Inheritance Tracks

When the cricket loving comedian Andy Zaltzman is not dotting balls and crossing fours off the Test Match Special stats sheet he can be found hosting The News Quiz on Radio 4 and on stage with his new stand-up tour Zaltgeist.But it was his father's love of blues that sparked his love of music...and bad trumpet playing. Inherited: Got My Mojo Working by Muddy Waters Passing on: My Very Best by The Big MoonProducer: Ben Mitchell

The author and broadcaster on the music that shapes her.

Radio 1 DJ Matt Edmondson has two passions...music and games.He is the creator of the much played game Obama Lama and co-founded the boardgame company Format Games.Both music and games are important loves that he shares with his daughters…Inherited: I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys Passing on: Green Light by LordeProducer: Ben Mitchell

The Oscar winning actor Riz Ahmed, whose new film sees him star alongside Timothy Spall as the tragic Prince of Denmark in a modern retelling of Hamlet, is a passionate music aficionado. His most critically acclaimed role perhaps came in the film a Sound of Metal where he played a drummer coming to terms with going deaf, a role which saw him become the first Muslim performer to be nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards.But the music that runs deepest brings with it memories of his childhood and Pakistani heritage.Inherited: Aap Jaisa Koi by Nazia Hassan Passing on: Gabriel by Roy Davis Jr.Producers: Ben Mitchell and Anna Bailey

Our inheritance tracks this week come from the musician and broadcaster Mika, who is back out on tour with his latest album Hyperlove. Mika was born in Lebanon, and raised in Cyprus, Paris and London, all of which feed into his intriguing new album and makes for a fascinating edition of Inheritance Tracks. Inherited: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana Passing on: Pata Pata by Miriam MakebaProducer: Ben Mitchell

Claire Foy is an actor who's enjoyed great success playing two queens, one of whom enjoyed a significantly longer reign than the other, as Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth II. Before going to see her in her new film, an adaptation of Helen Macdonald's fabulous memoir, H is for Hawk - what better way to understand the woman behind the camera lens that hearing the music most important to her.Inherited: When You Were Sweet 16 by Perry Como Passing on: Blóðberg by Sigur RósProducers: Ben Mitchell and Anna Bailey

Mark Heap is one of the funniest actors on television - from Green Wing to Friday Night Dinner and his new series opposite Dawn French - Can You Keep a Secret.Born in India to the son of a Methodist minister Mark's early life featured eclectic and majestic music.Inherited: Were You There? by Tennessee Ernie FordPassing on: L'Ascension: IV Prière du Christ montant vers son père, composed by Olivier Messiaen, performed by Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris Producer: Ben Mitchell

Justin Hawkins founded The Darkness, alongside his brother, bursting onto the scene in 2003 with their debut album Permission To Land.He found fame for his massive five octave vocal range, and the "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" singer now hosts his own online series "Justin Hawkins Rides Again" where he shares his love and passion for music.What then will he share as his Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: There Are More Questions Than Answers by Johnny Nash Passing on: Pancho and Lefty by Townes Van ZandProducer: Ben Mitchell

Our Inheritance Tracks this week are the choice of an actor with an astonishing list of theatre, film and television credits to her name, and an array of awards and nominations to match.Here are the Inheritance tracks of Emily Watson. Inherited: Puccini's La Boheme sung by Luciano Pavarotti Passing on: Ghost Town by The Specials Producer: Anna Bailey

You will recognise the BAFTA nominated actor Paul Bettany best as the superhero Vision, the trudging Geoffrey Chaucer in A Knight's Tale, or maybe as the long suffering surgeon opposite Russell Crow in Master and Commander…a role which saw him learn to play a period accurate cello.But, his familial lineage is full of musical stars and Paul himself was even a busker on the London Underground for a time.What then will he choose for his Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: The Eton Rifles by The Jam Passing on: Hollow Ponds by Damon AlbarnProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

Jacinda Ardern, became the Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 at the age of 37, she was the youngest female head of government in the world. Since her resignation from the role she has shared her learnings on how the integrate empathy into leadership, written an autobiography, become a DJ, and is part of a new documentary film, 'Prime Minister', charting her time in office. But what will she choose as her Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Under the Boardwalk by The Drifters Passing on: Hope by Fat Freddy's DropProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

The identical twins and broadcasting doctors, Chris and Xand van Tulleken, have been helping guide us through the world of medicine for years.From mums and dads on Radio 4's "What's Up Docs?" to children on their hugely popular "Operation Ouch!"What then will they prescribe us to listen to with their Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Sabre Dance composed by Aram Khachaturian Xand - Passing on: Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses Chris - Escape (The Piña Colada Song) by Rupert HolmesProducer: Ben Mitchell

Jason Donovan first captured hearts our hearts in Neighbours, becoming a household name worldwide, before breaking into the charts and onto the West End stage.What then will he choose as his Inheritance tracks?Inherited: It's Still Rock and Roll to Me by Billy Joel Passing on: Life's What You Make It by Talk TalkProducers: Ben Mitchell and Lowri Morgan

Richard E. Grant is an the academy award nominated actor and Barbra Streisand obsessive.Growing up in Southern Africa, he harboured a desire to become and actor having seen a resemblance of himself in Donald Sutherland... ...that is until he first saw Barbra in a cinema in Rome - and she changed his life.Inherited: Who Will Buy performed by Barbra Streisand Passing on: Don't Rain on My Parade by Barbra StreisandProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

Two wonderful broadcasters - the Snows, Peter and Dan. Peter's peerless work on general election nights popularised the infamous swingometer, and Dan's infectious fascination with history has inspired countless others...and together they've enjoyed many an adventure. What then will they choose as their shared Inheritance Tracks?Peter: Remember the Alamo by Tex Ritter Dan: Finlandia composed by Jean Sibelius performed by Chineke! OrchestraProducers: Lowri Morgan and Josie Hardy

Miranda Hart has kept us entertained for several decades, from her hit sitcom Miranda to Call the Midwife.Her new book, "The Christmas Tree that Loved to Dance", tells the story of a Christmas tree that refuses to be discarded and forgotten.In her Inheritance Tracks, Miranda reveals the song that kept her going during one of the lowest points of her life.Inherited: Never Tear us Apart by INXS Passing on: That I Would be Good by Alanis MorissetteProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

Clare Balding is a broadcaster, author...and Faithful! From her early career on Grandstand to hosting Olympic and Wimbledon coverage, Clare has been a fixture of our sporting screens for many years.But in her debut fiction novel Clare is experiencing "Pastures New".Sport is in her blood, and one of her choices goes back a long way - long before it became the sporting anthem it is today. Inherited: Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond Passing on: Vienna by Billy JoelProducer: Ben Mitchell

Philippa Gregory is the bestselling historical fiction who, amongst other things, has been bringing the Tudor period back to life; through the eyes of the women oft forgotten by the textbooks.In her latest book, The Boleyn Traitor, Philippa tells the story of how Jane Boleyn ​survived watching from the shadows of the Tudor court, using the only weapon she has; her voice.If you're listening to this in a half-snooze state...you won't be for much longer, because Philippa's first choices are stirring stuff indeed.Inherited: Coppélia, Act I, Mazurka performed by the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra Passing on: Swing Low Sweet Chariot performed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo ft. China Black Producer: Ben Mitchell

You may know her best as the icons — Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, Purdey in The New Avengers, or Hester Frump in Wednesday...but away from the stage and screen, Joanna Lumley's life is surrounded by music.Inherited: In the Mood by Glenn Miller Passing on: Pata Pata by Miriam MakebaProducer: Ben Mitchell

Davina McCall is a hugely successful TV presenter who's hosted some of the biggest shows with the biggest stars. She's also made her mark, as a broadcaster and writer, in the field of women's health - all whilst battling a brain tumour.Rarely has anyone talked about their Inheritance Tracks with such passion, eloquence, and sheer raw emotion. Inherited: State of Independence by Donna Summer Passed on: You Can Do It by CaribouProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

From Swansea to Barry Island Joanna Page has been a friendly face in millions of houses for almost two decades.But by her own admission, despite her Welsh roots, music is not her forte...although it clear plays an important part in her life.Inherited: Northern Sky by Nick Drake Passed on: Chic Mystique by ChicProducer: Ben Mitchell

Mark Kermode is a brilliant Film critic, writer, broadcaster and co-host of podcasts Kermode and Mayo's Take - and Screenshot.In his book, Surround Sound: The Stories of Movie Music, Mark and fellow author Jenny Nelson, discuss the power that music has on screen.With that in mind, what music will he choose as the soundtrack to his life?Inherited: 2002 Zarathustrevisited by Stan Kenton & His Orchestra Passed on: Top of the World by Shonen KnifeProducer: Ben Mitchell

The chances of writing a novel which sells more than 80 million copies are about as remote as a lad from Stockport making it to the NBA, but Dan Brown pulled it off with The Da Vinci Code. That book, like his new novel, delves into literature, symbology, secret societies and so on. None of which were his first passion. Dan Brown's first passion was music - as he reveals in his Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Todo a Pulmón by Miguel Ríos Passed on: Morning Mood by Edvard GriegProducer: Ben Mitchell

Oti Mabuse was the first professional dancer to win the Strictly Glitterball two years in a row with her partners Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.But prior to her success on the Stricktly ballroom Oti had already become South African Latin American Champion no fewer than eight times. Music remains massively important to her, both professionally and personally, as she tells us in her Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Modimo by Sowetto Gospel Choir Pass on: I was here by BeyoncéProducers: Ben Mitchell and Catherine Powell

Janet Street-Porter is a writer, broadcaster and a former newspaper editor. Before starting her journalistic career, she originally studied architecture. Janet would later move on to presenting television and radio programmes but her roots in design remain when she became an honorary fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects. These are her Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: The mad scene from Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor sung by Joan Sutherland. Pass On: Enjoy Yourself by Buster Prince.Producer: Anna Bailey

Ade Adepitan is the former professional wheelchair basketball player, and Paralympic bronze medallist, who's now one of our best loved TV presenters. Born in Nigeria and raised in East London, after contracting polio as a baby, Ade's journey has taken him from sport's stardom to broadcasting success. He is also one of our most recognisable and respected disability advocates. He shared with us the tracks that shaped him and his son may well benefit from Ade's choices. Inherited: One Drop by Bob Marley and the Wailers Pass on: Optimistic by Sounds of BlacknessProducer: Ribika Moktan and Lowri Morgan

Presenter Rick Edwards is familiar to many on the radio as the co-host of BBC Radio 5 Live's Breakfast programme but for those with a proclivity for day-time TV you'll know him as the host of the gameshow Impossible! Rick's career has been incredibly varied from hosting Channel 4's 2012 Paralympics coverage to becoming the poster boy of mid-noughties teenage telly on T4. He even has a book on the science behind our much loved films. He shares the music that has shaped his life. Inherited: Sweet Child O Mine - Guns n' Roses Pass on: Witness - Roots ManuvaProducer: Lowri Morgan & Gareth Nelson-Davies

With Glastonbury in full swing this weekend from the Sommerset countryside and across the BBC on Sounds and iPlayer... who better than 6 Music's Nick Grimshaw, to share his Inheritance Tracks. Born and brought up in Oldham, the music scene of Manchester has always been his veins. Renowned for his infectious energy, wit and authenticity, Grimmy, rose to fame as the host of BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show and earlier this year he officially took up the reigns of the 6 Music breakfast show from Lauren Laverne. His Inheritance Tracks are sure to be a musical education... Inherited: Joy Division - She's Lost Control Pass On: David Bowie - SubterraneansProducer: Jesse Edwards

After a short spell as a punk rocker, Limahl found fame with the band Kajagoogoo after responding to an advert in a music magazine in 1982, where the then named Art Noveau were looking for a new lead singer. The following year he left the band – but quickly went onto find his own success as a solo artist with his hit “The Never Ending Story”. His early ambitions, growing up in Wigan, were for a career as an actor and he even toured in production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. What then will he choose as his Inheritance Tracks... Inherited: Move Over Darling by Doris Day Passed on: Four Brothers by Manhattan TransferProducers: Catherine Powell and Anna Bailey

Fearne Cotton began her presenting career at the age of 15. Since then, she has become a familiar presence on both TV and radio, currently fronting the nostalgic celebration of pop culture, “Sound of the 90's” on BBC Radio 2. She is also a passionate advocate for improving mental health, from her Happy Place podcast to her books, which encourage us all to live better lives. Now she has written her debut fictional novel "Scripted" about a woman with a chaotic family life trying to create a happily ever after....Inherited: Fleetwood Mac "Dreams" Passed on:Ludovico Einaudi "Campfire Day Four"Producer: Anna Bailey

The oft suited and booted Portsmouth-born comedian Suzi Ruffell went from aspiring actor to standout stand-up. She's had five sell-out runs at The Edinburgh Fringe, has appeared on all the big comedy TV and panel shows….and is a regular voice on radio and with her women's football podcast ‘Big Kick Energy'. Her debut memoir, Am I Having Fun Now? is a funny and hopeful exploration of her life, battle with anxiety, therapy and becoming a mother.Inherited: You Can't Hurry Love by The Supremes Passed on: Heart's Content by Brandi CarlileProducer: Catherine Powell

The broadcaster and writer Georgia Mann has been making and presenting arts programmes at the BBC since 2008. After studying English Literature at Cambridge University, she began her career as a local BBC radio reporter before entering the arts arena of broadcasting. She has presented the BBC Proms and has said that she's “committed to getting classical music out of its traditional locations and into the lives of those who might not have experienced it before”. So with that in mind we wondered what her Inheritance Tracks would be…and, to start with, she's taking us back to school.Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

The comedian and writer Ivo Graham was born in Tokyo. In his early years he attended school in Australia before moving to England because his family moved around due to his father's work. He went on to study French and Russian at Oxford University but in his first term he began his adventures as a stand-up comedian. He's since gone onto to become an established name on the circuit. Aside from live comedy, Ivo once said that “I'm a better writer than a performer. Everyone wants to feel like they're a bit of a polymath, and I certainly feel that.” So with that in mind we asked Ivo to share his Inheritance Track with us. Presenter: Kiri Pritchard-McLean Producer: Catherine Powell

Robert Macfarlane's lyrical musings explore and celebrate our relationship with landscape and nature. He's a prize-winning author, a lyricist, librettist and spoken-word performer and he's collaborated with artists, musicians and actors, including Willem Dafoe. At the heart of his latest book is the idea that a river is a living being…will that then inspire his Inheritance Tracks?Inherited: River Man by Nick Drake Pass on: Monkey Gone to Heaven by PixiesProducers: Catherine Powell and Minnie Harrop

The actor Rory Kinnear has won two Olivier Awards, played Bill Tanner (M's chief of staff) in four Bond Movies and his wide acting range has also seen him play Frankenstein's monster and a fictional British Prime Minister. Born in London, educated at Oxford and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, if there is such a thing as an inherited performer's gene, Rory got it. Both his parents were actors…his father was Roy Kinnear and his mother is Carmel Cryan. With that kind of lineage - what then will he have chosen as his Inheritance Tracks? Inherited: Little Green Apples by Roger Miller Pass on: I Will (Take You Forever) by Christopher CrossProducers: Ben Mitchell and Ribika Moktan

Comedian, actor, screen-writer, voice-artist, podcaster - Jason Mantzoukas can do it all. He's gone from improvised stand-up to starring in films and shows including Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The League. Born into a family of Greek-Americans in the early 1970s, he studied religion at college, drummed in a marching band, riffed in jazz clubs and moved to Morrocco to immerse himself in local rhythms. So, what will this self-confessed music obsessive select as his Inheritance Tracks....Inherited: When Problems Arise by Fishbone Passed on: Vocalise My Love by Florence Adooni Producer: Ben Mitchell

The actor and presenter Nigel Havers was born in Middlesex in 1951 to a barrister father and an author mother. His screen roles have been varied, from His portrayal of Lord Andrew Lindsay in the film Chariots of Fire in 1981 which earned him a BAFTA nomination, to Lewis Archer in Coronation Street for over a decade and a guest spot in Downton Abbey amongst other. He was the face of Nescafe for many years, and is now seen presenting The Bidding Room on BBC television. With such a varied life and career – what then will he choose for his Inheritance Tracks? Inherited: I've Got You Under My Skin by Mel Tormé Pass on: Still Crazy After All These Years by Paul Simon Producers: Ben Mitchell and Anna BaileyThis programme has been changed for music rights reasons.

The Canadian born actor Charles Collingwood has, since 1975, been defined by his role as Brian Aldridge, the upper-class charmer in The Archers. Over the last fifty years…Brian's had affairs, illegitimate children and ventures into the sausage business. But in real life Charles is very happily married to Judy Bennett, who played Shula in the show. Away from Ambridge he's appeared on TV in Morse and Midsomer Murders, Roger Roger and Noel Edmunds' Telly Addicts...but will always be Brian to me. We asked Charles, with that resonant, slightly gravelly and textured voice of his, to share his Inheritance Tracks with us...Inherited: My Blue Heaven by Fran Sinatra / and sung by Peter Skellern Passed on: The Hungry Years by Neil SedakaProducers: Ben Mitchell and Anna Bailey

Dame Penelope Wilton is an actress whose versatility has shone across stage, screen and television. Penelope won the Olivier Award for her role in Taken at Midnight, on TV she's played the witty Ann in Ever Decreasing Circles, Isobel Crawley in Downton Abbey, and another Ann in Ricky Gervais' After Life. On film she has appeared in the historic Shaun of the Dead, Pride and Prejudice and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Penelope shares her very lovely Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Que reste-t-il de nos amours? - Charles Trenet Pass on: I'll Remember April - Erroll Garner - Concert by the sea Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies & Lowri Morgan

The stand-up comedian and writer Sophie Duker has appeared in venues around the UK and she's also been seen on TV, popping up on the likes of 'Taskmaster', ‘Live at the Apollo' and 'Celebrity Mastermind'. She has also hosted programmes for BBC Sounds including the ‘Obsessed' strands – which accompany hit television shows – ‘I May Destroy You' and ‘Everything I Know About Love.' And there's still a chance to see Sophie on her current stand up tour “But Daddy I Love Her” - including a date at London's Bloomsbury Theatre in May 2025. Born in London, her foray in comedy began during her time as an undergraduate studying French and English at university. Following her love of language and laughter – we wondered what her musical inspirations would be in this week's Inheritance Tracks?Inherited: Nelson Mandela by The Specials Pass on: Gansta by Kojey Radical Producers: Ribika Moktan and Gareth Nelson-Davies

The BAFTA award winning actor Gina McKee, in a career spanning over three decades, has showcased her range in dramas, comedies and thrillers. She's perhaps best known for her work in The Lost Prince, Our Friends in the North, Brass Eye and Notting Hill.Gina focuses on the craft rather than the fame and that's so evident in her body of stage work…most recently in The Children's Hour and Dear England… Born in Durham, she grew up, the daughter of a coal miner. Inherited:‘I'll be there' The Four Tops Pass on: ‘Mae Velha' Cesaria Evora

Rachel Burden is a familiar voice on the BBC airwaves, she's been a regular on BBC Radio 5 Live's Breakfast programme, regularly brings us the news on the television, and hosts Cafe Hope - Radio 4's virtual coffee shop where guests pop in for a brew and a chat to tell us what they're doing to make the world a better place. Born in Buckinghamshire, she graduated from Trinity College Dublin and studied broadcast journalism at Cardiff University. One of five children and a mother of four herself, music has always been something they've shared, what then has she chosen for her Inheritance Tracks... Inherited: "Overture" from The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Pass on: "Days" by Kirsty MacCollProducers: Catherine Powell and Ben Mitchell