Profile

Cycling hero Bradley Wiggins was accused by MPs this week of "crossing an ethical line" by taking medication that could have enhanced his race performance. Rising from a rocky start to become Great Britain's most decorated Olympian, Wiggins has lived a fascinating life including murder, mods and music. Can his reputation survive this? Presented by Mark ColesProduced by Jordan Dunbar and Beth Sagar-Fenton.

As the United Nations' Special Envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura is said to have one of the toughest jobs in the world. Edward Stourton talks to the people who know him best to find out what drives him and how he is navigating one of the most complex conflicts in recent history. Born in Stockholm to a Swedish mother and an Italian father, de Mistura went to primary school on the island of Capri, where he was taught by Catholic nuns who instilled in him a strong faith and a desire to help other people. Growing up in a privileged and aristocratic family, he went on to attend a prestigious Catholic secondary school in Rome, where friends say he knew from an early age that he wanted to work for the United Nations. His diplomatic career includes stints in some of the world's trickiest war zones - from Sudan to Kosovo, Iraq to Afghanistan, and now Syria. He has a distinctive sense of style and is known for his charm and love of the finer things of life. We also hear about the 'linguistic acrobatics' and the wry sense of humour that have helped him survive in hostile situations. Producer: Arlene Gregorius.

Black Panther star Daniel Kaluuya has already won BAFTA's Rising Star award and now he's been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar. The 28-year-old Londoner is up against acting giants Daniel Day-Lewis, Gary Oldman and Denzel Washington, having been shortlisted for his role in the satirical horror movie Get Out. Raised by his Ugandan mother, who remains an inspiration, Kaluuya grew up on a council estate in North London. He first came to public attention as a teenager, when he wrote and performed in the hit television series, Skins. But he's been acting and writing from an early age, having won a play-writing competition when he was nine and impressed talent spotters when he was still at school. Mark Coles talks to those who recognised and nurtured the young Kaluuya's talents, including his A level drama teacher Jo Fenton, the co-creator of Skins Bryan Elsley, playwright Roy Williams and the director of his forthcoming film Widows, Steve McQueen. Producer: Arlene Gregorius.

Becky Milligan looks back at the extraordinary life of South Africa's new president. From humble beginnings, he became a lawyer, established the country's most powerful trade union organisation and was a key player in negotiating the end of apartheid. After losing out at an earlier attempt to become president, he turned to business and rapidly became one of South Africa's richest men - while also attracting controversy over allegations about his role during the Marikana massacre of striking miners. As he takes power, what really makes him tick?Producer: Smita Patel Researcher: Darin Graham Editor Hugh Levinson.

He's been called the government's "real Mr Brexit", but is little known outside Whitehall. Mark Coles asks who is Oliver Robbins, the Prime Minister's right hand man for the Brexit negotiations? In the last few months Robbins' role has grown, taking the lead on negotiations with Brussels often without the Brexit Secretary, David Davis. This has led some to question whether a senior civil servant should be given so much power.He had a meteoric rise, becoming Tony Blair's Principal Private Secretary, the most senior civil servant at Number 10, aged only 31. He is almost universally admired by those who've come across him for being able to distil huge amounts of information quickly, keeping calm under pressure, and having a sense of humour. He is popular in Brussels, where his interlocutors appreciate that he is straight with them, and that he "doesn't lie". The consummate mandarin and public servant, not even long-term friends know where he actually stands on politics or Brexit. And he's managed to keep a low profile, despite his role. Producer: Arlene Gregorius.

This week the Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced that Sara Khan will lead the newly created Commission for Countering Extremism - an appointment which was not welcomed with blanket approval, with some sections of the Muslim community calling on her to quit. Sara Khan is the co-founder of Inspire - a counter-extremism and human rights organisation engaging with Muslim women, which has also engaged with the government's Prevent scheme. The counter-extremism programme has proved controversial, with critics claiming it unfairly 'spies' on the Muslim community - but Sara Khan has been a vocal supporter, saying it is vital tool in tackling terrorism at its root. This has put her at odds with some British Muslim organisations, and has also led to vicious online abuse and accusations that she is a 'house Muslim' and a government stooge. This criticism has re-emerged in light of her new appointment, with questions about her experience and whether she really qualifies for the role.Becky Milligan charts Sara Khan's life growing up in Bradford, speaking to old friends who worked alongside her in her early advocacy work as a leader in a prominent British Muslim youth group and charts the road which has taken her to a prominent role in central government.

The remarkable story of George Weah, footballing legend turned politician, on his journey from the slums of Monrovia to inauguration this week as president of Liberia. Spotted by Arsene Wenger at a young age, Weah became a star striker in the '90s for Paris St Germain, AC Milan and Chelsea. In 1995 he won the Ballon d'Or as the world's best player, the only African ever to win the honour. Back home, Weah became an inspiration to a generation of Liberians. When he retired from football, he returned to a country devastated by two civil wars and the outbreak of Ebola, with the aim of becoming president. Two decades and two attempts later he has made it. But has he got the experience to succeed in government? Edward Stourton talks to his cousin, Arsenal legend Chris Wreh, along with friends and colleagues about his extraordinary determination and asks whether he can meet the expectations of a generation. Producer: Ben Carter Researcher: Siobhan O'Connell.

Earlier this week Jon Lansman, founder and leader of left-wing political group Momentum, was elected to the Labour Party's National Executive Committee.A 60-year-old veteran of the hard left, Lansman has been credited with helping get Jeremy Corbyn elected as Labour leader and to successfully rallying thousands of activists behind the Momentum movement. But his critics say he can be a dogmatic, even bullying, leader, quick to crush dissent.On this week's 'Profile', Mark Coles speaks to relatives, friends, colleagues and analysts about Lansman's triumphs and tragedies.Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon.

Following her barn-storming speech about sexual harassment at the Golden Globe awards, Mark Coles charts the rise of talk show host, philanthropist, media proprietor and actress Oprah Winfrey.With calls urging Winfrey to run for President, close friends and former colleagues recount their favourite moments with her on-set and at home. We learn about the woman behind the screen and her remarkable tale of rags to riches, from clothes made out of potato sacks to one of the richest black women in the world. Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon.

It's been a tumultuous week in Iran.Thousands of protestors in more than twenty towns and cities taking to the streets to demand economic and political change. On the programme this week, we update a profile we did of Hassan Rouhani when he first became President of Iran back in 2013. Regarded as more liberal than some of his predecessors - and now in his second term as President - he faces the unenviable task of trying to balance the demands of the Iranian people who want better living conditions with the religious establishment which still wields ultimate power. Meanwhile, lurking in the wings, is US President Donald Trump - threatening to tear up a 2015 deal that waived sanctions in return for Iran reigning in its nuclear programme. Mark Coles hears from Iranian journalists, political analysts and some of the President's former colleagues as we get to grips with where he's come from and what his future may be. Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon.