Profile

Tom Fletcher heads the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and has been at the forefront of recent efforts to deliver aid into Gaza. Last week, he was criticised for making inaccurate claims about the impact of the Israeli blockade. No stranger to tough jobs, he was previously a foreign policy advisor to three British Prime Ministers and the UK Ambassador to Lebanon as the country dealt with the civil war in neighbouring Syria. He once fought the mayor of Nairobi in a boxing match and had a mortar round land in his swimming pool at the British embassy in Beirut. One of four siblings, he was born in Folkestone, where he attended the Harvey Grammar School before studying at Oxford University. Prior to his UN role he was Principal of Hertford College and has written books on diplomacy as well as novels.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Tom Gillett, Lucy Pawle and Jo Casserly Editor: Nick Holland Sound: Gareth Jones Production Coordinator: Sabine Schereck

In April 2024 Rosemary Coogan became only the third person from the UK to qualify as an astronaut after completing basic training with the European Space Agency (ESA). Originally from Northern Ireland, she excelled academically and holds two master's degrees from Durham University and a PhD in astronomy from the University of Sussex. She became an ESA astronaut after a challenging selection process which whittled down 22,000 applicants. The agency hopes to send Rosemary to the International Space Station by 2030. In this episode of Profile, Stephen Smith explores the life and career of the woman who has a chance of becoming the first person from the UK to walk on the moon.Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Tom Gillett and Lucy Pawle Editor: Nick Holland Sound: Neil Churchill Production Coordinator: Sabine Schereck

Earlier this month the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also made President Trump's National Security Advisor. The last person to undertake both roles simultaneously was Henry Kissinger in the 1970s. The son of Cuban immigrants, Mr Rubio has had a turbo-charged career; rising from junior positions in his home city of Florida, to the US Senate which he reached before he turned 40 and now a Cabinet position where he dominate US foreign policy.As a boy he dreamed of being President and he made his first attempt in 2016-. The Republican primaries were brutal, with candidates trading deeply personal insults. It was assumed that Mr Rubio's relationship with the eventual winner of that contest - Donald Trump - had been fatally damaged. But they continued their working relationship and today Rubio serves as one of the President's most trusted advisors.Will Marco Rubio be tempted to run once again for the White House? And what forces have shaped his stellar political career?Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Tom Gillett and Lucy Pawle Editor: Matt Willis Sound: David Crackles Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison

Reform UK triumphed in May's local elections, winning many more council seats up for grabs than the other major parties. Behind the scenes the party has gone through major changes. Millionaire businessman and donor Zia Yusuf was appointed Chairman last summer, and has been credited with professionalising the party. The son of Sri Lankan immigrants, he made his money co-founding a luxury concierge business, before moving into politics; and all before the age of 40. But where do his ambitions lie beyond being chairman? And where does the future of the party lie beyond the central figure of Nigel Farage? In this episode of Profile, Stephen Smith explores the life, career and journey of the man some say is responsible for Reform UK's growing success. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Lucy Pawle and Nik Sindle Researcher: Gabriel May Editor: Max Deveson Sound: Gareth Jones Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleArchive: BBC News ‘Communication Problems' - Fawlty Towers BBC / writers: John Cleese and Connie Booth

President Trump shocked the world earlier this year when he announced plans to impose tariffs affecting nearly all goods entering America.But rather than coming as a surprise, the US President had made the policy one of the key cornerstones of his re-election campaign. He'd also implemented some tariffs during his first term in office too.Despite strong opposition to the move, President Trump enjoys the unflinching support of economist Peter Navarro, who is seen by many as the architect of the agenda. Having advised the US President during his first term in office, Navarro is back in the White House to see it through.In this episode of Profile, Mark Coles explores the life, career and journey of Trump's key economic advisor on global trade.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ben Cooper, Lucy Pawle and Smita Patel Researchers: Chloe Scannapieco and Darin Graham Editor: Max Deveson Sound: Gareth Jones Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleArchive: BBC News C-SPAN Politico

Canadians are gearing up to vote in a snap General Election.It's been called by Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of England, who in recent months replaced Justin Trudeau as leader of Canada's ruling Liberal Party. Carney is hoping to receive a fresh mandate from the public, and face down US President Donald Trump, whose rhetoric towards America's neighbour in the north has become increasingly belligerent since returning to the White House.It's been a long journey for 60-year-old Carney - from growing up in a small town in Canada's Northwest Territories all the way to the very highest levels of international diplomacy.In this episode of Profile, Stephen Smith charts the life and career of the man hoping to become Canada's Prime Minister.Producers: Ben Cooper and Lucy Pawle Researcher: Chloe Scannapieco Editor: Max Deveson Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Katie MorrisonArchive: BBC News BBC Radio 4 CPAC CP24 Global News The Guardian

Beloved Britpop band Pulp have released their first new music in almost a quarter of a century, the single 'Spike Island'.Their talismanic frontman Jarvis Cocker has always been the band's star turn, with his second-hand 70s style, mesmeric stage presence and biting lyrics.Following some difficult early years in his hometown of Sheffield, Cocker formed the band in 1978, but had to wait over a decade before breaking through on the crest of the Britpop wave in the mid-90s. The band released some of the most memorable and well-loved songs of the era, including 'Common People' and 'Disco 2000'.But his very public bottom-baring protest against Michael Jackson at the 1996 Brit Awards thrust him even more firmly into the public's imagination, and the fame he had craved for so long quickly took a darker turn.Mark Coles speaks to some of the most important people in Jarvis's story, including current and former bandmates Candida Doyle, Nick Banks and Richard Hawley, and his sister Saskia.Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Ben Cooper Researcher: Chloe Scannapieco Editor: Max Deveson Sound: Gareth Jones Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Stephen Smith profiles the actor Lesley Manville, winner of a second Olivier theatre award. From growing up in Hove to her long-time collaboration with film-maker Mike Leigh, Manville has a reputation as the complete professional. With contributions from Mike Leigh, Director Rob Icke, Actor Tim McCullan, former teacher Julia Clarey, Observer critic Susannah Clapp and friend Rebecca Blond. Presenter: Stephen Smith Production Team: Bob Howard, Chloe Scannapieco, Devian Maside Editor: Max Deveson Sound Engineer: Gareth Jones Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Steve Witkoff started out as a New York lawyer, until a late night encounter with Donald Trump in a sandwich shop inspired him to move into real estate. Known as "Smoking Steve", he has amassed a property empire worth millions, become friends and golf buddies with Trump, and has now been appointed as his Middle East Envoy and go-to international negotiator and trouble shooter. To his critics he's dangerously unqualified and out of his depth. To his supporters, he's the straight-talking fresh pair of eyes needed to resolve deeply entrenched conflicts. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Josephine Casserly, Chloe Scannapieco, Devian Maside Editor: Max Deveson Sound Engineer: James Beard Production Coordinators: Sabine Schereck and Maria Ogundele

Jack Thorne is co-author of Netflix drama Adolescence. But this is far from his first rodeo, over a 20 year career, his writing has appeared in many iconic British dramas, from Shameless and This is England '86 to His Dark Materials. He started out as a playwright and hasn't lost his love for theatre, having written West End box office hit, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Jack is known in the industry for his compulsive work ethic, political edge and capacity for empathy. Stephen Smith speaks to the people close to Jack, including early collaborator and Oscar-winner Daniel Kaluuya, actor Morven Christie, and Jack's dad, Mike Thorne. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Josephine Casserly and Chloe Scannapieco Editor: Max Deveson Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Sabine SchereckArchive: Adolescence, Plan B, Netflix This is England ‘86, Warp Films and Film4 Production, Channel 4 Skins, Netflix

Jonathan Powell, the UK's National Security Adviser, is used to operating behind the scenes: he's spent decades working as a diplomat, negotiator and mediator. Recent events in the US and Ukraine have thrust him into the spotlight. After the fiery Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, Powell has been credited with advising Ukraine and ensuring that lines of communication were kept open. He travelled to Kyiv to meet Zelensky and played a key role in fashioning a plan for a ceasefire and the steps that might follow.Powell began his career in the foreign office before becoming Tony Blair's chief of staff. He was crucial to the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement which helped bring peace to Northern Ireland. Since then, he's worked on resolving conflicts and crises all over the world in places like Colombia, Mozambique and Libya.Mark Coles talks to his friends, family and former colleagues to find out how this veteran negotiator became one of the most important figures shaping British foreign policy. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Viv Jones, Hugh Sheehan, Clare Williamson, Mantej Deol Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Sabine Schereck

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has one the toughest tasks in Labour's domestic programme: tackling the burgeoning welfare bill.Next week, the government is expected to announce reforms to the welfare system. There is unease over the plans within the party, with some Labour MPs saying they fear drastic cuts could push vulnerable people into poverty. The move could split the party and put Liz Kendall in a difficult position. A grammar school girl, Kendall went on to study history at Cambridge, where she liked to revise while sunbathing and listening to Wham. She became MP for Leicester West in 2010, and ran for Labour leader in 2015, but came away with just 4.5% of the vote. Now on Keir Starmer's front bench, her supporters say she's not afraid of a fight and willing to take on some of the party's sacred cows. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Viv Jones, Chloe Scannapieco, Hugh Sheehan, Keiligh Baker Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Sabine Schereck

As the European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas is the bloc's top diplomat. So when EU leaders gathered in Brussels this week to thrash out a new defence plan for Ukraine, Kallas was in the thick of things. Before taking up the EU role she was Prime Minister of Estonia, the nation's first female leader. She was born in 1977 in the Estonian capital Tallinn, then part of the Soviet Union, into a family bound up with her country's centuries-old struggle for independence. A Russia hawk and fierce critic of Putin, she is already on the Kremlin's wanted list. Mark Coles has been talking with her friends and political allies to understand how Kaja Kallas came to be called "Europe's Iron Lady". Production TeamProducers: Viv Jones, Chloe Scannapieco, Keiligh Baker, Hugh Sheehan Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinators: Katie Morrison

He's the former corporate lawyer, who has a pilot's licence and loves music, but has never before been a government minister.Friedrich Merz was born in the west German town of Brilon in 1955 into a prominent conservative, Catholic family. He joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) while still at school, before going on to study law.Merz then worked as a lawyer and judge for a few years, but he always had his eye on politics.He was elected to the European Parliament in 1989, and his journey to the top has been a winding one.Sidelined by Angela Merkel before she became chancellor, he quit parliament entirely to pursue a lucrative series of corporate jobs and was written off as yesterday's man.Yet he now looks set to clinch the job he has coveted for so long, as Stephen Smith has been finding out.Production TeamProducers: Arlene Gregorius, Caroline Bayley, Chloe Scannapieco Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Sabine Schereck, Janet StaplesAudio of Friedrich Merz at the Munich Security Conference by Bayerischer Rundfunk Audio of swearing-in ceremony of Angela Merkel, 2005, by ZDF Audio of French President Macron at the White House courtesy of the White House

His 14 year-stint at the top of European politics has earned him a distinguished record of domestic and international achievements.Mark Rutte, born in The Hague in 1967, embarked on a career in business after leaving university and held several positions at Unilever.His career in Dutch politics started in 2002, and four years later – as leader of the VVD party – he became prime minister.During his tenure, he steered the Netherlands through times of significant national and global upheaval. From economic crisis, to the coronavirus pandemic.And now, as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's 14th Secretary General, he faces his next challenge – leading Europe's response to recent Russia-US talks over Ukraine.Mark Coles takes a closer look at Mark Rutte.Production TeamProducers: Sally Abrahams, Mantej Deol, Chloe Scannapieco Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine SchereckCredits Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte with the President of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini, 20 Feb. 2025 Mark Rutte cycles away from his office, on his last day as Prime Minister of the Netherlands, tv47 Yes Minister, BBC TV, Comedy Greats

Having helped mastermind Labour's renewal in the 1980s and 1990s, one of British politics best-known figures has just embarked on his latest role.And, it's a long way from Hartlepool, in the post-industrial North-East of England, where he first became an MP. Born in 1953, Peter Mandelson started on the road to party politics as a researcher at the Trades Union Congress. After a stint as a TV producer, he left to take up the role of Labour's director of communications, but his real ambition was a place in Parliament.Even his sternest critics accept he is a slick political operator and a good networker, but he's a controversial figure – with a big challenge ahead. Stephen Smith takes a closer look at the UK's new ambassador to the US, and the man once dubbed the "Prince of Darkness".Production TeamProducers: Sally Abrahams, Mantej Deol, Marianna Brain, Chloe Scannapieco Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Jack YoungCreditsLondon Weekend Television station ident 1970s Jon Culshaw, Imposter Syndrome UK tour

Despite just winning a seventh consecutive presidential term, a look at Alexander Lukashenko's early life reveals rather humbler origins.Brought up by a single mother in a poor village in eastern Belarus, he first made his mark as the manager of a farm in the late 1980s.After moving into politics at the end of that decade, he quickly established his reputation as a man with authoritarian instincts – and by 1994, he was elected president of Belarus for the first time.Ever since, he has managed a balancing act between Russia, his closest economic and political partner, and overtures to the West. But, the country's faced sanctions following its role in the invasion of Ukraine, while many Western governments have labelled this latest election as a sham.Stephen Smith takes a closer look at the man often referred to as Europe's last dictator.Production TeamProducers: Sally Abrahams, Charlotte McDonald and Nathan Gower Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele and Jack YoungGuestsSvetlana Tikhanovskaya, leader of the democratic opposition of Belarus Olga Dryndova, Editor of Belarus-Analysen, University of Bremen Katia Glod, Russia-West Policy Fellow at the European Leadership Network and Non-resident Fellow with Centre for European Policy Analysis, Washington DC Pavel Latushka, former Minister of Culture, Belarus government, now Belarus opposition politician Rosemary Thomas, former UK ambassador to Belarus CreditsAnimal Farm by George Orwell, recording produced by Ciaran Bermingham Narrated by Roger Ringrose

A mathematician and cyber defence expert, Poppy Gustafsson has been handed an integral role within government, as the prime minister attempts to grow the economy and attract international investment.She was born in 1982, to parents John and Gilly. Her father ran an agricultural sales business, while her mother was a journalist.In her early career, Poppy Gustafsson worked for a venture capital firm before co-founding Darktrace, a cybersecurity company, in 2013. She would go on to take the role of co-CEO in 2016 and became the sole CEO in 2020.Darktrace was among the first companies in its field to use artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning to improve cyber-security.So, as ministers attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, what tricks does this one time CEO of the Year have in store? Mark Coles has been taking a closer look.Production TeamProducers: Sally Abrahams and Bethan Ashmead Latham Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele and Jack Young

She is the renowned scientist who studied environmental engineering, and went on to hold the role of mayor of Mexico City during the Coronavirus pandemic.Late last year, Claudia Sheinbaum made further history. "For the first time in the 200 years of the [Mexican] Republic, I will become the first woman president of Mexico," she said before taking office.Born in 1962, Claudia Sheinbaum's father was a chemical engineer and her mother, a biology professor. Both parents descended from Jewish immigrants from Europe who settled in North America.She's enjoyed remarkably high poll ratings since taking office, but critics suggest she will live under her mentor's shadow, and her biggest test is yet to come. As Donald Trump gets ready to enter the White House for a second time, Claudia Sheinbaum has already had to respond to his suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.So what lies ahead? Stephen Smith has been talking to her friends, colleagues and peers to find out more about Mexico's history-maker.Production Team Producers: Sally Abrahams and Bethan Ashmead Latham Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele and Jack Young Credits Emilia Perez, Trailer Director, Jacques Audiard; Production companies: Why Not Productions, Page 114, Pathe, France 2 Cinema, Saint Laurent Productions"Claudia: El Documental", Director: Rodrigo Imaz; @ClaudiaSheinbaumP https://youtu.be/NDuUL-RQvMUThe Nobel Peace Prize, 2007, Nobelprize.org

He's been described as the best connected man in the business world. Allan Leighton's the arch-moderniser who's led some of the UK's most well-known companies. His career started at Mars Confectionery in the mid-70s, working his way up through the business over nearly two decades. But, it was in the 90s that Allan Leighton really made his name.He moved to Asda in 1992, becoming Chief Executive four years later. There he was credited with a successful turnaround of the supermarket and oversaw its acquisition by Wal-Mart in 1999.By the 2000s, Allan Leighton had left Asda to 'go plural', as he put it, and went on to take prominent positions in companies including Royal Mail, Co-Op, Dyson and lastminute.com. But late last year, the supermarket chain came calling again.Mark Coles has been talking to his friends and peers to understand where Allan Leighton came from and what's in store for him at Asda.Production TeamProducers: Nathan Gower and Sally Abrahams Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Jack YoungCredits: Marketing Academy: Rene Carayol interviews Allan Leighton Mars Maltesters, TV advert 1970s Walmart Rollback TV advert 1998 Asda Rollback TV advert

He's been described by his new bosses at the Football Association as, "one of the best coaches in the world".Thomas Tuchel has also earned a reputation as a “control freak”, with “charming” yet “divisive” attributes.Born in Krumbach, Bavaria in 1973 his football journey began as a youngster when his father coached him at his local club. After growing into a promising defender, a knee injury brought his playing career to an end at the age of 25, but he'd already turned his eye to coaching.Spells at Augsburg, Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich followed. As did the honours, including a Champions League title. But, as he now embarks on the international stage, Mark Coles has been talking with Thomas Tuchel's friends and colleagues to find out more about the man leading the Three Lions.Production TeamProducers: Bob Howard and Drew Hyndman Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: John Scott Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Oh! What's occurrin'? Good question…This week's Profile, with Stephen Smith, is focusing in on a woman born in Bridgend in south Wales, who loved to participate in musical theatre as a child – and went on to create one of Britain's best-loved sitcoms.With a degree in drama under her belt from the University of Warwick, Ruth Jones initially found work at BBC Wales in both TV and radio comedy. She soon branched out into theatre, before gaining a role in the popular ITV series Fat Friends.It was there that she would work with James Corden for the first time. But not the last. The pair went onto create BBC Three hit, Gavin & Stacey in 2007. Seventeen years on, the sitcom has just provided us with one last trip to Barry Island and Billericay.So grab a chicken bhuna, lamb bhuna, prawn bhuna, mushroom rice, bag of chips, keema naan, nine poppadoms and listen to this episode of Profile on the woman known for her iconic role as Nessa.Production TeamProducers: Ben Cooper and Diane Richardson Editors: Ben Mundy and Sarah Wadeson Sound: John Scott Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleCreditsGavin & Stacey 2008 Christmas Special: BBC / Baby Cow Productions Little Britain: BBC Barry Islands In The Stream: BBC / Comic Relief / Mercury Records

Since it was privatised over a decade ago, there's been speculation around the future of the UK's troubled postal service, Royal Mail.Now the government has approved its purchase by the Czech billionaire, Daniel Křetínský, a relative unknown here in the UK.Born in communist Czechoslovakia in 1975, Křetínský was a teenager when the Berlin Wall came down. He started his career as a lawyer, but after taking a job in an investment firm soon acquired a reputation as a financial prodigy. He went on to make his fortune in energy investments, but has since expanded to become a big player in the media scene, as well as buying stakes in businesses in Western Europe, especially France and the UK.In this episode of Profile, Stephen Smith finds out more about the man who's set to take on the challenge of turning around a once cherished national institution.Production TeamProducers: Nathan Gower and Ben Cooper Editor: Sarah Wadeson Sound: John Scott Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleCreditsCanal+

Through his passion for stop motion and modelling clay, we have come to love his silent (but wise) dog and well-meaning owner.Wallace and Gromit are Nick Park's most famous creations, but what more do we know about this Preston born Oscar winner?He would use his mother's home movie camera to record his early films; he studied animation at the National Film and Television School in Buckinghamshire; and joined Aardman Animations in the mid-80s.Over the last few decades, Nick Park has gained critical acclaim for feature films, Chicken Run and Early Man. So, as we await the latest Wallace and Gromit offering this Christmas, Mark Coles has donned the RIGHT trousers to take a closer look at the multi-award winning animator.Archive Credits Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out directed by Nick Park (Aardman Animations/National Film and Television School) Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl directed by directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham (Aardman Animations) Creature Comforts directed by Nick Park (Aardman Animations) Chicken Run directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park (Aardman Animations/Pathé/DreamWorks Animation) Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit directed by Nick Park and Steve Box (Aardman Animations/DreamWorks Animation) Wallace & Gromit Christmas Jumper Ident (Aardman Animations for the BBC) Merlin Crossingham & Nick Park on WALLACE AND GROMIT: VENGEANCE MOST FOWL at AFI Fest 2024 (American Film Institute) The Bike Ride (Collett Dickenson Pearce)Production Team Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Bob Howard and Natalie Ktena Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Gareth Jones Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

From using a skateboard to baking sourdough, Tom Molnar leads an eclectic life.Born in the United States, he earned a degree in Ecology at Dartmouth College, before going on to gain experience in corporate strategy and client management. It was during those years, that he noticed a gap in the market for quality bread.Tom Molnar joined forces with Ran Avidan and Gail Mejia in 2005, and their Gail's story began in a small corner of North London. Nearly 20 years later, the chain has become omnipresent on high streets all over the country and looks set to yield a handsome sum amid speculation that its owners have appointed a Wall Street bank to oversee an auction.Stephen Smith takes a closer look at the visionary behind one of Britain's fastest-growing chains.Production teamProducers: Ben Cooper and Natalie Ktena Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleCreditsBBC / Gordon Murray Puppets Gentleman's Journal

She is the self-styled "proud Yorkshirewoman" at the centre of an extraordinary week at Westminster.Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP behind a bid to legalise assisted dying for the terminally ill in England and Wales, was born in West Yorkshire in 1976.Before her life in politics, she worked in furniture sales and as an exercise instructor, before becoming a lecturer in health and exercise in her late 20s. But it was the murder of her sister Jo Cox in 2016 that saw her thrust into the public eye.After years promoting social cohesion with the Jo Cox Foundation and More In Common, in 2021 she became an MP in the same constituency her sister had represented. Mark Coles talks to family, friends and political allies, to understand the views and events that have shaped the woman at the centre of an intense, and highly charged debate.Production TeamProducers: Nathan Gower and Ben Cooper Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele

From television commercials in the 1970s, to today's toga-ripping, chariot-flipping sequel to Gladiator.Sir Ridley Scott is one of Britain's greatest film directors.The grammar school boy, born in South Shields, spent part of his childhood in Germany before pursuing his passion for art at school in Hartlepool and then the Royal College of Art.But the camera appealed to Scott as much as the canvas, and Stephen Smith has been talking with the Hollywood titan's friends, family and peers to find out more about him - and his work.Production TeamProducers: Nathan Gower and Ben Cooper Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele CreditsAlien (1979): 20th Century-Fox, Brandywine Productions Gladiator (2000): DreamWorks Pictures, Universal Pictures, Scott Free Productions, Red Wagon Entertainment Napoleon (2023): Apple Studios, Scott Free Productions, Columbia Pictures (through Sony Pictures Releasing) Gladiator II (2024): Scott Free Productions, Lucy Fisher/Douglas Wick Productions, Paramount Pictures

Born in communist East Germany, to a German mother and Iranian father, Sahra Wagenknecht has long been the face of the country's hard left. But her own breakaway political movement, supporting a higher minimum wage as well as an end to weapons deliveries to Ukraine, appears to be gaining further support.And with Germany set to hold elections early next year, following the collapse of the governing coalition, some think the 54-year-old will play a pivotal role in the future politics of the EU's largest economy.In this edition of Profile, Mark Coles takes a closer look at the leader of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW).Production team Producers: Emma Close and Ben Cooper Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele and Janet StaplesCredits DW

She is one of the highest-ranking women in the Labour Party, now holding the position of home secretary.Yvette Cooper, born in Inverness in 1969, grew up in Hampshire and went on to forge a career in politics full of firsts. She served as the first female chief secretary to the Treasury. She also became the first minister to take maternity leave, and she was one half of the first married couple in the cabinet - alongside Ed Balls.But not everyone is convinced Yvette Cooper has the answers to the big problems in her in-tray, particularly on the small boats issue.Stephen Smith talks to friends and political allies, to understand the views and events that have shaped this veteran Labour politician.Production team Producers: Emma Close and Nathan Gower Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele Credits Political Thinking with Nick Robinson (BBC) 1991 Harvard Commencement Address 1992 Bill Clinton Campaign Speech Tony Blair 1997 Election Victory Speech 2015 Election Exit Poll (BBC)

From his hilltop glass mansion in ancient Tbilisi, he's accused of cultivating Georgia's shift from the west over the past decade.And, with his political party's recent victory in the parliamentary elections, that trajectory appears set to continue for some time yet.Bidzina Ivanishvili is the guiding force behind the Georgian Dream party, but what else do we know about the mysterious billionaire?In this edition of Profile, Mark Coles takes a closer look at the man who keeps animals, collects rare trees, and who spent much of the 1990s in Russia founding companies.Production team Producers: Ben Cooper, Marianna Brain, Kirsteen Knight Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Credits IMEDI TV

The Liverpool-born comedian, known for his razor-sharp wit, has traded in his stand-up routines for some serious dance moves of late.Chris McCausland is the first blind contestant to take part in the BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing - and he's being tipped as a possible winner. In his 20s, Chris lost most of his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa. But that didn't slow down his career. He's been lighting up the comedy scene since 2003, with regular appearances on hit programmes like 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Would I Lie to You. He's also taken to the iconic stage of Live at the Apollo.In this edition of Profile, Stephen Smith talks to some of his closest friends, fellow comedians and former colleagues about his life, Strictly success - and the time he attended a job interview in the wrong trousers.Production team Producers: Caroline Bayley, Julie Ball, Natasha Fernandes Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinators: Maria OgundeleCredits Live at the Apollo, Open Mike Production, 04/01/2018

He's the man who masterminded Labour's general election campaign, and now holds one of the most important positions in Downing Street.Morgan McSweeney was recently appointed the prime minister's chief of staff, after Sue Gray quit the role. But what do we know about him? Born in Macroom, County Cork, he moved to London aged 17. He soon joined the Labour party under Tony Blair, working in a junior role at their headquarters.He rose through the ranks, forging a reputation as a skilled campaign strategist, and has been credited with being the brains behind this year's landslide victory.Mark Coles speaks to the people who know him - from school friends back home in Ireland, to others who've worked with him.Production team Producers: Bob Howard, Caroline Bayley, Ellie House, Natasha Fernandes Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele

She's a girl from New York's Lower East Side whom grew up to a life of stardom and is now known by just one name.Gaga, a classically trained pianist, has secured Grammy-winning songs like Poker Face and Rain on Me. While her performance in A Star Is Born was Oscar-nominated.Along the way, there's been a meat dress, a high-profile stance against US military policy, and a collaborative album with Tony Bennett.Her latest work, Harlequin, is a companion album to her new big screen performance in Joker: Folie à Deux.From all-conquering song thrush to screen favourite, Stephen Smith has been find out about the life of Gaga.Production team Producers: Diane Richardson, Kirsteen Knight and Ben Cooper Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinators: Maria OgundeleCredits Joker: Folie à Deux (Official Trailer) - Writer/director/producer Todd Phillips. Warner Bros. A Star is Born (Official Trailer) - Director Bradley Cooper. Warner Bros. The inauguration of Joe Biden, 2021, CSPAN. The Late Show, RTE. 2016 Academy Awards.

He's not yet completed a hundred days in his new job, but David Lammy finds himself overseeing the UK's response to rising tensions in the Middle East.Born to Guyanese parents in north London, and raised by his mother from the age of 12 after his father left them, the foreign secretary is known for his advocacy for social justice, equality, and human rights. His journey to the top of British politics began with a legal career – becoming the first black Briton to study a masters in law at Harvard. At 27, David Lammy became Parliament's youngest MP when he was elected in Tottenham, and he went on to become a junior minister under Sir Tony Blair.In opposition, he spent some of his time on Labour's back benches – though now finds himself front and centre, facing countless fast-moving global challenges.Mark Coles meets some of the people who know David Lammy best - from childhood friends, to his beloved 'Aunty May'. Contributors Decca Aitkenhead - Chief Interviewer, The Sunday Times Paul Waugh - Labour MP for Rochdale Ben Rhodes - Political commentator Mayfield Griffith - Godmother of David LammyProduction team Producers: Di Richardson, Michaela Graichen and Ben Cooper Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Janet StaplesArchive United Nations General Assembly Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, 11 May 2018 Channel 4 News

It's a tiny computer with a catchy name: Raspberry Pi. But what's the story behind the man who thought up this affordable device?His name is Eben Upton. He has gone from being a child desperate to make computer games, to the head of a company described as a ‘city darling'.The firm reported higher than expected profits in its first report, after being listed on the London Stock Exchange.Stephen Smith has been speaking to Eben Upton's childhood friends, former colleagues and some big hitters in tech and business.Contributors Holly Williams - Business Editor, Press Association news agency Hermann Hauser - Entrepreneur, venture capitalist and co-founder of Amadeus Capital Partners Harriet Green - Investor, philanthropist. Former chair and CEO of IBM Asia Pacific Pete Thornhill - School friend Victoria Drew - School friend David Cleevely - Entrepreneur and former Raspberry Pi chairmanProduction team Producers: Julie Ball, Farhana Haider, Ben Morris, Michaela Graichen Editor: Tom Bigwood Sound: Gareth Jones Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleArchive Centre for Computing History, Cambridge Kerbal Space Program: Take-Two Interactive, publisher Private Division, developer Squad Sensible Soccer: developer Sensible Software

Some call it one of the trickiest jobs in the country. How do you stop the small boats trying to cross the English Channel and smash the smuggling gangs? The government has appointed Martin Hewitt to the role- he's leading the UK's new border security command. It's a tough job, so can he do it? Martin Hewitt is a former senior police officer and chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council. He is also the man who oversaw the policing of Covid lockdowns.Mark Coles has been speaking to some of his colleagues, former colleagues and the journalists who reported on him. Contributors Tim Smith - Chief Constable, Kent Police Danny Shaw - Former BBC Correspondent Festus Akinbusoye - Former Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire Ruth Turner - Senior Director at the Forward Institute Dal Babu – Former Chief Superintendent in the Metropolitan Police Vikram Dodd - Guardian Police and Crime Correspondent Production team Producers: Farhana Haider, Ben Morris, Ben Cooper, Michaela Graichen Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Gareth Jones Production Co-ordinators: Sabine Schereck and Maria Ogundele

This week we delve into the life of the First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan, the first woman to hold the position. Morgan was introduced to politics at a very young age by her parents, who were both councillors. Her early career was spent working in broadcasting before her political career began at the age of 27, elected as the youngest Member of the European Parliament in 1994. She went on to take up a seat in the House of Lords and was Welsh Health Secretary during the Covid pandemic. Stephen Smith talks to friends and political figures, hearing how a girl from a deprived part of Cardiff, became the most powerful person in Wales. Contributors: Lord Neil Kinnock - Former Labour Leader Gloria Yates - Neighbour Ruth Mosalski - Political Editor of Wales Online Ceri Innes Parry- Childhood Friend Claudia Velez – School Friend Production Team: Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball and Ben Morris Editors: Ben Mundy and Alex Lewis Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Some of world football's biggest names have been linked to England's top job since Gareth Southgate hung up his waistcoat. But, for now at least, it is Lee Carsley who takes over as England's interim manager.The modest, methodical and quietly spoken coach started his footballing journey at Derby County – before making his name at Everton.Family and charity work are Lee Carsley's other priorities. He's a patron of the Solihull Down Syndrome Support Group – after they helped his middle child, Connor following his diagnosis. Lee also volunteers at the Solihull Moors Foundation. Some say this collection bucket rattler has all the attributes required to lead England to glory, so Mark Coles speaks to his friends, and colleagues to find out more.Contributors Becci Fox - CEO, Solihull Moors Foundation Kevin Turner - Former PE Teacher, Cockshut Hill School Kevin Kilbane - Former footballer, Everton Football Club Jack Gaughan - Northern Football Reporter, Daily MailProduction team Producers: Di Richardson, Farhana Haider, Drew Hyndman and Ben Morris Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: John Scott Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleArchive RAMS TV The Football Association Match of The Day 11/12/04 (BBC) BBC Radio 5 Live

James Graham's writing obsession started at the age of six in the shadow of Nottinghamshire's former coalmines. Equipped with a typewriter from his mother he created hundreds of stories from the family home in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Accelerating through university in Hull and a writing residency in west London, Graham's work started to attract wider audiences following a break at the National Theatre in 2012. Building on his thrilling political drama This House, he went on to write plays and TV series including Sherwood, Dear England, Quiz, Best of Enemies and Brexit: The Uncivil War.During this year's MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival, he called for more working-class people in TV. But what next for this prolific playwright? Stephen Smith speaks to his family, friends and colleagues to find out more. Contributors Anne Ellis - Mother David Morrissey - Actor Kate Wasserberg - Artistic Director, Theatr Clwyd Dr Sarah Jane Dickenson - Senior Lecturer, University of Hull Martin Humphrey - Former Head of Creative Arts, Ashfield School, Nottingham Susannah Clapp - Theatre Critic for The ObserverProduction team Producers: Julie Ball, Ben Cooper, Miriam Quayyam Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: John Scott Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleArchive 2012 National Theatre production of This House written by James Graham and directed by Jeremy Herrin. The cast in the extract features Phil Daniels playing Bob Mellish, Philip Glenister playing Walter Harrison and Lauren O'Neil playing Ann Taylor.Picture BBC/PA Media

From ‘hillbilly' roots to becoming Donald Trump's nominee for vice-president. At 39, if JD Vance is elected, he would be one of America's youngest ever Vice-Presidents. A lot has been laid bare in his own words, in ‘Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis'. He talks about being raised by his grandparents who moved from the Appalachian Mountains area of Kentucky to Ohio, to a Middle America Rust Belt town looking for a better life. His mother struggled with drug addiction and a string of chaotic relationships. So how did he go from a sometimes unstable, sometimes violent, upbringing to being in the running to take one of the highest offices in American politics? There's another transformation many wonder about too: why did he change his mind on Trump? Only in 2016 JD Vance said ‘I can't stomach Trump. I think that he's noxious and is leading the white working class to a very dark place.' Mark Coles finds out.Credit: NPR Fresh AirPresenter: Mark Coles Producers: Phoebe Keane, Diane Richardson Editor: Penny Murphy

Shabana Mahmood is the new Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. Born in Birmingham in a Kashmiri Pakistani family, she has three siblings, one of whom is her twin. From an early age her father ensured that the children were aware of the world around them, and made them each read five minutes from the Times newspaper every evening. Inspired by the 1990's TV series, 'Kavanagh QC' to become a lawyer, Shabana Mahmood attended Lincoln College, Oxford University, a year below a certain Rishi Sunak. After a few years working in law, she changed career and moved into politics, in 2010 winning the seat of Birmingham Ladywood for Labour, which she has held to date. Stephen Smith talks to those who know her. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Diane Richardson and Julie Ball Editor: Penny Murphy Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Rosie Strawbridge Sound mix: Hal HainesCONTRIBUTORS William Audland KC, 12 Kings' Bench Walk Chambers David Gauke, former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Jane Haynes, Journalist Birmingham Live/Mail Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, former, Chair of the Conservative Party and Minister without Portfolio. Lord Tom Watson, former MP West Bromwich East & deputy leader of the Labour partyCREDITS Kavanagh QC - Central TV for ITV productions Political Thinking - Nick Robinson BBC R4/BBC Sounds

Evan Gershkovich is the Wall Street Journal's Moscow reporter. He's been imprisoned in Russia since March last year, and has just gone on trial there - the first American journalist to be jailed in Russia since the Cold War. He's accused of espionage, something he, his employer and his government all strenuously deny. To his friends, like Jeremy Berke, he is "the most extroverted person that I've ever met in my whole life". He loves football and is a dedicated Arsenal fan - so much so that he'd get his flatmates in Brooklyn up at 7am on Sunday mornings - despite them having been out on the town together till the early hours - to watch Arsenal matches with him on TV. The son of Soviet-born, Jewish parents who'd fled to the USA in the late 70s, he grew up speaking Russian at home. Once in Moscow as a reporter, his fellow correspondents - many of whom quickly became friends too - were impressed by his drive, his knowledge of Russia's language and culture, his ease at making contacts, and his willingness to go the extra mile - often literally, to places like the remote Russian republics of Udmurtia and Yakutia. He's now been detained for fifteen months and counting. Gershkovich's friends and family say his release can't come too soon; they're waiting to welcome him home with hugs, and the desire "to never let him leave again". Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Arlene Gregorius and Julie Ball Editor: Penny Murphy Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele