
Profile
681 episodes — Page 6 of 14
Anders Holch Povlsen
Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen is the biggest private landowner in Scotland and the biggest private shareholder in ASOS, the online fashion company that is in talks to buy Topshop. Having cut his teeth in the family fashion business, Bestseller, and following a series of canny investments, Anders Povlsen has more recently become known for his ambitious plans to ‘rewild’ large areas of Scotland To that end he has bought up hundreds of thousands of acres, now owning more land there than the Queen. He is determined to transform the landscape, turning it back into forest, through sometimes controversial means.After kidnap attempts and family tragedy he has gained a reputation as a man of extreme privacy. So just who is Anders Holch Povlsen? Mark Coles tries find out the secrets of the eco-conscious online fashion supremo and CEO.Producer: May Cameron Researchers: Maia Lowerson & Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Rosamund Jones Mix: Nigel Appleton Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples
Russell T Davies
Welsh screenwriter and television producer Russell T Davies has been entertaining the country for decades. From his ground-breaking series Queer as Folk to the revamped Doctor Who – his new series for Channel 4 - It’s a Sin - focuses on the 1980s AIDS crisis. The son of two teachers, Davies grew up loving drama and drawing cartoons - early indications of creativity that have served him well ever since. Mark Coles speaks to family and friends to find out more about one of the TV industry's most respected, and at times controversial, writers. Producer: Ben Crighton Researchers: Maia Lowerson and May Cameron Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Studio manager: Rod Farquhar Editor: Rosamund Jones
Nadhim Zahawi
Nadhim Zahawi began life as a Kurdish refugee, fleeing to the UK when he was nine years old. A businessman with an eclectic portfolio, he co-founded pollsters YouGov in 2000 before becoming a Conservative MP in 2010. Now a Minister with one of the most pressing jobs in Government, who is the man responsible for England’s Covid-19 vaccination programme? Mark Coles speaks to friends and colleagues to find out. Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Researchers: Maia Lowerson and May Cameron Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Mix: Rod Farquhar Editor: Rosamund Jones
Pat McGrath
The legendary make-up artist has just become the first in her industry to be made a Dame. Growing up in Northampton without industry contacts or formal training, Pat McGrath taught herself the techniques that have made her one of the most in-demand names in fashion. If you can name a designer label, she's probably worked for them, and now runs her own billion-dollar business. Supermodels, colleagues and friends tell Becky Milligan why she's had such a huge impact. Pat McGrath met Kim Bowen at the Wag Club and not the Blitz Club as is suggested at the beginning of this programme. Producer: Sharon Hemans Researcher: Beth Sagar-Fenton Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Mix: Neil Churchill Editor: Rosamund Jones
Naomi Osaka
Tennis star Naomi Osaka had a massive year in 2020, becoming the highest earning sportswoman ever, and protesting police violence against black Americans in both her private and professional life. Born in Japan, she's spent most of her life in the US. This year she's set to light up the Tokyo Olympics as one of the stars of the games. What else lies ahead for Naomi Osaka? We hear from those closest to her including her coach and manager, and feature an exclusive interview with campaigner and tennis legend Billie Jean King.Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Rosamund Jones Mix: Rod Farquhar
Brendan O'Carroll
The creator of Mrs Brown's Boys has had a bumpy ride to stardom. Becky Milligan charts the journey - born the youngest of 11 children in Dublin, he faced bankruptcy and serial disappointments before finding success as the the matriarch of his very own family sitcom. This year it returns - for the 10th consecutive year - to our TV screens over Christmas. Producer: Ben Crighton Editor: Rosamund Jones
Viola Davis
The academy award winning actor’s latest film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, is one of the first big budget releases since the pandemic closed cinemas. Viola Davis is the first black actor to win an Oscar, Emmy and Tony award – a triple crown of the most prestigious awards in film, television and theatre. Born on her grandmother’s farm, a former slave plantation in South Carolina. Davis was raised on the East Coast – in Providence, Rhode Island. As a child growing up in poverty, acting became a means of escape.After a decades-long career as a respected theatre actor, she was propelled to international attention in 2008, when she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in a single scene; alongside Meryl Streep in the film Doubt. Since then, she’s starred in a great many films and TV series; becoming widely recognised as one of the greatest actors of stage and screen this century. Becky Milligan explores her life and career and talks to her sister, Deloris, to find out what motivates an actor whose meteoric rise is symbolic of a deeper shift in how the film industry values black artists. Producers: Tom Wright and Ben Crighton Editor: Rosamund Jones
Dr June Raine
After a 30 year career of quiet public service, Dr June Raine has found herself in the spotlight when the UK became the first country to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. As the head of the MHRA she has ultimate responsibility for the process of approving any new Covid-19 vaccines in the UK, and when the eminent American immunologist Dr Anthony Fauci cast doubt over the speed of UK's approval process Dr Raine was forced to make a public response. Becky Milligan finds out more about her life, character and career.Producers: Viv Jones, Ben Crighton Editor: Rosamund Jones
Demis Hassabis
The British artificial intelligence lab DeepMind have made an astonishing breakthrough in one of biology’s toughest problems. The firm announced this week that it had largely cracked the problem of predicting how proteins folds into unique shapes, a challenge scientists have been working on for 50 years. The discovery is expected to accelerate research into illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer’s, and could even help find solutions to climate change. Behind the project is DeepMind’s co-founder, Demis Hassabis. A former chess prodigy, Hassabis has always been captivated by games and the mental agility needed to play them. This fascination with the human mind inspired his determination to use artificial intelligence to solve the world’s problems.Producers: Ben Crighton, Viv Jones Editor: Rosamund Jones
Allegra Stratton
This week the political turmoil at Number 10 has made the headlines. One of the prime minister's aides whose star appears to be on the rise is former journalist Allegra Stratton, the government's new press secretary. She'll be fronting televised briefings shortly. Becky Milligan examines her life and her career so far. Producers: Bethan Head and Sally Abrahams.
Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci
Early results from the world's first effective coronavirus vaccine showed it could prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19.The vaccine had been developed by pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech and was one of 11 vaccines that had reached the final stages of testing.Mark Coles explores the lives and careers of Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci - the little known Turkish-German husband-and-wife team responsible for the development of the vaccine. First broadcast on Saturday 14th November 2020.Producers: Sally Abrahams and Ben Carter Editor: Rosamund Jones
Mark Drakeford
As Wales eases its covid restrictions, Profile explores the life and various careers of the country's First Minister. Born and brought up in rural Wales, before entering the world of Labour politics Mark Drakeford worked as a social worker and an academic. And Mark Coles discovers that those are not his only interests. Tending his allotment, playing music and body boarding in all weathers also loom large. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Luke Radcliff and Ben Carter
Prue Leith
The business woman and Great British Bake Off judge now working with the government to improve NHS food - her independent review demanding healthier meals for hospital patients. Born in South Africa, it was time spent in Paris which sparked Prue Leith's love of food. Transferring to London, she started a food empire in her bedsit, going on to open a catering college and a Michelin star restaurant. She took on public roles too, becoming the first woman on the board of British Rail, charged with fixing the network's food which had become a laughing stock.Prue built her media profile alongside roles in the arts, charity sector and education. Then after controversial team-changes in The Great British Bake Off, she's now become a bona fide celebrity, helping the hit programme reach record audiences. Producers: Richard Fenton-Smith & Ben Crighton Editor: Ros jones
Sir Edward Lister
The chief strategic advisor to PM Boris Johnson who thrives on getting things done and who was once regarded as Margaret Thatcher's favourite council leader.A former alarms company executive, Edward Lister's political career began in the London Borough of Wandsworth which was at the forefront of Thatcherism at the turn of the 1980s.A council leader for nearly two decades, he made the leap to City Hall when Boris Johnson made him his deputy - and he's been a trusted aide and fixer ever since.Despite his position, Sir Edward has kept a low public profile, working behind the scenes resolving recent Brexit stalemates. This week he's been the go-between in the negotiations between the government and city mayors in the North of England in the debate over the financial cost of Covid-19. Mark Coles profiles the life of the man described as the 'grown-up' at Number 10 who thrives on solving problems. Producers: Richard Fenton-Smith & Ben Crighton
Steve Rotheram
The former bricklayer steering Liverpool through the latest coronavirus lockdown. Liverpool was the first region to face the toughest restrictions as the second wave of the pandemic takes hold. The man in charge of dealing with this new crisis is the first mayor of the city region, Steve Rotheram. Becky Milligan charts his rise, from a 16-year-old school leaver to prominent politician. Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Luke Radcliff
Mike Pence
The man from Indiana who's "a heartbeat away" from the US presidency. Mark Coles tells the story of how a Catholic boy with Democratic Party leanings became a born-again evangelical and a hero of the Republican right. With President Donald Trump's recent bout with Covid-19, there has been more and more attention paid to the man next in line for the Oval Office. But there are doubts about whether a majority of the American public agree with the vice-president's strictly socially conservative views. Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Luke Radcliff
Chuck Feeney
Billionaire Chuck Feeney said he would give away all of his money by 2020 – and he’s done it. An entrepreneur from childhood, he amassed a huge fortune in the duty-free business, before spending it on projects ranging from concert halls in Ireland to AIDS support in South Africa. For many years the money was only given out on condition of secrecy, that his name should never be mentioned in connection with the donations. Mark Coles finds out what’s driven this unique mission - and what his family think. Producer: Ben Crighton Researchers: Benita Barden & Beth Sagar-Fenton
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton could be about to equal Michael Schumacher's incredible record of 91 Grand Prix wins - but can he achieve even more? The first black Formula 1 driver has been a champion since childhood, when he ran rings around the adults with his remote control car. Three decades on he's tipped to equal and even exceed the long standing record - but is he now determined to achieve as much off the track as on it? We hear from those who know Hamilton best, including an exclusive interview with his father, Anthony. Presenter: Becky Milligan Producer: Ben Crighton Researchers: Beth Sagar-Fenton & Benita Barden
Kamala Harris
The woman who could soon be "a heartbeat away" from the presidency. This week voters in some states started sending in their ballot papers for the US presidential election. If the Democrats win when results are announced in November, it's vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris who'll be second in line to the Oval Office. She would be the first black person, the first woman and the first person of Indian descent to become VP. But what is Kamala Harris really like? Why has she attracted criticism in some circles for her record as a prosecutor and a legislator, while being hailed a hero by others? And is she likely to attract voters to Joe Biden's presidential campaign, or drive them away? Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Beth Sagar-Fenton
Tony Abbott
Why is the former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott such a controversial choice for trade adviser? Appointed by the Government to help negotiate post-Brexit deals for the UK, his supporters say he's a persuasive political operator and already has three free trade agreements under his belt. But others have been staggered by his appointment, saying he has a track record of sexism and homophobia, and will prove an "embarrassment" to the UK. Mark Coles speaks to colleagues, critics and even Abbott's sister to find out what drives the so-called "Mad Monk", and whether he'll make a success of the job. Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Ben Crighton Researchers: Charlotte McDonald & Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Penny Murphy
Simon Case
Those in the know say he's "the ultimate keeper of secrets" - Simon Case was announced this week as the new Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service. Aged just 41 and with a CV that takes him from GCHQ to Kensington Palace, he's now set to take on a role at the heart of government, heading up a workforce of more than 400,000 people. But with Covid an ongoing problem and Brexit on the cards - and without any experience of running a department - has the so-called "Rolls Royce of Sir Humphreys" got what it takes? Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ben Crighton & Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Penny Murphy
Dido Harding
Health secretary Matt Hancock announced last week that Public Health England will be replaced with a new National Institute for Health Protection. Baroness Dido Harding, who ran NHS Test and Trace in England, will be heading up this new agency too, for now. Who is she? And why are some cynical about whether she'll be able to handle the new role?Dido Harding started out on a pig farm in Dorset, and has spent most of her adult life splitting her time between the corporate world and her beloved horses. Married to Conservative MP John Penrose, she's spent the last three years working in the public sector, and recently been a regular feature at Number 10’s daily coronavirus briefings. Mark Coles speaks to her best friend and former boss, amongst others, to find out more. Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Researcher: May Cameron Editor: Kirsty Reid
Professor Sarah Gilbert
The no-nonsense scientist whose team is developing a coronavirus vaccine at record speed. Mark Coles discovers the many talents of Oxford University vaccine specialist, Professor Sarah Gilbert.Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Di Richardson
Roger Stone
President Trump calls him a quality guy, others call him a dirty trickster. Mark Coles looks at the life of political strategist Roger Stone, who’s advised Republican politicians since the 1970s and proudly wears a tattoo of President Nixon on his back.Stone was convicted of lying to congress and witness tampering in 2019 but his sentence was commuted by President Trump, days before he was due to report to prison.This programme contains clips from Netflix Film Get Me Roger Stone. The writers are Morgan Pehme, Daniel DiMauro and Dylan Bank.Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Di Richardson
Bill Browder
As the UK imposes sanctions on 49 people implicated in the deaths of Sergei Magnitsky and Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Mark Coles profiles the man whose global anti-corruption campaign has led to the government’s action, financier Bill Browder.Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Diane Richardson
Sir Ian McKellen
As theatre bosses across the country warn they face devastation amid the coronavirus pandemic, actor Sir Ian McKellen is preparing to tread the boards in an age-blind interpretation of Hamlet. It will be one of the first major new theatre productions to start rehearsals in the UK since auditoriums went dark in March. The renowned theatre and film actor said he was happy to be working again in the role of the young prince he first played nearly 50 years ago. Becky Milligan speaks to close friends and colleagues, including Dame Judi Dench and Armistead Maupin, to find out what still drives him.Producer: Viv Jones
Munira Mirza
Boris Johnson says she’s a ‘brilliant thinker’ who inspires him. Now he has chosen Munira Mirza, the head of the No 10 policy unit, as the person to establish a new government commission on racial inequalities. Her appointment has proved controversial. Mirza has questioned the existence of institutional racism and criticised previous inquiries for fostering a “culture of grievance”. Her critics say her mind is already made up on the issues the commission will seek to investigate. Last weekend, Black Lives Matter demonstrators in London demanded her resignation. Mirza was raised in Oldham, became a supporter of the Revolutionary Communist Party as a student at Oxford, and eventually went to work for Boris Johnson after he was elected Mayor of London. Mark Coles profiles one of the government’s most influential advisers.
Marcus Rashford
The Manchester United forward is credited with forcing a government U-turn this week, following his open letter calling on the government to end child poverty and extend free school meals for children during the summer holidays.Born in Wythenshawe and raised by a single mum, Marcus Rashford caught the eye of professional clubs at an early age. At first training with both Manchester City and Manchester United, he decided to dedicate himself to the Reds, and rapidly rose through the ranks. He debuted for the senior squad at 17 years of age, scoring twice, and scored again when he was first called up for England. A regular fixture for both United and England, he is now gaining attention for his philanthropic work, which is said to be inspired by the struggles he and his family faced when he was growing up.Producer: Richard Fenton-Smith
Kathy Sullivan
Former NASA astronaut Dr Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space, has made history again by travelling to the deepest known point on earth. Last Sunday, the 68 year-old space-walker and oceanographer travelled seven miles below the surface of the Pacific ocean to reach the Challenger Deep, the ocean's lowest spot, becoming the first woman to do so. Mark Coles talks to her fellow astronauts as he profiles one of the world’s most intrepid explorers.Producer: Viv Jones Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Penny Murphy
Killer Mike
America hasn't witnessed civil unrest like this since the late 1960s.There have been protests and rioting in cities across the US, following the death of a black man, George Floyd, in police custody in Minneapolis. In Atlanta, at the height of the demonstrations, the rapper Killer Mike - the son of an Atlanta policeman - addressed protesters calling for calm and urging them to go home. His speech went viral around the world. On Profile this week, Mark Coles looks at his life and career. He talks to close friends, community activists and the rapper's manager, to find out what led to his impassioned, and at times tearful, plea for peace. Producer Smita Patel Research Vivien Jones Editor Kirsty Reid
Suella Braverman
Suella Braverman is a barrister, MP and Brexiteer. In February 2020 she was appointed to the role of Attorney General for England and Wales and Advocate General for Northern Ireland. This week she found herself in the headlines after sending a tweet in support of Dominic Cummings, a senior government adviser caught travelling across the country during lock down. Edward Stourton profiles the minister for Fareham and government's chief legal adviser. Producer: Sandra Kanthal, Vivien Jones Editor: Penny Murphy
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Mark Coles profiles Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was the first African to be elected Director-General of the World Health Organisation. Three years on, he finds himself at the centre of a political storm. Some say he has been too soft on China - where the coronavirus began. Others accuse the WHO of being too slow to declare a global public health emergency and US President, Donald Trump, has threatened to withdraw funding. Now one of the most recognisable faces in the world due to the pandemic yet little is known about Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.Producer: Jim Frank Researcher: Vivien Jones Editor: Penny Murphy
Rosena Allin-Khan
The coronavirus crisis presents a difficult challenge for opposition MPs seeking to win national support without being accused of opportunistic point scoring. One shadow minister has managed to get the nation’s attention. Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Shadow Minister for Mental Health, is both an MP and an A&E doctor. During lockdown she has been working shifts at her local hospital and her first-hand experience there led her to accuse the Health Secretary Matt Hancock of manipulating testing figures last week. Their exchange in the commons has been viewed over 5 million times on social media.Producer: Anna Meisel Researcher: Vivien Jones
Andrew Cuomo
Some on the left of his party think he’s too establishment and Washington thinks he’s a rebel out to do his own thing, but Andrew Cuomo has gained widespread support for his handling of the coronavirus crisis. Mark Coles looks at the life of the New York Governor, a son of one of America’s most respected politicians.Producer: Sandra Kanthal Researcher: May Cameron Editor: Ravin Sampat
Kim Yo-jong
Supreme Leader of North Korea had not been seen in public for a number of weeks, setting off a global frenzy regarding his whereabouts and health. Speculation was rife as to who would succeed him.The most likely candidate is his closest confidant. A young woman whose always by his side.Becky Milligan pieces together the mystery of Kim Yo-jong. Politician and sister of Kim Jong-un.Producer Smita Patel Researcher Darin Graham Editor Ravin Sampat
Matt Hancock
A look at the life of Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health & Social Care for England. He has been criticised for promises he's made about testing and supply of personal protective equipment for health workers. According to newspaper reports, unnamed Downing Street sources have been suggesting the targets are "arbitrary" and "irrational". Mark Coles talks to friends, family and his mentor - the former Chancellor George Osborne - to find out more about Matt Hancock. An expedtion to the North Pole, a game of cricket on the Arctic ice, a stint as a sports broadcaster - it's not what you might expect.Producer Smita Patel Editor Ravin Sampat Researcher Bethan Head
Dame Vera Lynn
Dame Vera Lynn's story is well known. She's regarded by many as one of Britain's national treasures. Dubbed 'the forces sweetheart' during the Second World War, her songs like 'We'll Meet Again' and 'There'll Always Be An England' became synonymous with hope and survival during dark times. It's rare for us to profile someone so iconic. But courtesy of a mention by the Queen in her recent address to the nation, at 103 years old Vera Lynn is trending again. She even has a number one single on the UK iTunes chart. Mark Coles talks to her family and close friends to find out what she makes of all the attention. And, perhaps more importantly, why - 80 years on - her best known song 'We'll Meet Again' is striking a chord during the coronavirus crisis.Producer Smita Patel Researcher Bethan Head
Dominic Raab
On Profile this week, we look at the man who has effectively become Britain’s acting Prime Minister.The 46-year-old Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, asked to deputise “where necessary” for Boris Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus.A staunch Brexiteer and a karate black belt, he’s perhaps not the best-known member of the Cabinet.So, who is he and – more importantly - is he up to the job?A former lawyer, Raab has experience in international justice – but his hard-line on Brexit as well as past comments about feminism, welfare and Britain’s work ethic have angered his critics.Mark Coles hears from political colleagues, Westminster journalists – even Dominic Raab’s boxing coach.Producer Smita Patel Editor Ravin Sampat Researcher Bethan Head
Dr Anthony Fauci
Anthony Fauci Is a doctor, immunologist and director of the USA’s National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases. He’s also a lead member of the White House coronavirus task force. Mark Coles talks to those who know him well. First broadcast on Saturday 4th April 2020.Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Bethan Head
Hania Rani
On Profile this week - it’s a personal one.In lockdown at home because of the coronavirus, presenter Mark Coles has turned to music to help get him through the past few days…captivated by an album he bought by chance in a London record store a couple of weeks ago. It’s called‘Esja’- the debut album from a little-known 29 year old Polish pianist, Hania Rani.The music is sublime and minimalist…solo acoustic piano inspired in part by the mountains and countryside of Iceland where some of it was recorded.For Mark, it’s become his sanctuary….his headspace - a much needed nightly respite from the cacophony of coronavirus news bulletins and press conferences. But who is the mystery woman behind the music? Producer: Smita Patel Photo of Hania Rani by Kinga Karpati
Andrew Bailey
The Bank of England's new governor started work on Monday amid global turmoil. The world economy is in chaos as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. How will he handle the difficult decisions to come? Edward Stourton profiles Andrew Bailey, from his childhood in Leicester all the way to Threadneedle Street. This is not the first crisis in his long banking career, but it may well be the toughest. Producers: Eleanor Biggs and Rosamund Jones
Professor Chris Whitty
The coronavirus epidemic is a growing crisis for England's chief medical officer. He has faced criticism from journalists, politicians and public health specialists. Mark Coles finds out about the life and career of Professor Chris Whitty. He is a physician, a plague expert and an epidemiologist. But that's just for starters. He has also studied law, economics and business. But how will he cope with a role in the bright political spotlight? First broadcast on Saturday 14th March 2020. Producers: Ruth Alexander and Eleanor Biggs.
Priti Patel
The Home Secretary Priti Patel has been accused of bullying civil servants.The Cabinet Office is investigating several allegations about Ms Patel's behaviour, all of which she denies.Sir Philip Rutnam, the Home Office's most senior official, resigned on 29 February, alleging Ms Patel's conduct towards staff included "swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands". Since then, similar allegations have emerged from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for International Development.Mark Coles delves into the life and times of the ambitious daughter of Indian newsagents, who wants to follow in the footsteps of Margaret Thatcher.Producer: Ruth Alexander
David Frost
The UK’s chief Brexit negotiator is hardly a household name and until very recently this former diplomat had no public profile at all. Now David Frost has arguably one of the most challenging jobs in British politics. How has he made it to the top?Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Eleanor Biggs, Kate Lamble, Olga Smirnova, and Phoebe Keane
Jurgen Klopp
The manager who's put Liverpool Football Club on the path to winning the treble and has lead them to so many victories, their lead at the top of the table is the biggest in premier league history. But he wasn't always this successful. When he was a young footballer at Mainz 05 in Germany, his former team mate Guido Shafer says he 'had no talent'. So what can we learn from his childhood in Germany's Black Forest? How did he become the manager he is today? Presenter: Becky Milligan Producers: Phoebe Keane and Eleanor BiggsThanks to BBC 5 Live podcast: At Home With Colin Murray and SWR.
Rishi Sunak
Appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer within just five years of becoming an MP, Rishi Sunak's rise has been rapid. He was parachuted into a safe seat for the Conservative party during the 2015 election and his trajectory has been skywards ever since. However, he takes office under difficult circumstances, the post only became vacant as former Chancellor Sajid Javid rejected the prime minister's order to fire his team of aides, saying "no self-respecting minister" could accept such a condition. So can Rishi Sunak take the helm and will he stand up to the Prime Minister?
Waad al-Kateab
The citizen journalist behind the highly acclaimed film 'For Sama', which tells the story of life, love and motherhood in war-torn Aleppo.Already the winner of 25 awards, including a BAFTA, the documentary is now in the running for an Oscar. Mark Coles reveals the extraordinary life of the Syrian student compelled to capture the daily lives of citizens trapped in the terror of civil war. Producers: Phoebe Keane & Diane Richardson
Mike Pompeo
The US Secretary of State caught up in the Ukraine impeachment scandal.Mike Pompeo has a lot on his plate. He’s at the centre of the impeachment investigation into US President Donald Trump, who’s accused of breaking the law by pressuring Ukraine's president to dig up damaging information on a political rival. He’s pressuring the UK government to look again at its decision to give Chinese company Huawei a role in its 5G mobile phone network. And he’s facing criticism for refusing an extradition request relating to the death of British teenager Harry Dunn. In the week Mike Pompeo visits both the UK and Ukraine, Edward Stourton investigates the life and record of America’s top diplomat.Producers: Simon Maybin & Diane Richardson Editor: Penny Murphy
Sheku Kanneh-Mason
The young, black cellist from Nottingham making chart history.Sheku Kanneh-Mason was the first ever black winner of the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year. He performed with the eyes of the world looking on at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. And now he's become the first ever cellist to reach the UK’s top 10 album chart. Who is the 20-year-old making classical accessible? Mark Coles finds out from those who know him best.Producers: Simon Maybin & Diane Richardson Editor: Penny Murphy
Lord Reed
The judge taking up the presidency of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom as tensions with the government simmer.British judges have been under attack like never before in recent years, described as “enemies of the people” by one newspaper. The Supreme Court was accused by Downing Street of making “a serious mistake” in its ruling on the prorogation of Parliament. The Conservative Party’s election manifesto promised ominously to look at “the relationship between the Government, Parliament and the courts”. The role of the country’s most senior judge has arguably never been more important. So who is Lord Reed? Mark Coles investigates.Producers: Simon Maybin & Diane Richardson