adam Laura and Fergus chat to Dr Ron Daniels, a man who knows a thing or two about PPE.Producers: Frankie Tobi, Jo Deahl, Nick Rotherham and Harriet Noble Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

After the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge talk about how people are looking after their mental health during the pandemic, Adam is joined by Tina Daheley and Anne-Maria Newham MBE, a nursing director from Nottinghamshire. Producers: Nick Rotherham, Harriet Noble, Ione Well, Natalie Ktena and Ben Weisz. Assistant Producers: Sam Bonham and Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

As the government extends its lockdown for at least another three weeks, Labour’s new leader Sir Keir Starmer says he thinks Dominic Raab has been reluctant to sign-off on an exit strategy, with Boris Johnson off sick. Adam, Laura, Chris and Fergus are joined by Katya to discuss how measures are being eased in Europe. And we hear about the new CPAP machines that could revolutionise treatment for those with Covid-19. Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ed Chivers, Ione Wells and Alicia Burrell Editor: Dino Sofos

Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas joins the pod. As Donald Trump says the US will halt funding for the World Health Organisation, we ask who is WHO?. And the government announces more testing for care homes.Producers: Nick Rotherham, Frankie Tobi, Ione Wells and Ben Weisz. Assistant Editors: Emma Close and Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

How bad is this going to get? Adam, Laura and Fergus are joined by Ruth Alexander from BBC Radio 4's 'More or Less' programme to take a closer look at the death toll figures and the latest forecast by the UK's tax and spending watchdog that warns the UK economy could shrink by a record 35% by June.We also take a look at 5G conspiracy theories with our Disinformation reporter, Marianna Spring and ask Scott Bryan what we should be watching on TV.Producers: Frankie Tobi, Harriet Noble, Ione Wells and Ben Weisz Assistant Editors: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

An Americast takeover... Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Anthony Zurcher join Adam to talk about how America is dealing with coronavirus. With a stateside view from Congresswoman Donna Shalala, who is the longest serving Health Secretary in US history.Producers: Nick Rotherham, Frankie Tobi and Alicia Burrell Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The Homeland and Peaky Blinders stars tell us how they’re helping supply meals to NHS staff. And we're joined by epidemiologist and author of 'The Rules of Contagion', Adam Kucharski.Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena and Ione Wells Editor: Dino Sofos

How is the virus hitting the rest of the world? Katya Adler and Tulip Mazumdar discuss the impact of the outbreak on Italy, America, South Korea and beyond. And Hugh Bonneville is the latest thesp to recite Girls Aloud lyrics for us.Producers: Ione Wells, Harriet Noble and Alicia Burrell. Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The PM is still in critical care but is “stable”. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is standing in for Boris Johnson, has said he is "confident" the prime minister will recover from coronavirus. Adam and Laura have the latest.Producers: Nick Rotherham, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Behind the scenes in an intensive care unit. Fergus Walsh talks to Adam about the day he spent at the University College London Hospital ICU, witnessing medics and patients fight coronavirus.Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Boris Johnson has been moved to intensive care in hospital after his coronavirus symptoms "worsened”. The prime minister has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputise "where necessary". Adam is joined by Laura Kuenssberg and James Gallagher to discuss.Producers: Nick Rotherham, Frankie Tobi and Ione Wells Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is admitted to hospital for tests, ten days after testing positive for coronavirus. Adam chats to Laura, Chris and Fergus about this and the resignation of Scotland’s chief medical officer for breaking the lockdown rules.Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The Queen addresses the country.In a rare address, the monarch says the UK "should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return".

A Pointless-style coronavirus quiz hosted by the main man himself. Plus Laura talks Adam through the issues facing the elderly in care homes around the UK due to coronavirus. Producers: Hariet Noble, Frankie Tobi and Seren Jones Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

As the government announces its plans to carry out more than 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of April, Adam, Laura, Chris and Fergus discuss how this may or may not work. And Fergus takes a test!Producers: Nick Rotherham, Frankie Tobi, Ione Wells. Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam gets to grips with grief. He talks to a palliative care expert, Kathryn Mannix, about how to deal with death. Sean Farrington is on hand to help with your pandemic-related personal finance dilemmas. And Wimbledon superfan, Simon Mundie’s, worst fears come true.Producers: Ione Wells, Jo Deahl, Hariet Noble and Nicholas Rotherham. Assistant Editors: Sam Bonham and Emma Close. Editor: Dino Sofos

What powers do the police have to fight coronavirus? Ex-policeman and Crimewatch presenter, Rav Wilding, joins us to talk about the challenges facing the police during the coronavirus pandemic. And how are Asian communities in the UK responding to the coronavirus crisis? We chat to Mobeen Azhar, Dr Rosena Allin Khan and Harjap Singh Bhangal.Producers: Natalie Ktena, Sej Asar, Seren Jones, Ione Wells and Nick Rotherham Assistant Editors: Emma Close and Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The country’s social distancing measures are “making a difference” says the UK’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance. And Adam talks to hair stylist, Nicky Clark, about how to cut your hair at home.

Nigella Lawson is here to solve your isolation dinner dilemmas! Emily, Laura, Adam and Fergus discuss the news that Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus.Producers: Ione Wells and Harriet Noble Assistant Editors: Emma Close and Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Adam is joined by Laura, Fergus and Chris to talk through the day’s coronavirus news. BBC Reporters across the UK patrol the country’s parks looking for people not following the government’s rules to tackle coronavirus. And we take ‘nice-olation’ on the road, chatting to Marie Lennon from BBC Wiltshire about how people are managing being stuck indoors.Producers: Jo Deahl, Ione Wells and Nick Rotherham Assistant Editors: Sam Bonham and Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The Money Saving Expert joins Adam, Laura and Fergus to help answer your coronavirus related personal finance questions. And Carol Vorderman joins us for some homeschooling tips. Producers: Nick Rotherham, Emma Close, Jo Deahl and Ione Wells Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Strict new curbs on life in the UK to tackle the spread of coronavirus have been announced by the prime minister. Adam, Laura and Fergus discuss. And chef and Bake Off champion Nadiya Hussain joins us for some Nice-olation cooking tips! Producers: Nick Rotherham, Ione Wells, Jo Deal and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Pubs and restaurants told to shut... The PM tells pubs, restaurants and cinemas to shut so the UK can fight the virus. And the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, makes some huge announcements to help the jobs market. Emily Maitlis joins Fergus and Adam.Producers: Nick Rotherham and Ione Wells Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Boris Johnson says that the UK can “turn the tide” on the coronavirus crisis within 12 weeks. But the chief scientific adviser says you have got to stop going to pubs and restaurants - yes, even if you’re young! And bored celebrities have been singing on social media… they mean well but it’s cringe.Producers: Ione Wells and Nick Rotherham Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Boris Johnson announces that schools will close from Friday and exams will not go ahead this summer. Scott Mills is with us to talk about Eurovision being cancelled and our big boss, Lord Tony Hall, joins us for our first episode.Producers: Ione Wells and Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofo

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, unveils an "unprecedented" set of financial measures to support the UK economy through the coronavirus pandemic. But is it enough? Adam is joined by Laura Kuenssberg, Fergus Walsh and Faisal Islam.Producer: Ione Wells Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The government changes its Coronavirus strategy. The plan has shifted because scientific modelling shows the UK was on course for a “catastrophic epidemic”. Vicki Young, Chris Mason and James Gallagher join Adam Fleming to discuss.Producers: Ione Wells Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

We unpick the latest statement from the PM on Coronavirus and hear from one of the MPs who is self-isolating. And Americast’s Anthony Zurcher joins us to react to Donald Trump banning all travel to the US from the Schengen area.Producer: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

If you don’t want to hear about our esteemed Middle East Editor broadcasting in the buff then delete this episode now. Or just skip 30 minutes in to hear Chris Mason’s review of Friends. Producer: Ione Wells and Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The Brexitcast ensemble are back together again to talk trade, Heathrow, Coronavirus and Friends.Producers: Emma Close and Ione Wells Editor: Dino Sofos

All the cummings and goings in Westminster this week, including Brexit, immigration and weirdos. Adam and Chris are joined by Newsnight's Nick Watt and our old friend Vicki Young. Producer: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Newscast ushers in Sajid Javid's replacement the way Newscast does best... with the world’s first Rishi Sunak quiz! The Saj's former special advisor Salma Shah joins us to unpick the cabinet reshuffle. And Rory Stewart wants a sleepover.Producers: Emma Close and Ione Wells Editor: Dino Sofos

The podcast formerly known as Brexitcast is here! And guess what? We’re still wanging on about Brexit. Emma Vardy joins us from the Irish election campaign and Adam has some podcasting tips for the new kids in town across the pond.Producers: Emma Close & Ione Wells Editor: Dino Sofos

The moment we've been wanging on about for 2 and a half years.Editor: Dino Sofos Producer: Emma Close & Ione Wells

Jermv Vince and The Lord introduce our final BREXITCAST LIVE. We invited Jake Yapp and booked an ABBA tribute act for LOLs. We laughed a lot and cried a little. Thank you Brexitcasters! What an amazing journey. Bring on Newscast! (Yes we know it sounds crap now but they said that about Brexitcast at the start).Editor: Producer Dino Producers: Emma Close and Ione Wells

Laura finally gets a one-to-one with the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. And we have some news (but no spoilers) about our live show.Producer: Ione Wells Editor: Dino Sofos

A culinary extravaganza with some new friends! LK welcomes Helen Lewis from The Atlantic, Matt Chorley from The Times and our pal Alex Forsyth to the Brexitcast table to chew over Rebecca Long-Bailey’s Chinese takeaways, ravioli trade deals and Chris Mason’s ministerial pudding habit.Producers: Ione Wells & Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The EU lands a blow to Boris Johnson's plan for a trade deal by the end of the year. And the House of Commons Authorities land a blow to the Brexiters’ appeal for Big Ben to bong on 31st Jan. We also have some exciting news about BREXITCAST LIVE! Head to www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours to apply for free tickets!Producers: Emma Close & Ione Wells Editor: Dino Sofos

Things feel very different around here now… but Michel Barnier is still knocking about. And he has cake!Producer: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos