Lives Less Ordinary

Fleeing Vietnam, Lauren Vuong’s family almost died. Settled in the U.S. all she wanted was to fulfil her parents’ dream of finding their rescuers. This is the story of one family’s quest for survival, and the kindness of the strangers who helped them.Presenter: Mobeen Azhar Producers: Louise Morris and May CameronFilm clip: Finding the Virgo/Barre Fong/Lauren Vuong/ Barre Fong Designs

Janina was six months pregnant when she travelled to Syria in 2015 to meet a school friend who’d become an extremist. Janina Findeisen, a journalist, was making a documentary about their friendship. The trip was only meant to last a few days – little did she know that she would end up being taken hostage and forced to give birth in captivity.Presenter: Emily Webb Producers: Emily Webb and Fiona WoodsFilm clip: Silver Linings Playbook, David O. Russell, The Weinstein Company.

Blamed for killing her father through witchcraft, Monica Paulus fled for her life, but she didn’t stay in hiding for long. Monica realised she could be someone to stand up and prevent others being killed after accusations of sorcery. This is the story of how one brave woman took on the witch hunters and changed history in Papua New Guinea.

Charles sues his country’s richest companies on behalf of black gold miners. It’s a battle that could spell ruin for Charles, but this isn’t a man who takes no for an answer. Presenter: Mobeen Azhar Producer: Fiona Woods

Apartheid taught Charles to know his place, so how did he end up suing the gold industry? When Charles Abrahams told his teachers he was going to be a heart surgeon they laughed. This was Apartheid South Africa and kids like Charles had no business having such lofty ambitions. But Charles knew something those teachers didn't. He was destined for a bigger life and nobody was going to stand in his way. Charles has written a book, it's called Class Action: In Pursuit of a Larger Life. TV Clip: Dallas, Leonard Katzman, Lorimar ProductionsPresenter: Mobeen Azhar Producer: Fiona Woods

Donna discovers her ex fiancé’s secret life. When Donna met Carlo at an anti-war protest she immediately fell for him. They just had so much in common, particularly their left-wing politics. When he moved into her flat she discovered they had all the same books - it was as if they were fated to be together. Donna couldn't  believe her luck! There was just one thing that bothered her - he'd never introduced her to his family or friends.Donna McLean has written a book, it’s called Small Town Girl.Presenter: Emily Webb Producer: Fiona Woods

Anne's village thought her disability made her worthless. She had other ideas. Now a graduate and a Paralympian who's represented Kenya and the UK, this is the story of how Anne Wafula Strike forgave the unforgiveable and made her return.Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Louise Morris

The FBI close in. “It’s a wake-up call when police are trying to shoot you.” Tom Justice’s fantasy is fading, he’s now robbing banks to fund his addiction and things are about to get a lot worse.Film clips: Heat/Michael Mann/Regency Enterprises and Forward PassPresenter: Mobeen Azhar Producer: Louise Morris

Olympic hopeful to audacious thief – the cyclist who turned to crime. Movies influenced Tom’s biggest life decisions. Slacker film Reality Bites made him give up becoming an Olympic cyclist, and heist film Heat ‘inspired’ him to make the bizarre leap from fiction to reality. But there are only so many banks you can rob before your ego, and the FBI, start catching up with you.Film clips: Reality Bites/Ben Stiller/Jersey Films Heat/Michael Mann/Regency Enterprises and Forward PassPresenter: Mobeen Azhar Producer: Louise Morris

Astonishing true stories, jaw-dropping twists. Why would an Olympic hopeful rob a bank? How does someone keep their double life a secret? From the team behind Outlook, incredible personal stories from around the world, to show you just how surprising and extraordinary humans can be.With Emily Webb, Mobeen Azhar and Jo Fidgen. Premieres on 25 April.