

Profile
BBC Radio 4
An insight into the character of an influential figure making news headlines
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 2, 2020 • 14min
Kim Yo-jong
Supreme Leader of North Korea had not been seen in public for a number of weeks, setting off a global frenzy regarding his whereabouts and health. Speculation was rife as to who would succeed him.The most likely candidate is his closest confidant. A young woman whose always by his side.Becky Milligan pieces together the mystery of Kim Yo-jong. Politician and sister of Kim Jong-un.Producer Smita Patel
Researcher Darin Graham
Editor Ravin Sampat

Apr 25, 2020 • 14min
Matt Hancock
A look at the life of Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health & Social Care for England. He has been criticised for promises he's made about testing and supply of personal protective equipment for health workers. According to newspaper reports, unnamed Downing Street sources have been suggesting the targets are "arbitrary" and "irrational". Mark Coles talks to friends, family and his mentor - the former Chancellor George Osborne - to find out more about Matt Hancock. An expedtion to the North Pole, a game of cricket on the Arctic ice, a stint as a sports broadcaster - it's not what you might expect.Producer Smita Patel
Editor Ravin Sampat
Researcher Bethan Head

Apr 18, 2020 • 14min
Dame Vera Lynn
Dame Vera Lynn's story is well known. She's regarded by many as one of Britain's national treasures. Dubbed 'the forces sweetheart' during the Second World War, her songs like 'We'll Meet Again' and 'There'll Always Be An England' became synonymous with hope and survival during dark times.
It's rare for us to profile someone so iconic. But courtesy of a mention by the Queen in her recent address to the nation, at 103 years old Vera Lynn is trending again. She even has a number one single on the UK iTunes chart. Mark Coles talks to her family and close friends to find out what she makes of all the attention. And, perhaps more importantly, why - 80 years on - her best known song 'We'll Meet Again' is striking a chord during the coronavirus crisis.Producer Smita Patel
Researcher Bethan Head

Apr 11, 2020 • 14min
Dominic Raab
On Profile this week, we look at the man who has effectively become Britain’s acting Prime Minister.The 46-year-old Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, asked to deputise “where necessary” for Boris Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus.A staunch Brexiteer and a karate black belt, he’s perhaps not the best-known member of the Cabinet.So, who is he and – more importantly - is he up to the job?A former lawyer, Raab has experience in international justice – but his hard-line on Brexit as well as past comments about feminism, welfare and Britain’s work ethic have angered his critics.Mark Coles hears from political colleagues, Westminster journalists – even Dominic Raab’s boxing coach.Producer Smita Patel
Editor Ravin Sampat
Researcher Bethan Head

Apr 4, 2020 • 14min
Dr Anthony Fauci
Anthony Fauci Is a doctor, immunologist and director of the USA’s National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases. He’s also a lead member of the White House coronavirus task force. Mark Coles talks to those who know him well. First broadcast on Saturday 4th April 2020.Producer: Ben Crighton
Researcher: Bethan Head

Mar 28, 2020 • 14min
Hania Rani
On Profile this week - it’s a personal one.In lockdown at home because of the coronavirus, presenter Mark Coles has turned to music to help get him through the past few days…captivated by an album he bought by chance in a London record store a couple of weeks ago. It’s called‘Esja’- the debut album from a little-known 29 year old Polish pianist, Hania Rani.The music is sublime and minimalist…solo acoustic piano inspired in part by the mountains and countryside of Iceland where some of it was recorded.For Mark, it’s become his sanctuary….his headspace - a much needed nightly respite from the cacophony of coronavirus news bulletins and press conferences. But who is the mystery woman behind the music? Producer: Smita Patel Photo of Hania Rani by Kinga Karpati

Mar 21, 2020 • 14min
Andrew Bailey
The Bank of England's new governor started work on Monday amid global turmoil. The world economy is in chaos as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. How will he handle the difficult decisions to come? Edward Stourton profiles Andrew Bailey, from his childhood in Leicester all the way to Threadneedle Street. This is not the first crisis in his long banking career, but it may well be the toughest. Producers: Eleanor Biggs and Rosamund Jones

Mar 14, 2020 • 14min
Professor Chris Whitty
The coronavirus epidemic is a growing crisis for England's chief medical officer. He has faced criticism from journalists, politicians and public health specialists. Mark Coles finds out about the life and career of Professor Chris Whitty. He is a physician, a plague expert and an epidemiologist. But that's just for starters. He has also studied law, economics and business. But how will he cope with a role in the bright political spotlight?
First broadcast on Saturday 14th March 2020.
Producers: Ruth Alexander and Eleanor Biggs.

Mar 7, 2020 • 14min
Priti Patel
The Home Secretary Priti Patel has been accused of bullying civil servants.The Cabinet Office is investigating several allegations about Ms Patel's behaviour, all of which she denies.Sir Philip Rutnam, the Home Office's most senior official, resigned on 29 February, alleging Ms Patel's conduct towards staff included "swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands". Since then, similar allegations have emerged from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for International Development.Mark Coles delves into the life and times of the ambitious daughter of Indian newsagents, who wants to follow in the footsteps of Margaret Thatcher.Producer: Ruth Alexander

Feb 29, 2020 • 14min
David Frost
The UK’s chief Brexit negotiator is hardly a household name and until very recently this former diplomat had no public profile at all.
Now David Frost has arguably one of the most challenging jobs in British politics. How has he made it to the top?Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Eleanor Biggs, Kate Lamble, Olga Smirnova, and Phoebe Keane