Saturday Live

The writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth discusses his love of words and language.Lorna Tucker is the fearless and celebrated filmmaker who rose from homelessness and a life of crime on the streets of Soho to Sundance glory.And Paul Lamb the wagon-living-hedge-laying wizard, who weaves living masterpieces from nature’s tangle, restoring ancient countryside hedgerows and keeping alive a vanishing ancient craft.Plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the stand-up comedian and writer Sophie Duker.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Gareth Nelson-DaviesAnd if you’ve been affected by any of the things discussed in our conversation...there's information, help and support available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

The author Michael Morpurgo, whose stories have enchanted children across the world...he’s now turned to non-fiction with a book for adults proving that the most magical storytellers have very real lives. Journalist and writer John Harris is a music chronicler and critic of music and critic since the age of nineteen...music’s been a massive part of his life, and now more than ever as it’s worked a kind of magic his son James who has autism. She bared all to help a friend, Tricia Stewart is one of the original Calendar Girls who helped transform a cheeky fundraising idea into a global phenomenon. All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the BAFTA award winning actor, Gina McKee.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Adrian Chiles Producer: Catherine Powell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

The career of BAFTA winning actor and funny woman Rebecca Front spans the stage, screen and now podcasting - she brings her unique blend of irreverence and being a ‘bit of a Pollyanna’ to the studio.Natalie Chandler swapped her boots for the pen as a former professional rugby player who’s now tackling the world as a thriller writer – guided by her dreams and her ancestors. And a living example of her work, curator and historian of textiles, dress and design Amber Butchart is currently making a 'Splash' by focusing on a century of swimming and style.All that plus we drop the hammer on one of TVs best antique experts, Christina Trevanion, as she shares her Inheritance Tracks.Presenters: Niki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Actor Sally Lindsay has gone from stealing scenes as Shelley Unwin in Coronation Street to creating and starring in The Madame Blanc Mysteries - and is passionate about fighting for working class talents in her industry.Lorraine Kelly has been brightening our screens in the morning for decades with warmth, wit and her ability to put absolutely anyone at ease - and now can add debut novelist to her achievements. After suffering with long covid, Alice Watkins swapped her job as a scenic artist in the theatre and became a ceramicist, letting clay take centre and making pieces made from kitchen waste!.All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of the West End star who boasts a sublime vocal range and 25 percent of McFly as a brother – Carrie Hope Fletcher. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Lindsey Burrow who inspired the nation caring for her late husband, the rugby league legend Rob Burrow, as he lived with MND, shares her story of love, loss, resilience and advocacy. At the age of sixteen, Connor Allen attacked his own mum and she reported him to police, but his life turned around thanks to support from his teachers at trial to become the Welsh Children’s Laureate and multi-disciplinary artist. Multi-disciplinary is something I could add to John McFall’s description too; former Paralympian, surgeon, and now the first person with a physical disability to be cleared to take part in a mission to the International Space Station. All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of The Crown and Chernobyl actor Jared Harris. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Steven Frayne, better known as the illusionist and magician Dynamo, has made the impossible look effortless: walking on water, levitating above London and somehow keeping his secrets. His new show marks a new chapter, where he uses his magic to spotlight everyday heroes across the UK, returning to the street magic that first launched his career.From backing vocals for Wham! to pop stardom with Pepsi & Shirlie, Pepsi Demacque-Crocket has now woven her St Lucian roots into her writing, with a memoir, a debut novel, and a lifetime of stories to tell. Comedian writer and mental health advocate Harriet Dyer sees comedy as just one of her superpowers and shares how she died not once, but twice with her trademark unfiltered honesty.All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of broadcaster and Irish dance child prodigy Steph McGovern.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Internationally lauded, bestselling novelist, Kate Mosse is celebrating big this year, with both the 20th anniversary of her iconic novel Labyrinth, and the 30th edition of the Women’s Prize for Fiction announced later this year.Maher Fattouh, a football loving student who was blinded by an explosion as he fled Syria in 2014 but discovered that true vision comes from resilience not sight.Photographer Dola Posh has an eye for beauty, truth and the spaces in between, she explores themes of motherhood, identity and Black women's experiences. All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of actor, musician and Eurovision contestant Olly Alexander. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Nisha Katona, former barrister now Mistress of Spices, Mowgli restaurant mogul, TV presenter and host of new show Home Kitchen - she’s described herself as a culinary Womble.Astronomer Mark Thompson is famous for unravelling the mysteries of the universe and the world of STEM., on TV and on tour, telescope in one hand and a sense of wonder in the other. Phoebe ‘Wander Woman’ Smith is with us, adventurer, author, extreme sleeper and podcaster whose latest book weaves together her personal journey with insights into the ancient pilgrim paths of Britain. All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of Oscar nominated auteur Jesse Eisenberg. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman who’s transformed the literary landscape, broken boundaries and redefined storytelling, brings her brand of honesty and unfiltered storytelling to the stage with Pig Heart Boy.Cat Burford, aka The Molar Explorer, navigates both teeth and tundras, balancing dentistry with daring polar expeditions - and has returned from Antarctica to join us.The mythological author Claire Fayers isn't scared by lions, tigers and bears...she deals with Giants, Ghosts and Goblins. All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of Oscar nominated actor Felicity Jones. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Cook, author, broadcaster and former Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain knows how to turn up the heat in the kitchen and how to quietly contemplate life. Her new book is a love letter to her food and her religion.Dr Kate Hays helps us keep our cool under pressure, as the FA’s performance psychologist currently working with the Lionesses, she's seen the highs and lows that sport has to offer.Tim Sullivan is the film and tv writer turned crime author who has swapped My Little Pony for the criminal underbelly in his DS Cross series.All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of Radio 2 star, The Good Groove’s DJ Spoony.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Gardening Guru Monty Don, who’s sown seeds of sustainability, cultivated lawns of loyal fans, travelled the world and has grown his wise and warm reputation by sharing personal experiences. Beth Jones is a tattooist whose body-art is empowering breast cancer survivors, proving that inking can be therapeutic and transformative.Danny Gray has not only redefined men’s grooming with his makeup brand but is also on a mission to break down stigmas in beauty and in men’s mental health. All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of actor and yellow waterproof trendsetter Eve Myles. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

The literary alchemist Jackie Kay, poet, author and playwright, whose words dance between the very personal and the universal - she wants us to Coorie Doon. We’ve scored a bullseye in getting darts referee and LGBT+ ambassador Huw Ware on the show...so…game on! Sir Peter Murray, the visionary sculptor of landscapes and minds alike reveals how he went from an educationalist to founder of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of Professor Alice Roberts are dug up.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

Tiffany Murray grew up watching legendary rock stars eat her mother’s food...David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Ozzie Osbourne and Siouxsie Sioux, to name but a few. She shares what it was like to grow up at the iconic Rockfield Studios. Actor Sam Oladeinde gave up a career in law to become Aaron Burr, Sir, in the UK and Ireland tour of Hamilton. But what has he taken from his previous profession into life on the stage.Mared Pugh Evans is the seventh official harpist to His Majesty the King, her sound is so sublime it could summon the angels but she’s also an innovator...and passionate music evangelist for in the community.All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of Sophie Ellis Bextor as she prepares to sing us into the New Year. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

Gordon Buchanan, the world-renowned wildlife filmmaker, takes us through the mud, sweat and tears, and lions, tigers and bears that have shaped his extraordinary career.Abby Furness, the singer-songwriter and social media influencer, has become an advocate for resilience after her harrowing experience with a cyber-stalker... Imam Emad Choudhary, the UK's only spiritual leader and police detective, whose dual roles allow him to build bridges between diverse communities. All that, and the Inheritance Tracks of a cheesemonger, winemonger and musicmonger, Blur bassist Alex James. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

The hypnotic charmer and master of psychological illusion Derren Brown blurs the line between magic, psychology, and theatre and he’s won two Olivier Awards for that showmanship - as well as his latest show 'Only Human' Derren steps into Springfield for the Simpsons Christmas special.As a child, Abigail Tinnion was brought up on folk-stories and horror films, that inspired her art-work where myth, legend, and imagination collide. Rob Parsons, founder of the charity Care for the Family, lives his life reminding us that the heart of society begins with hearth and home after a knock at the door 45 years ago reconnected him with a lost friend from the past. All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of actor, writer and real-life detectorist Mackenzie Crook. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

The actress Tracy Ann Oberman is back playing Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice: 1936' - a version inspired by the life of her great-grandmother who stood on the frontline against the fascists at the Battle of Cable Street. Laura Henry-Allain also tells us how she was inspired by her Gran Gran and the stories she shared that helped Laura create the UK’s first animated series about a Black British family…'JoJo and Gran Gran'. Ben Branson joins, the maverick behind the non-alcoholic spirits company Seedlip, hosts the podcast 'The Hidden 20%' where he shares conversations with fellow neuro-divergent people. All that, plus we have the I-Ts of K-J-T – that’s the Inheritance Tracks of Olympic medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Amar Latif, the trailblazing adventurer who as a blind rambler and fearless globetrotter, treks paths that many of us wouldn’t dare, proving that vision is about perspective, not sight. Dirt detective Professor Lorna Dawson is armed with her trowel and cutting-edge forensic science, she’s revolutionised crime-solving from the ground up.James Middleton, entrepreneur, ideas man and brother to the Princess of Wales. From crafting bespoke marshmallows to creating a pet wellness brand, a champion of good mental health and animal welfare, his late dog Ella saved his life. All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of Hollywood actor and West End musical star, Luke Evans.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Actor Martin Clunes, who although now has hung up his stethoscope, will forever be Doc Martin for some. But, these days he's busy meeting remarkable animals; from search-and-rescue dogs to mine-sniffing rats and therapy horses. The mighty Sabrina Pace-Humphreys is here, she’s a trailblazing ultra-runner, author and activist, who not only tackles gruelling terrain but also breaks down barriers; encouraging diversity every step of the way. Richard Armitage is an actor, author and voice-over artist who has thrilled us for over two decades - from Spooks, The Hobbit and North & South to Harlan Coben's hit Netflix dramas - making him the only man on the programme for whom spying, dragons and Victorian etiquette are all in a day’s work.All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the comedian, broadcaster and soon to be celebrity gladiator contestant...Ellie Taylor. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Celebrated chef, restaurateur and TV star Rick Stein, is more than a master of seafood - he’s a well-travelled storyteller with a deep-seated love for food that transcends borders. He has a new heart and a fresh outlook on life.Andy Cato, best known as one half of the pioneering electronic duo Groove Armada, is equal parts DJ, musician and forward-thinker - and now mostly a pioneering sustainable agriculture farmer. Lady Anne Glenconner is an aristocrat, author, former lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret. She’s lived a life that reads like a dramatic novel - from royal escapades and tumultuous relationships to personal tragedies; but always with glamour and grit. All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the author, broadcaster and lover of the outdoors, Kate Humble. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Phil Wang, who says he wouldn’t be a comedian if he wasn’t of mixed heritage, Malaysian and British, his latest Netflix special opens on the subject of reheating rice and how in the west we’re afraid to do that…so what does his dual heritage allow him to do A question we could also put to Chitra Soundar, the award-winning children’s writer, who grew up in India, and whose books have inspired the new BBC animated sitcom Nikhil & Jay which is about two Indian/British dual heritage brothers. Nigel McCrery, the man who created the hit TV series Silent Witness and who’s written over a dozen novels, reveals the details about his involvement in the DNA identification of the Russian Royal family. All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the former Time Lord and master of spin Peter Capaldi.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Nihal Arthanayake Producer: Ben Mitchell

The global explorer, TV presenter and author Simon Reeve makes programmes around the world which focus on people’s lives...and he’s been arrested by the KGB, chased by cheetahs and nearly died from malaria.Liz McConaghy spent seventeen years as a Chinook crewman with the RAF, the longest serving woman to do so, her deployments left scars on her soul but has now found a way to soothe them.Lalage Snow, photojournalist and filmmaker, has covered war and unrest in the in Gaza, The West Bank, Israel, Eastern Ukraine - but has now found that the peaceful act of people gardening brings out the best stories. All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the broadcaster and proud Brummie – Adrian Chiles. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Lindsay Nicholson, who, after studying astrophysics, chose journalism as a career, became Good Housekeeping’s editor for two decades and is now a grief counsellor, equestrian coach and writer... none of which are rocket science. She talks about the loss of her husband and daughter to cancer, and the car accident that led to her life’s third act. Skiing and climbing up and down mountains are Alpinist Fay Manners’ life. But, recently in the Himalayas she experienced the indiscriminate power of Mother Nature and was stranded for three days. Thankfully she survived and lives to tell the tale. Jon Sopel, formerly the BBC’s North America Editor, now a co-presenter of The News Agents, discusses the familial sacrifices that allowed him to further his career and reveals what he took from Air Force One.All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of the comedy power couple and podcasters, Chris and Rosie Ramsey. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

One of the world’s best known and bestselling authors Jodi Picoult is no stranger to controversy, some of her books have been banned in the US, and her latest novel might just ruffle a few ruffs here too as she looks to bust the myths we hold about the truth behind who wrote Shakespeare's plays. The actor and DJ Kristian Nairn, perhaps best known as the gentle giant Hodor in Game of Thrones, has written a memoir sharing stories about his life coming of age as a gay man during The troubles in Northern Ireland and finding his confidence as a drag queen called Revvlon. And Sam Evans and Shauna Guinn reveal what happened when they quit their 9-5 jobs, went on a pilgrimage around the Southern US states, and learned the dark art of American BBQ. All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of actor, author and the voice of Danger Mouse and Hey Dugge - Alexander Armstrong.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

Frenchman Fred Sirieix who's gone from front of house at the crème de la crème of London's restaurants, to fronting TV shows, to now writing a book on his love of Britain.We hear what sort of urge it was that took Shetland raised journalist Jen Stout over to Russia to study, then onto Ukraine to cover the war.Plus, screenwriter and playwright Jeff Young joins us to tell us why he quit his job as a filing clerk to hitchhike to Paris. Two-time Sunday Times bestselling author Candice Brathwaite shares with us her Inheritance Tracks. Presenters: Nikki Bedi & Huw Stephens Producer: Lowri Morgan

Culinary maestro Yotam Ottolenghi, the man who’s transformed the way we think about Middle Eastern flavours, vegetables, and the art of home cooking joins us to chat 'Comfort' food. We welcome Livi Deane, a model and beautician, who’s written a book about living with lifechanging impaired vision and a prosthetic eye, as a result of a rare form of eye cancer. And historian siblings David and Yinka Olusoga join us to discuss their new book 'Black History for Every Day of the Year' and will be share some of their own life story with us All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of comedian, presenter, actor and creator of Keith Lemon, Leigh Francis. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Who better to kick-off Saturday Live's return than the historian by day and superstar DJ by night Dan Jones, who chats all things Henry the fifth and lay down a few beats as well. From Ace to Grace, Warren Furman reveals how his life has drastically changed from being homeless, to becoming a Gladiator and now a fully-fledged man of the cloth. And the multi-award-winning folk musician Cara Dillon shares how her love of home and how telling stories through music has helped her connect to family members she never even met. All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of musician, comedian and the lyricist who brought us Matilda the Musical – Tim Minchin. Presenters: Huw Stephens and Kiri Pritchard-McLean

Carol Kirkwood shares the secret behind not only being the UK's favourite weather presenter, but a bestselling author as well - and reveals where her lifelong love of fast cars comes from.The Antipodean singing-comedian Michelle Brasier reveals how she survived a house fire, grieved for the loss of her father and brother to cancer, befriended her scammer...and turned it all on it's head for comedic purposes.Clive and Jo Bailey, the married balloonists who have seen just about everything in their airborne basket, and Olympic torch balloons aside - there's a good chance they'll have been had a hand in pretty much any other hot-air balloon you'll have seen on screen. All that plus...as the Olympics get underway in Paris, we’ll get your blood pumping with the Inheritance Tracks of our double-gold medal-winning boxer Nicola Adams.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Welcome to the brightest and boldest of Saturday Lives as fashion-designer Dame Zandra Rhodes arrives. Perhaps as famous as the garments which have adorned the likes of Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury as she is for her neon-pink hair - She has now published her memoir through the prism of 50 of her most precious items.Matt Forde has, I think it’s safe to say, had a tough year health-wise, he’ll explain how he’s still able to see the funny side of life – and take inspiration from Taylor Swift as he heads back out on tour for the first time since his cancer treatment. Anyone who dreams of living on a deserted island needs to hear the story of Simon Parker. His island is in the Bristol Channel, it’s owned by the local council, and it used to be home to Vikings and cholera victims. Simon will tell us why he has chosen to call Flat Home “home”. All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of the musical power couple, Carrie and David Grant. Presenters: Jon Kay and Kiri Pritchard-McLean Producer: Ben Mitchell

A multi tempo show for you today… In ‘allegro’, maverick music programmer, curator, and Head of Classical Music at the Southbank Centre Toks Dada is on a mission to change the face of classical music. We’ll give ‘andante’ to Joseph Cavalli-Price, a pianist and hugely accomplished tenor who embodies the profound power that music can have playing for patients in hospices. Could ‘plucking’ treasures from muddy riverbeds be ‘pizzicato’ or have we overstretched the music vocabulary? Veteran Mudlark Lara Maiklem shares her finds from the last 12 months on the show. And maybe a ‘crescendo’ or two in the Inheritance Tracks of comedian and podcaster Ed Gamble.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

The author Joanne Harris, who describes herself as ‘test-driver of experimental dream machines who sometimes writes a bit’, grew up living above her grandparents sweetshop and celebrates the 25th anniversary of Chocolat this year.The multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Jack Garratt shot to fame in 2016 and became one of the UK’s brightest new music stars, toured the world, before taking a step back from public life to protect his mental health. And the mighty comedic classicist Natalie Haynes, who continues to turn the ancient world on its head, championing women of the past, returns to the airwaves with the 10th series of her hit Radio 4 podcast Natalie Haynes Stands up for Classics.Plus the Inheritance Tracks of doctor turned bestselling author Adam Kay...and we promise they’re not going to hurt.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Rob Rinder…barrister, broadcaster, occasional orchestra conductor, lover of Amazing Hotels, currently on our TVs travelling through Italy with Rylan - and now bestselling author with his latest novel The Suspect.Beer sommelier and one of the best brewers in the UK, Jaega Wise reveals how she went from pop star to hop star to judging at this years BBC Food and Farming Awards. And Martin Sixsmith, former BBC foreign correspondent, adviser to both the Labour government under Tony Blair and Armando Iannucci on The Thick of It! Now the author of two novels, famous for the non-fiction book that became the Oscar nominated film Philomena, and has just released a new work about the Dutch resistance during WWII.All that plus I’ve never had a dream come true until the day that Rachel Stevens chooses her Inheritance Tracks. Luckily, today is that day – the singer will be reaching for the stars to share them with us.

Writer Sebastian Faulks, recently described as ‘a state of the species novelist’, famous for his historical stories, he’s now taking us into the future exploring what it means to be human in new book The Seventh Son.The cautious traveller Sarah Brooks, reveals how her life was changed after a vodka fuelled evening in a dining car on the Trans-Siberian Railway.Punch-lines on the touchline...comedian and football podcaster Maisie Adam has torn herself away from the Euros coverage to join us and tell us about her new tour and her recent job appraisal.Plus the Inheritance Tracks of quizmaster extraordinaire Paul Sinha.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Lowri Morgan

The Journalist and presenter Ashley John-Baptiste, who’s written a very moving memoir about growing up in care. The Lahore born poet Imtiaz Dharker will be appearing on the programme. We’ll be talking about what’s made her identify as a Scottish, Pakistani, Calvinist, Muslim who’s been adopted by India and Wales. Plus, landscape and garden designer Miria Harris who has used her own experience of a medical emergency to design a garden to help others with their recovery. All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of writer and presenter Danny Robins. Presenters: Jon Kay and Nikki Bedi. Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

Fashion designer, entrepreneur and Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant has put his money where his seams are with his company Community Clothing and new book 'Less' urging us to stop buying so much rubbish and appreciate fewer, better things. We’re taking cheesy to another level with Razan Alsous who came to the UK as a refugee from Syria having lost almost everything. She has since settled in Yorkshire and is now an award-winning maker of squeaky cheese. And Frank Gardner, who twenty years ago was shot six times whilst reporting from Saudi Arabia, remarkably survived and is not only the BBC’s Security Correspondent, he’s also a bestselling novelist having released his latest book Invasion. All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of The Booker Prize winning Jamaican novelist Marlon James.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

We’re kicking off the festival season in style, and in the sun, with three very different books… but who’s authors have more in common than you may think. This week’s events haven’t stopped Mishal Husain making her way to us this weekend – for what will surely be the only down time she’ll have over the next 6 weeks. Mishal’s new memoir charts her families experiences through partition and the events which have allowed her to become one of the UK’s most trusted journalists. Stephen and Anita Mangan have promised not to steal each other's pocket money or put bubblegum in each other’s hair and behave for the next hour. The brother and sister writing duo have cracked the code for what it takes to work with your sibling having written 5 books together – but it was their debut work that allowed them to channel familial grief. The emperor of historical fiction, Conn Iggulden, has taken a break from playing his fiddle whilst ancient Rome burns to join us in the Hay-on-Wye countryside. But for someone who has made a living from writing about the history – it's the story of his parents who both lived it and taught it that perhaps should All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of the actor, comedian and new host of the Great British Sewing Bee – Kiell Smith-Bynoe. Presenters: Huw Stephens and Kiri Pritchard-McLean Producer: Ben Mitchell

The bestselling, prolific screenwriter and author of the Hawthorne series Anthony Horowitz… whose creative achievements may be further admired and perhaps understood when he reveals what he’s overcome with the relationship with his father.Possessed with a similar drive, Capt. Preet Chandi is with us, now the fastest woman to cross Antarctica she shares the passion that drives her to keep breaking world records! And BAFTA winning actor Kimberley Nixon, famous for her roles in Fresh Meat and Cranford, but has found new fame thanks to the silly jokes she shares to open up the conversation about her perinatal OCD.All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks from one of the minds behind League of Gentleman and Inside Number 9, Reece Shearsmith. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer Ben MitchellIf you've been affected by any of the topics discussed in this programme you can find links and information to organisations who can help on the BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

Mary Beard unearths some of the fascinating little-known stories that helped build the Roman Empire in her new series of Being Roman, and reveals how a cake is responsible for making her Britain’s best-known classicist. From the senate and the people of Rome to the Sherlock Holmes of Tudor England – star of the new Shardlake series, Arthur Hughes joins us. Born with a rare condition affecting his right arm, Arthur was the first disabled actor to swap his kingdom for a horse and portray Richard III at the Royal Shakespeare Company. How a story of star-crossed lovers helped bring together two friends thanks to a collection of lost letters written more than 80 years ago. Dawn Donkin and Theresa Moon are with us. All that, plus the podcasting power-couple responsible for their son Jack...Michael and Hilary Whitehall share their Inheritance Tracks. Presenters: Huw Stephens and Kiri Pritchard-McLean Producer: Ben Mitchell

The Titan of Tartan Noir, crime writer Val McDermid, who grew up playing in the ruins of Macduff's castle, shines a new light on Lady Macbeth in her new book, and tells us show she became addicted to video games.Nicola Nuttall has written a beautiful memoir about helping her daughter Laura make the most of her final days living with brain cancer…Laura had an extraordinary bucket list to complete in the last 12 months of her life; from going on Safari and flying a helicopter to meeting Michelle Obama and Malala Yousafzai.In the run up to her first world title fight, Olympic gold-medal-winning boxer Lauren Price reveals the powerful story behind her nickname ‘the lucky one’. All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of former Made in Chelsea star turned entrepreneur, presenter, podcaster and so much more - Jamie Laing. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Birmingham’s unofficial global ambassador, Steven Knight, who did as much for flat caps as he did for Brum by creating Peaky Blinders and he’s now taking us back to the West Midlands of the 1980’s with his latest TV series This Town. Catherine Coldstream had a bohemian upbringing in London, lived in Paris and fell in love with "unsuitable propositions in dark polo necks" and then, spent twelve years cloistered, as a Carmelite nun.The social and domestic historian Ruth Goodman, famous for her hit TV series taking us back to Tudor, Victorian and Edwardian times, is currently revealing the curious history of our homes in her new podcast; from wallpaper to fridges and washing up.And this week’s Inheritance Tracks see the ultra-marathon running, American football obsessive, and fellow radio presenter Vernon Kay share with us the music that’s shaped his life. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Racing driver Nic Hamilton is the first disabled athlete to compete in the British Touring Car Championship. Born with cerebral palsy and told he would always need to use a wheelchair, he certainly embodies his self-given title of ‘limit defier’ and shares how he proved everyone wrong in his new book 'Now That I Have Your Attention'.Victoria McCloud, the recently retired first trans woman judge in the UK, left because she felt she risked making the judiciary political, but her first interests weren't the law...instead she came to the profession via psychiatry, space, and an obsession with old computers. We have not one but two world class puppeteers on the show in Josh Elwell and Eliot Gibbins. Both can operate Daleks and have a Tardis full of stories to share - as well as some special guest appearances from some of their creations. All that plus another double act choosing their Inheritance Tracks in comedians and real-life couple Marcus Brigstocke and Rachel Parris. And if you’ve been affected by anything we’ve spoken about today details of organisations offering information and support with addiction are available on the BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionlinePresenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

The broadcaster, marathon runner, and proud parent to her life saving stoma Audrey, Adele Roberts reveals how she overcame cancer wrote a book and danced on ice.Writer and comedian Ben Elton whose new stand-up tour highlights his trademark incisive social commentary by exploring authentic stupidity. David Duke went from sleeping rough and living in hostels to playing football in the Homeless World Cup and founding the Street Soccer Scotland charity helping thousands of other homeless people through the power of football. All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of chef, restaurateur and podcaster Angela Hartnett.And if you’ve been affected by anything we’ve spoken about today details of organisations offering information and support with addiction are available on the BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionlinePresenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

The irrepressible Tom Shakespeare shares how the boy nicknamed 'The Blob' at school went on to become a bioethicist, disability rights advocate, and now a debut novelist. Kate Silverton has swapped the newsroom for the therapists couch having retrained as a child counsellor. She has also become a bestselling author and her latest book maintains that there's still no such thing as being naughty.Did you struggle at maths with school? Having been diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia as a child Rebecca Ginger did too. She has recently given up a successful career in the tv industry to create her own method of making learning maths fun after seeing her daughter struggle with the subject herself.All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of comedian, presenter and latest Taskmaster contestant, John Robins.Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

One of Yorkshire’s finest, the actor famous for Fat Friends, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, Gaynor Faye. She’s making her directorial debut with the stage adaptation of The Syndicate, written by her mother; the late, great Kay Mellor. Tommy Blaize is the voice of Strictly. He’s been singing on the show since the very first episode. But today he reveals the family DNA secret that unlocked the story behind his musical talents. What do you get when you walk the UK’s 19,000-mile coastline, apart from blisters? For former paratrooper Christian Lewis, it was a dog, a partner, a baby and a renewed sense of purpose.All that, plus we have the joyous Inheritance Tracks of natural history presenter Liz Bonin.And if you’ve been affected by anything we’ve spoken about today details of organisations offering information and support with addiction are available on the BBC Action Line: www.bbc.co.uk/actionlinePresenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Rear Admiral Jude Terry, the first woman to hold flag rank in The Royal Navy, keeps us ship shape and shares how a rebellious teenager became the highest ranking female member of the Navy. Ready to send us to the sin bin Sara Cox, not that one, reveals how she "walked through stinging nettles" to become the world's first professional female rugby union referee and inspire a whole generation of officials.And the professionally ‘shattered’ comedian and writer Ashley Blaker, father of six children tells us why some of them are Coldplays and others, Zappas. Plus, we have the Inheritance Tracks of musician, broadcaster and voice of Desert Island Discs Lauren Laverne. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Entertainer, actor, comedian, author and very clever man, Julian Clary joins us, he makes disdain and innuendo hilarious and he’s back onstage playing Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar.When Christopher Samuel picked up a biro and drew a picture of himself, it changed his life. He’ll tell us how he’s now using art to challenge the perceptions of disability.And having both served time, the award-winning hosts of the ‘Life After Prison’ podcast Zak Addae-Kodua and Jules Rowan tell us how they aim to reduce post-prison stigma and help people figure out ‘what’s next’.Plus, we have the Inheritance Tracks of Eastenders’ actor and ‘Off the Telly’ podcast host Natalie Cassidy.Presenters: Nikki Bedi & Jon Kay Producer: Lowri Morgan