Profile

Playwright, screenwriter and creator of the hit TV sitcom Derry Girls, about five school friends in 1990s Northern Ireland - getting up to all sorts.

The far-right politician going head-to-head with Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential elections. Mark Coles charts Marine Le Pen's life and political career, which began alongside her father Jean-Marie Le Pen - founder of the far right Front National party. Today she has sought to soften her image by playing down her party's past policies by taking on issues such as the cost of living crisis, as she challenges for the French presidency for a third time. Producers: Sally Abrahams and Diane Richardson.Credits: Marine Le Pen ‘Une Intimate Ambition’ interview with Karine Le Marchand, Channel M6.

Despite being fired by Amazon early in the pandemic, Chris Smalls continued to campaign for better rights and conditions for Amazon employees, setting up the Amazon Labor Union last year.Now the Staten Island warehouse where Chris used to be based has made history, becoming the first Amazon workplace in the United States to vote for union representation, a serious defeat for Amazon which has been fighting against unionisation.Timandra Harkness hears about the man behind this historic vote, speaking to some of the family, friends and team who’ve supported him along the way.Presenter: Timandra Harkness Production team: Sally Abrahams, Diane Richardson and Janet Staples Sound: Rod Farquhar Editor: Damon Rose

Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert has helped millions of people save money through consumer advice and big campaigns on bank charges and mis-sold PPI credit insurance. But now with the cost of living crisis, has he "run out of tools"? He grew up in a Jewish family in Cheshire. He lost his mother in an accident just before his 12th birthday, an event that had a lasting influence on him. He later became a journalist and financial campaigner, motivated by wanting to help others save money. The success of MoneySavingExpert made him a multi-millionaire. But the only thing that's flamboyant about him is his dancing style. He also loves Scrabble, even proposed to his wife over a game of it. He's obsessed with his daily step count, and has been known to hold meetings while on a treadmill. He's said to be the most trusted man in Britain - a heavy responsibility. Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Arlene Gregorius Researcher: Imogen Serwotka Sound: James Beard Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Damon Rose

She made history in the US this week as the first black woman to go through Senate confirmation hearings for an appointment to America’s all powerful Supreme Court.A person of profound faith, Ketanji Brown Jackson poured her soul into her studies. She excelled at Miami Palmetto Senior High School where she was a champion debater, star performer and the president of her class. She graduated from Harvard University where she met her husband Patrick Jackson and formed life-long friendships. From there, she rose up the legal ranks, fast becoming a public defender, Vice Chair of the US Sentencing Commission and finally a Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.Mark Coles profiles the indefatigable Judge on the brink of becoming the 116th Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Diane Richardson Researcher: Imogen Serwotka Production: Coordinator Editor: Damon Rose

One of Britain’s most popular authors, Dame Jacqueline Wilson is famous for stories of sassy children, troubled teens and struggling parents. Her books explore themes including death, divorce and depression. Now, the award-winning writer, who created characters like Tracy Beaker, Hetty Feather and Vicky Angel, has just released a new story - her 114th novel to date, about teenage pregnancy. The novelist lived through a difficult childhood and her own marriage ended in divorce. But, after decades as a writer, she finally hit the big time in her middle age. Now 76, she has a wife, a fandom and a string of TV and stage adaptations under her belt.Mark Coles profiles the former Children's Laureate, who's sold over 40 million books worldwide.Produced by: Sally Abrahams and Ellie House Editor: Damon Rose Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar

She took the defining picture of Putin’s war so far: a family killed by Russian troops as they tried to flee to safety. The US photojournalist, Lynsey Addario, has reported from almost every major conflict in the twenty-first century, and now she is on the ground in Ukraine, documenting suspected war crimes.Lynsey Addario - who reported on the Taliban before most of the western world knew who they were - has borne witness to war, humanitarian disaster and the worst effects of climate change. She has been kidnapped twice, but still keeps returning to conflict zones. Mark Coles profiles the award-winning photographer whose images continue to make the front pages.Credits: Lynsey Addario, talking to CBS Evening News’ Norah O’Donnell Sky News’ Stuart Ramsay and his team being attacked in UkraineProducers: Sally Abrahams and Ellie House Editor: Damon Rose Studio Manager: Neil Churchill

As the Ukraine crisis continues to escalate, NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, finds himself in the thick of it - tasked with preventing a third world war.Norway’s former prime minister gained international renown for his stoic response to the 2011 terror attacks. Described by NATO colleagues as the ‘Trump whisperer’, he is known for being cool, calm and collected under pressure. Does he have what it takes for this latest challenge?Mark Coles profiles the longest serving NATO chief in a generation.Producers: Sally Abrahams and Ellie House Editor: Damon Rose Credits: Professor John J Mearsheimer, courtesy of King's College, Cambridge Politics department ‘No Harm’ by Smerz

He’s gone into business with Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg, but this isn’t Nick Clegg’s first leadership coalition. He was nicknamed Calamity Clegg but now the papers are calling him Master of the Metaverse. The former deputy prime minister has turned his fortunes around from a bashing at the ballot box, to becoming Silicon valley’s latest top dog. Mark Coles profiles the man hired to fight Facebook’s fires.

The defence secretary topping Tory polls has had some strong words to say about Russian activity on the border of Ukraine. Adrian Goldberg profiles the soldier turned politician Ben Wallace.