Profile

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 BeardArchive: 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 SchereckCREDITS: 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

With power sharing in Northern Ireland restored after a two year hiatus, the DUP's Emma Little-Pengelly has landed herself a top job - Deputy First Minister. It’s the first time a unionist has been in the role. Hailing from a border town in Northern Ireland, County Armagh, she grew up during the Troubles. Her house was damaged in a bomb attack. Having held several positions in Stormont and Westminster, Little-Pengelly has now taken up her new role opposite Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill. Co-opted to the position, rather than elected, she is facing new scrutiny in Northern Ireland. Who is the trained barrister turned DUP rising star?Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ellie House and Madeleine Drury Editor: Richard Vadon Studio Manager: James Beard

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 NewsPresenter: 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'AudiovisuelPresenter: 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. Tucker Carlson 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. 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 UniversityPRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleCREDITS 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 4 in a school nativity play, through to her current project as Mrs. Scrubbit in the new 'Wonka' film. Olivia Colman first came to public attention as a comedy actress in 'That Mitchell and Webb Look' 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 Dame Helen Mirren. CONTRIBUTORS Paterson Joseph, Actor, Producer, Writer. Screen Credits, Boat Story, Vigil Paul Hands, Former Director of Drama, Gresham's School Anna Smith, Film Critic, Broadcaster and host of 'Girls on Film' podcast Catherine Shoard, Film Critic, The GuardianPRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleCREDITS Peep Show, Channel 4 Wonka, Warner Bros. Pictures L'Orchestre Cinematique, Pure Imagination (Newley/Bricusse) Oscars Award Ceremony 2019 - Best Actress Award The Crown, Netflix , Writer: Peter Morgan Life in Stages, Episode 1 Olivia Colman, National Theatre

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 PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Timandra Harkness Producers: Julie Ball, Diane Richardson Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele CREDITS ABC World Tonight CBS News Open AI Development Day Nov 2023 CSPAN - 16th May 2023

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.PRPDUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Editor: Bridget Harney Sound Engineer: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

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. PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Sally Abrahams, Natasha Fernandes, Kirsteen Knight Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Janet Staples, Rosie Strawbridge, Gemma Ashman Sound Engineer: James Beard Editor: Bridget HarneyCREDITS 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 WattsArchive 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 Sound Engineer: James BeardArchive: 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.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Nick Holland and Natasha Fernandes Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

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.Presenter: Steve Smith Producers: Nick Holland and Natasha Fernandes Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

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 DynastiesPresenter: 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 BartlettPresenter: 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

Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister, but his government’s plans for judicial reform have triggered one of the most serious crises of his political career.Timandra Harkness looks at the life of the man who has won six elections and who is known to his supporters as 'King Bibi'.Credits:The Hoover Institution: “Bibi: My Story,” Benjamin Netanyahu On His Life And Times The 92nd Street Y: Benjamin Netanyahu and David Rubenstein in ConversationPresenter: Timandra Harkness Production: Sally Abrahams, Diane Richardson, Alix Pickles Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: James Beard Editor: Damon Rose

The multi-millionaire climate campaigner and Just Stop Oil donor Dale Vince, made his fortune in green energy. He started generating his own power with a homemade windmill before setting up green energy provider, Ecotricity in the 1990s. He’s since commissioned a record-breaking electric car and added a football club and lab-grown diamonds to his sustainable businesses.Mark Coles looks at the life of the eco-entrepreneur who says that the disruption caused by Just Stop Oil protesters is nothing compared to the havoc caused by climate change. Presenter: Mark Coles Production: Sally Abrahams, Diane Richardson, Alix Pickles Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Richard Vadon

Joe Biden has been involved in US politics for more than fifty years, becoming one of America’s youngest senators in 1972, when Richard Nixon was in the White House. Now, aged eighty, Biden is the oldest US president in history and is seeking re-election in 2024.He’s experienced terrible tragedies in his life, when his first wife and baby daughter were killed in a car accident in 1972, and the death from cancer of his elder son, Beau, in 2015. Yet he bounced back, serving two terms as vice president under Barack Obama, and finally making it to President in 2021. As he makes another run at the White House, Mark Coles charts his life from the blue-collar town of Scranton, Philadelphia to Washington DC and hears how family plays a very important role in his life.Presenter: Mark Coles Production team: Diane Richardson, Alix Pickles, Sally Abrahams Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound: Rod Farquhar Editor: Richard Vadon

Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, is no stranger to media attention. He has made headlines for his controversial statements about poverty, migration and the death penalty. Now he is reported to be a prominent figure in the New Conservatives, a pressure group calling on the Prime Minister to drastically cut migration before the next general election. Yet he started his working life as a Nottinghamshire miner, and worked as a Labour councillor before later switching parties. Mark Coles finds out about his life and career. Presenter: Mark Coles Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Rod Farquhar Production: Viv Jones, Diane Richardson, Alix Pickles Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Russia's Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, was publicly condemned by Wagner leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, during his march on Moscow. Yet despite the criticism, this long-term ally of President Putin remains in post.Timandra Harkness looks at the life and career of the former construction engineer, who once headed Russia's disaster relief programme, becoming a minister under Boris Yeltsin.Presenter: Timandra Harkness Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Neil Churchill Producers: Sally Abrahams, Diane Richardson Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

The youngest person ever to receive a life peerage, Charlotte Owen’s elevation to the House of Lords, after less than six years in Westminster - some of it working as an intern - has made newspaper headlines. She’s had a remarkably quick rise through the Conservative party, starting as an intern and ending up a special advisor to then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson - the man who recommended her peerage when he resigned.Charlotte Owen has faced much scrutiny since her peerage was announced but those close to her say she has youth and energy on her side, and is ready to embrace her new role. Mark Coles talks to her colleagues and friends to gain insight into the particularly private future baroness.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Daniel Gordon, Isobel Gough Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: Nigel Appleton Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Jack Smith is no stranger to the courtroom. He counts mob bosses, public officials and war criminals among those he has put behind bars. But no case he has been involved with has been as high profile as the one he is bringing against the former, and possible future, President of the United States - Donald J. Trump. In the last week, he made a very rare public appearance announcing his charges against Trump, unsurprisingly leading to a volley of criticism from the man he will face down in court. A young man from upstate New York, made his way first to Harvard Law School and then, New York City, 250 miles away from his home town. Here he embarked on the impressive legal career that has led to his appointment as Special Counsel. Mark Coles speaks to his old sports teacher and colleagues about his distinguished career so far and why he will not let anything get in his way of presenting the strongest possible case against President Trump. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Georgia Coan, Kirsteen Knight and Isobel Gough Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: James Beard

Former High Court judge Baroness Hallett is no stranger to a high-profile case, having previously chaired an inquiry into the 2005 London terror attacks. But her most recent appointment as chair of an inquiry looking at the UK's response to the pandemic could be her biggest job to date. In the past few weeks she’s been stuck in a legal battle with the Government after refusing to withdraw her order for them to hand over unredacted material for her investigation. The first female Chair of the Bar Council, Baroness Hallett didn’t come from the usual privilege associated with the top tier of the legal profession. She grew up as the daughter of a policeman and a secretary, moving around a lot in her childhood and going to various state schools before getting a place at Oxford where she went on to specialise in criminal law. Mark Coles speaks to friends and peers about her extraordinary legal career and why she will not sway over Government demands when the COVID inquiry starts next week.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Georgia Coan, Octavia Woodward and Samantha Haque Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar

Suella Braverman, the current home secretary and former attorney general, has found herself making the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the last few weeks. After a row over a speeding fine, and data showing record levels of net migration on her watch, her poll ratings have dipped. However, she is still a popular figure among many in her party, and despite losing out on the last leadership contest in 2022, she appears to still have her sights on the top job. Some Conservative MPs have accused her of undermining Rishi Sunak's authority and making a bid for future leadership of the party during the National Conservatism conference. Presenter Edward Stourton finds out about the life and career of Suella Braverman, the Harrow born barrister who came from first generation migrants. CreditsDallas Created by David Jacobs Warner Horizon Television, a subsidiary of Warner Bros James O’Brien/LBC RadioNational Conservatism Producers: Georgia Coan and Octavia Woodward Editor: China Collins Sound Design: Rod Farquhar

Succession - the dark comedy following an American media family - has won 13 Emmys, 5 Golden Globes and a BAFTA. As it draws to a close, we take a look at the life of its creator, a British writer who has co-written some of the best television of the last 20 years including Peep Show, The Thick of it and Fresh Meat.From the border town of Oswestry, Shropshire to the toast of Manhattan and LA, Jesse Armstrong has had an extraordinary journey.Mark Coles hears from his family, friends and colleagues (including Chris Morris, Isy Suttie, Paterson Joseph, David Mitchell and Susan Soon He Stanton), finding out how Armstrong was able to write such rich worlds that bring the pain and absurdity of life in such a colourful fashion. CreditsThe Hollywood Reporter Succession Created by Jesse Armstrong HBO Peep Show Objective Productions/Channel 4 The Thick Of It BBC Comedy Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Jordan Dunbar, Georgia Coan and Nathan Gower Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Design: James Beard

Enter the murky world of one of the most dominant men in Russia. From selling hotdogs to running a private army and meddling in the US elections, from Syria to Ukraine- who is this man in the shadows?One of the most powerful figures you may not have heard of - Yevgeny Prigozhin.Once a hotdog seller in St Petersburg, this former prisoner has risen to become a friend of Putin and his private army is now one of the main Russian players in the invasion of Ukraine.Along the way he has catered to celebrities at his top end restaurant, allegedly run a centre for internet trolls, been accused of meddling in the US elections and financed a mercenary army - the Wagner group - based worldwide. But is his time up? As the situation for his mercenaries gets worse in Ukraine, Prigozhin has started lashing out publicly at the Russian state.Could this be the last course for the man once named 'Putin's Chef'?Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Jordan Dunbar, Georgia Coan Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

This weekend the controversial President of Turkey faces one of the most important elections ever for his country and the wider Middle East region. But how did the son of a Black Sea coastguard rise to live in a thousand-room palace? And how will he cope with one of the biggest political challenges of a career spanning more than twenty years?Mark Coles hears from Turkish and British guests who know Recep Tayyip Erdogan well. And for more on the Turkish leader, the two part series, Empire of Erdogan, is available on BBC iPlayer.Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Jordan Dunbar Researcher: Olivia Woodward Sound Engineer: Rod Farqhuar Editor: Simon Watts Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

South African opera star Pretty Yende is performing her biggest gig yet at the Coronation. She was personally selected by the King to sing at the service in Westminster Abbey.Growing up in the small rural town of Mpumalanga, Yende’s passion for opera began when she saw a British Airways advertisement featuring the Flower Duet by Delibes. She asked her teacher about it, who advised her to join the school choir.Abandoning her initial plans to become an accountant, Pretty Yende went on to study at La Scala in Milan before making her Metropolitan Opera debut in New York in 2013, in the role of Adèle in Rossini's Le Comte Ory. A last-minute substitute, Yende had only weeks to prepare for the part. She tripped as she went out on stage, but picked herself up and carried on, going on to receive a standing ovation. Mark Coles talks to family and friends about one of the rising stars of opera. Credits: Title: I Feel Pretty (from the musical West Side Story) Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Music by Leonard Bernstein.Presenter: Mark Coles Production Team: Georgia Coan, Julie Ball, Osman Iqbal Editor: Simon Watts Sound: Neil Churchill Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

The country girl who won the heart of a prince: Queen Consort, Camilla, will be crowned Queen at the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey. The BBC’s Royal correspondent, Jonny Dymond, talks to friends and royal authors about her life so far.Presenter: Jonny Dymond Producers: Sally Abrahams and Diane Richardson Researcher: Louise Byrne Sound: James Beard Editor: Simon Watts

The Russian journalist and Cambridge-educated historian Vladimir Kara-Murza has been a long-time opponent of President Putin's regime. A dual national who also holds a British passport, he was instrumental in getting the Magnitsky Act passed in now over 30 countries, in a campaign led by financier Bill Browder. The legislation enables governments to sanction Russians engaged in corruption or human rights abuses. He has been a thorn in the side of Putin ever since. More recently he has also spoken out against Russia's war in Ukraine. He was poisoned in Russia, and almost died, twice, in 2015 and 2017, suffering long-term health consequences. Yet he returned to Moscow from the US last year, because he didn’t think he had any right to call people onto the streets into action in Russia if he was sitting safely in America. He was arrested soon after his return, and this week was sentenced to 25 years in a Russian penal colony. But as he wrote from prison: 'the night is darkest before the dawn, but what do you know, the dawn may be just around the corner.' His friends however fear for his life. Presenter Mark Coles speaks to some of those who know him best: Bill Browder, the head of the global Magnitsky Justice Campaign; University of Cambridge historians Dr Clare Jackson and Prof Hubertus Jahn; fellow Russian opposition figure Vladimir Milov, and the BBC's former Moscow correspondent Sarah Rainsford. Producers: Arlene Gregorius and Georgia Coan Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Physicist Dr Nicola Fox, who grew up in Hertfordshire, is the new head of science at the US space agency NASA. Only the second woman to hold the post, Dr Fox is a world-renowned expert on the Sun, who'd previously overseen one of the most important missions to study its scientific mysteries.In her new role, Nicola Fox will be responsible for hundreds of NASA projects, including returning humans to the Moon and exploring Mars. Outside of work, she enjoys karaoke... and fashion with a space theme.Mark Coles speaks to Nicola Fox’s friends, family and fellow scientists about how she landed ‘the best job on the planet’. Presenter: Mark Coles Production team: Diane Richardson and Georgia Coan Editor: Simon Watts Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar

Alvin Bragg, Manhattan's district attorney, is making history and headlines by bringing criminal charges against Donald Trump. It's the first time a former American President has been indicted.The first African-American to hold the office of New York District Attorney, Alvin Bragg is the single child of middle class parents. He was born and brought up in Harlem, although he attended an elite private school on New York's Upper West Side before going to Harvard to study Law. Despite his private education, Bragg was no stranger to the danger on the city's streets in the 1980s; he had guns pointed at him by both the police and a suspected drug dealer.Adrian Goldberg speaks to friends and colleagues of Alvin Bragg about his rise to the job of district attorney in his home town, and how he'll manage the historic case against Donald Trump.Presenter: Adrian Goldberg Production Team: Sally Abrahams, Julie Ball, Georgia Coan Editor: Simon Watts Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Newly-elected leader of the SNP, Humza Yousaf, has become First Minister of Scotland at the age of just 37. The Glaswegian showed community spirit from a young age, fundraising for charity and broadcasting for community station Radio Ramadan, before a political awakening that led to a speedy rise up the ranks of his party and into office.Humza Yousaf has taken on some difficult government briefs, as well as some flak, but now he faces the challenge of a political lifetime: healing divisions in the SNP, improving public services and trying to deliver the party's dream of independence. Mark Coles talks to friends, family and colleagues to try to find out more about the first ethnic-minority leader of a devolved government.PRODUCTION TEAMPresenter: Mark Coles Production Team: Nathan Gower, Julie Ball, Diane Richardson Editor: Simon Watts Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Baroness Louise Casey has this week delivered an excoriating review into the standards of behaviour and internal culture of the Metropolitan Police. It’s just the latest of a series of tough reports issued by Casey during a career tackling deep-rooted social issues, including homelessness and anti-social behaviour.Casey is now a cross-bench peer and go-to troubleshooter for governments of all stripes, but her route to the top of public life has been unconventional. Profile speaks to close friends and colleagues of a civil servant known for her fearlessness and no-nonsense style.Presenter: Mark Coles Production team: Sally Abrahams and Nathan Gower Editor: Simon Watts Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot

Shadow chancellor and former economist Rachel Reeves, who was a national chess champion aged 14.

Scottish screenwriter Lesley Paterson’s debut film, All Quiet on the Western Front, has won seven BAFTAs and has nine Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay. It took her and co-writer Ian Stokell sixteen years to get their script to screen, with Netflix and German director, Edward Berger. On the way, Paterson competed in extreme off-road triathlons, winning five world titles and putting the prize money towards the adaptation rights for the novel. Now the movie is winning awards and provoking debate among critics.Timandra Harkness talks to family, friends and colleagues about Paterson’s childhood going to ballet classes with knees still muddy from rugby, her journey from Stirling to Hollywood, and how her drive to win has got her through every challenge.Presenter: Timandra Harkness Production team: Sally Abrahams, Georgia Coan and Nathan Gower Editor: Simon Watts Sound engineer: Neva Missirian

Born in Jamaica to parents who were both doctors, Professor Dame Angela McLean was fascinated by science from a young age. After studying maths at university, her PhD thesis involved pioneering work on measles. She’s also done ground-breaking research into HIV/AIDS. During the coronavirus pandemic, Dame Angela played a key role drawing up advice for the government. Mark Coles speaks to friends, family and colleagues to find out more about the ‘no-nonsense’, straight-talking scientist who loves theatre, birdwatching and campfires. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Sally Abrahams and Georgia Coan Editor: Simon Watts Production Co-ordinator: Sabine Schereck Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar

Born in London, to Jamaican parents who came to Britain as part of the 1950s Windrush generation, Shirley J. Thompson fell in love with music from a very young age – and it has remained her life’s passion. She’s created music for film, TV, orchestras and opera. Mark Coles talks to family and friends to find out what influences her work. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Sally Abrahams and Georgia Coan Editor: Simon Watts Production Co-ordinator: Sabine Schereck Sound Engineer: James Beard