Profile

Zack Polanski scored a resounding victory in The Green Party leadership election on a platform promising bold communication and "eco-populism". Polanski has had an unorthodox path into politics, previously working as an actor, hypnotherapist and mental health counsellor. But he’s been dogged by a 2013 article in The Sun involving a reporter who claimed he helped her try to boost her bust size through the power of thought.Born in 1982, Polanski is gay and Jewish, and changed his name at 18 to embrace the identity erased by his family's anglicised surname. His first foray into politics was joining The Liberal Democrats, and he stood unsuccessfully for Camden Council and The London Assembly. He joined the Greens in 2017, and was elected to City Hall in 2021, becoming the party's deputy leader the following year.In his pitch for the leadership, he linked the climate crisis to inequality and called for radical action to fix it. Now leader of The Green Party, Polanski has vowed to "take the fight to Labour", telling The Labour Party,"We are here to replace you."Stephen Smith talks to friends and colleagues tracing Polanski’s journey from actor to politician. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Lucy Proctor and Ben Crighton. Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill Editor: Nick Holland

South African – born space physicist Michele Dougherty has been awarded the honorary title of Astronomer Royal. She becomes the first woman to hold the title in the 350 – year -old history of the role. Although her all-girls school in Durban did not offer science as an option, her father sparked her love for planetary science when he built a telescope in the back garden of the family home. After qualifying as a mathematician and moving to Germany for a fellowship, Dougherty changed focus and joined teams working on two major space missions. Dougherty played a big role in major discoveries in the solar system, including the revelation that jets of water vapour shoot out of one of Saturn’s moons, Enceladus, meaning it may be able to support life. She even managed to convince Nasa to turn a spacecraft around to take a closer look! Mark Coles speaks to colleagues and friends who describe her as a supportive and strong team leader always happy to celebrate other people’s successes.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ivana Davidovic and Emma Gibson Editor: Nick Holland Sound Editor: James BeardPHOTO: Michele Dougherty/Imperial College London

From Disney to Microsoft, via Vodafone and Virgin Media, Cindy Rose has been a top executive at some of the world’s best known companies. Born and raised in the US, one of her early passions was figure skating – a sport she confessed left her covered in bumps and bruises. After qualifying as a lawyer, she later switched to corporate roles, relocating to Europe then London. Her time at Disney included a shift dressed as Mickey Mouse’s loyal hound, Pluto, welcoming guests to the Californian theme park. Now she’s set to become the new CEO of the troubled FTSE ad giant, WPP – where her experience in tech and AI look set to be an asset. Stephen Smith talks to friends and colleagues to find out how Cindy Rose made it from law to leadership – and the challenges she faces as head of one of the world’s biggest advertising groups. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Natasha Fernandes, Alex Loftus, Sally Abrahams Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: James Beard Editor: Bridget Harney Credits: Cindy Rose at London Tech Week, 2018 Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, addressing Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing CBS Mornings (2014) Claudia Winkleman, Liquid News, 24 July 2002 Greenpeace scale Disney offices in London, 2004. Source: Greenpeace.

Piers Litherland has been called a modern-day Indiana Jones. He’s a former banker-turned-archaeologist who led the discovery of the lost tomb of Tutankhamun's relative, Thutmose II. As a child, Litherland was obsessed with Egypt. It was a passion that never left him, even as he pursued a career in finance. But it was only after a chance meeting with an eminent Egyptologist from Cambridge that he decided to ditch the office job and follow his heart. Since then, Litherland has headed a joint Anglo-Egyptian mission in Egypt’s Western Wadis - funding the project himself. Then, in February 2025, his team made what’s been called ‘the discovery of the century’ - the tomb of Thutmose II, an ancestor of Tutankhamun. Litherland said he cried when he realised what he'd found. Stephen Smith speaks to friends, family and colleagues of Piers Litherland, charting his life and passion that led to the discovery of the first tomb of an Egyptian King since Tutankhamun in 1922.Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Ben Crighton and Natasha Fernandes Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound: James Beard Editor: Nick Holland Credits: Archive recording and audio logs of archaeological dig, Rabee Eissa and Jenny Litherland

Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic candidate for New Yok City mayor after a stunning victory in the primary race. If he goes on to win the mayoral election in November he will become the first Muslim and Indian American to lead the nation's largest city. His nomination came as a shock to some in the mainstream Democratic party who worry his policies are too extreme and could alienate swing voters. Before turning to politics Mr Mamdani had a brief career in the music industry. Mark Coles interviews his friends and family about his rise from rap artist to politician. Presenter: Mark ColesProducers: Natasha Fernandes and Ben CrightonProduction Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleSound: Gareth JonesEditor: Nick Holland Credits: CBS New York “Zohran Mamdani claims victory in NYC Democratic mayoral primary” The Late Show with Stephen Colbert “Colber Talks NYC Mayroal Race with Candidates Zohran Mamdani & Brad Lander” Zohran Mamdani’s Instagram and TikTok abc News "Trump threatens to arrest NYC mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani"

Dive into the intriguing world of Charli XCX, a pop icon who’s reshaped music with her avant-garde style. Explore her evolution from teenage rave DJ to Grammy-winning star, and how her 2016 hit 'Vroom Vroom' connected deeply with her LGBTQ+ fans. Discover the bold themes of her latest album, 'Brat,' and its cultural impact on fashion and politics. Hear personal anecdotes that reveal her fierce connection with supporters and her journey to authenticity in the mainstream music scene.

Current Director-General of Technology and Innovation, Blaise Metreweli, was recently appointed as the new chief of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, MI6. She’s the first woman to assume the role. She attended Westminster School, where she got a glimpse of leadership in her role as head girl. In 1995, she went on to study Anthropology at Cambridge University. Beyond the lecture halls, Blaise Metreweli was a keen sportswoman. In 1997, the Cambridge women's team she was in beat their rivals Oxford University in the Boat Race. After graduating, she set her sights on an international career, applying to be a diplomat but was diverted to work for MI6 instead. During her time serving as a spy, she was reportedly posted to Europe, Iraq and other parts of the Middle East.Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Ben Crighton and Natasha Fernandes Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill Editor: Nick Holland

Actress and disability campaigner, Liz Carr, is probably best known for her role as forensic examiner, Clarissa Mullery, in the TV crime drama, Silent Witness. She’s also done comedy, theatre and even written a musical, about what she calls ‘assisted suicide’. Last year she fronted the award-winning BBC TV documentary, Better Off Dead, making the case against assisted dying.Born and raised in Merseyside, Liz Carr became seriously ill when she was seven and has used a wheelchair since she was eleven. Whilst studying law at Nottingham University, she got involved in politics, disabled rights and activism. As her public profile grew she became a powerful voice in the debates over assisted dying. As the assisted dying bill returns to the Commons this week, with MPs debating and voting on a series of contentious amendments, Mark Coles speaks to Liz’s friends and colleagues about her acting, comedy and campaigning. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Sally Abrahams and Nik Sindle Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Sound: Neil Churchill Editor: Nick Holland Credits: Silent Witness: ‘Covenant part 2’ (2017) BBC/Cipango Productions Audiovisuelles/Dir. David Drury Better Off Dead (2024); Burning Bright Productions/ BBC/Dir. James Routh Hardtalk – Stephen Sackur interviews Liz Carr Abnormally Funny People, 2005, Edinburgh Fringe show Dirty Dancing (1987) Great American Films Limited Partnership/Vestron Pictures/Dir. Emile Ardolino

Donald Trump calls Susie Wiles the “ice maiden” for her ability to stay cool under pressure. It’s an invaluable skill in her role as White House Chief of Staff - responsible for who has access to the President. Aged 68, Susie Wiles has spent more than 40 years in Republican politics – steering powerful men to elected office. She’s worked for US presidents, governors, mayors and Congress members. But she likes to stay out of the limelight. Most of her experience has been in Florida, where she’s had a string of political success stories. Including big names like Senator Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis – running their campaigns to become governor of the Sunshine State. Back in 2015, Donald Trump was a long shot for President, so he turned to Wiles for help winning Florida. His victory in the state helped him clinch the White House in 2016. As Trump’s campaign manager for the 2024 run, Susie Wiles is widely credited with running what many regard as Trump’s most disciplined and strategic campaign. Susie Wiles grew up in New Jersey. Her father, Pat Summerall, was a professional football player and later a famous sports broadcaster. But, he was an alcoholic and he credits his daughter for helping him overcome his addiction. Stephen Smith talks to friends, colleagues and commentators to find out how events in Susie Wiles’ life have shaped her to become one of President Trump’s most trusted advisors – doing a job widely considered to be one of the most important in Washington. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Bob Howard and Sally Abrahams Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound: David Crackles Editor: Nick HollandCredits: Susie Wiles interview with Lara Trump on Fox News, March 2025 The Apprentice, Episode1, Series 1, 2004 on NBC. Produced by Mark Burnett and Donald Trump CNN Florida Gubernatorial Debate - Ron DeSantis vs Andrew Gillum Oct 21, 2018

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: Maria Ogundele