Profile

One of Britain's most popular comedians, Sir Lenny Henry, has spent nearly 50 years in show business. His new TV drama series 'Three Little Birds' is inspired by his mother's generation, who came to Britain from the Caribbean to make a new start in post-Windrush Britain. Timandra Harkness charts his life from impersonator and stand-up comedian, to Shakespearean actor, scriptwriter and campaigner for diversity in the media. She discovers how his talent as an entertainer was first discovered as a teenager on the disco floor in Dudley, in the West Midlands. Timandra talks to family, friends and colleagues to find out what drives Sir Lenny to keep trying new things.Presenter: Timandra Harkness Producer: Sally Abrahams and Natasha Fernandes Sound: James Beard Editor: Simon WattsArchive credits: Three Little Birds ITV - Douglas Road and Tiger Aspect Productions under Banijay UK Graham Norton Show New Faces - Associated Television (1973-1978), ITV Central (1986-1988) BBC Seaside Special BBC Comic Relief 1988 Northern Broadsides Othello on Radio 4 BAFTAs Guru 2014 Speech

After helping to secure strong results for opposition parties in Poland’s most recent election, former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk looks highly likely to return to his country’s top job.Best known in the UK as a former President of the European Council, Donald Tusk is a political survivor, forged in the struggle and resistance against communist-era Poland in the 1980s, but who then went on to scale political heights at home and abroad again and again. So how did this son of Gdansk and self-confessed former football hooligan become one of Europe’s most enduring politicians? Paul Connolly speaks to those who watched his ascent first hand.Presenter: Paul Connolly Producer: Natasha Fernandes Assistant Producer: Nathan Gower Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: James BeardArchive: Speech by Donald Tusk as President of the European Council, 14th October 2016 Interview with Donald Tusk on the website of the European Council Speech by Donald Tusk as President of the European Council, 6th February 2019

Adam Kay is a Bafta-winning TV writer, author and comedian who previously worked as a hospital doctor. He's famous for using his medical experiences to highlight the pressures of working in the NHS. He recently spoke out in support of junior doctors and hospital consultants who've been demanding better rates of pay. Despite give up a career in medicine in 2010, celebrity friends occasionally ring him up seeking medical advice.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Nick Holland and Natasha Fernandes Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

The Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer is hoping to become the UK's next prime minister. He first won his seat in Parliament in 2015 after a successful career working as a human rights lawyer and then being appointed the UK's Director of Public Prosecutions. He was previously rumoured to be the inspiration for the handsome but stuffy character Mark Darcy, a lawyer and love interest in the novel Bridget Jones's Diary, written by Helen Fielding. The author has denied the link, however interest in Mr Starmer has started to grow as polls suggest he could get the keys to 10 Downing Street. Steve Smith travels through the 'Starmersphere' speaking to friends, colleagues and critics finding out who he is and what he stands for.Presenter: Steve Smith Producers: Nick Holland and Natasha Fernandes Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

Lachlan Murdoch, incoming chairman of Fox and News Corp, is explored in this podcast. It delves into his upbringing, early involvement in the media industry, successes in Australia, challenges faced, defamation cases, settlement, and the succession process.

Miriam Margolyes is at the peak of her career, even though she's been acting on our screens for decades. Her career started in the 1960 but despite playing many roles on stage, TV and film she is more famous now than ever before. She's in demand not only for her acting talents and presenting documentaries, but also as a sofa guest on chat shows. Her potty mouth, refreshing honesty and shocking stories have won her many laughs and new fans. However, her language isn't for everyone and there have been times, particularly in live broadcasting, when it's got her into trouble. Is who we see and hear on screen and radio the real Miriam Margolyes? Mark Coles looks back at her life and career.Presenter: MR MARK COLES Producer: Nick Holland Researcher: Ellie House and Diane Richardson Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Editor: Richard Vadon

Davina McCall is regularly referred to as the queen of reality TV and has been a familiar face on our screens for decades. From the unpredictable dating show Streetmate, to the iconic Big Brother and now her latest show Your Mum, My Dad, which features middle-aged singles looking for a second chance at love. She’s been open about overcoming addiction, taking drugs with her mum and surviving an overdose in her twenties. Now, with a long list of presenting credits under her belt, she’s turned to making documentaries raising awareness about the symptoms of the menopause and looking at contraception in the UK.Mark Coles looks at the life and career of the fitness fanatic who has even starred in a Kylie Minogue music video.Credits: My Mum, Your Dad, ITV. Big Brother, Channel 4. God’s Gift, ITV. Streetmate, Channel 4. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven BartlettPresenter: Mark Coles Production: Alix Pickles, Diane Richardson, Phoebe Keane Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon

The recently appointed defence secretary Grant Shapps is no stranger to getting his teeth into a new job, it’s his fifth cabinet role in less than a year. He's widely seen as a safe pair of hands and an effective communicator but has received criticism over his latest appointment because of his lack of military experience. A married father of three and a cousin of The Clash guitarist Mick Jones, he survived a car crash at the age of 20, which put him in a coma for a week, and also made a full recovery after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Mark Coles looks at the life and career of the cabinet veteran who is a spreadsheet whizz, enthusiastic TikToker and licensed pilot. Presenter: Mark Coles Production: Alix Pickles, Diane Richardson Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon

Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister, but his government’s plans for judicial reform have triggered one of the most serious crises of his political career.Timandra Harkness looks at the life of the man who has won six elections and who is known to his supporters as 'King Bibi'.Credits:The Hoover Institution: “Bibi: My Story,” Benjamin Netanyahu On His Life And Times The 92nd Street Y: Benjamin Netanyahu and David Rubenstein in ConversationPresenter: Timandra Harkness Production: Sally Abrahams, Diane Richardson, Alix Pickles Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: James Beard Editor: Damon Rose

The multi-millionaire climate campaigner and Just Stop Oil donor Dale Vince, made his fortune in green energy. He started generating his own power with a homemade windmill before setting up green energy provider, Ecotricity in the 1990s. He’s since commissioned a record-breaking electric car and added a football club and lab-grown diamonds to his sustainable businesses.Mark Coles looks at the life of the eco-entrepreneur who says that the disruption caused by Just Stop Oil protesters is nothing compared to the havoc caused by climate change. Presenter: Mark Coles Production: Sally Abrahams, Diane Richardson, Alix Pickles Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Richard Vadon