Profile

Mother, widow... and now the face of Russian opposition? Yulia Navalnaya has risen to the spotlight in recent weeks following her husband's death in a Siberian prison. The wife of Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, has until now remained in the background. Navalnaya chose to focus on bringing up their children, supporting his political work from behind the scenes. When her husband was poisoned in 2020, she fought the authorities to release him to a German hospital for treatment. Navalny said she saved his life.Now, Yulia Navalnaya has taken on the role of the defiant widow in their tragic love story. Making speeches to the European Parliament, meeting with world leaders, and launching her social media profile, Navalnaya has vowed to continue the work of her late husband. Who is the woman taking on Putin?Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ellie House and Madeleine Drury Studio Manager: Hal Haines Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck Editor: Damon Rose

Frank Auerbach was sent to Britain from Nazi Germany by his parents at the age of 8. Growing up in a Quaker boarding school in Kent, he developed his artistic talents - later to be inspired by the landscapes of war-torn London in the Blitz. Worrying about how he would afford paint for much of his career, an Auerbach piece now commands a price tag in the millions. He has developed a reputation as a recluse - rarely giving interviews, or even attending his own exhibitions. Now, his wartime art 'The Charcoal Heads' is on display in London. Who is the 92-year-old artist still working seven days a week? Stephen Smith gets beneath the paint layers to learn more about one of our greatest living artists. CONTRIBUTORS Dale Berning Sawa, Journalist and Commissioning Editor William Feaver, Art Critic, Author Catherine Lampert, Curator and Art Historian Barnaby Wright, Deputy Head, The Courtauld Gallery PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Ellie House and Julie Ball Studio Manager: Neil Churchill Edito

Timpson - best known for its key cutting and shoe repair services - has become a household name, with over 1000 stores on town high streets and in local supermarkets. But its current CEO, James Timpson, is probably better known for his pioneering work on prison employment. After being impressed by a prisoner in 2002, and offering him a job on release, James Timpson has worked to develop employment schemes for ex-offenders and campaigns for prison reform. Now, ten percent of the Timpson workforce is made up of ex-offenders. He has recently published a new book on his unusual approach to business: 'The Happy Index: Lessons in Upside-Down Management'. With a passion for dance music and old cars, who is this businessman turned philanthropist? Presenter: Timandra Harkness Producers: Ellie House and Diane Richardson Studio Manager: Rod Farquhar Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Editors: Richard Vadon and Matt Willis

With power sharing in Northern Ireland restored after a two year hiatus, the DUP's Emma Little-Pengelly has landed herself a top job - Deputy First Minister. It’s the first time a unionist has been in the role. Hailing from a border town in Northern Ireland, County Armagh, she grew up during the Troubles. Her house was damaged in a bomb attack. Having held several positions in Stormont and Westminster, Little-Pengelly has now taken up her new role opposite Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill. Co-opted to the position, rather than elected, she is facing new scrutiny in Northern Ireland. Who is the trained barrister turned DUP rising star?Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ellie House and Madeleine Drury Editor: Richard Vadon Studio Manager: James Beard

General Sir Patrick Sanders has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, rising through the ranks from Infantry Officer to Head of the Army. It's not a position he expected to reach and says "my first sergeant would never have seen this coming".He's spoken candidly about experiencing depression following a tour in Iraq, having lost a number of his own infantry regiment, encouraging others to seek help.Most recently General Sanders has ignited debate about the size of the army, suggesting that the "pre-war generation" should be prepared for the possibility of a potential land war, stating "Ukraine brutally illustrates that regular armies start wars; citizen armies win them."As he prepares to leave the post of Chief of the General Staff (CGS), Mark Coles looks at the life and career of General Sir Patrick Sanders, speaking to some of the family, friends and colleagues who know him best.Credits The Benedictine Monks of Worth Abbey Centre For Army Leadership Podcast British Army Time to

He’s led Liverpool Football Club to countless victories and is adored by fans for his touchline antics. As he announces his departure from Liverpool FC after nine years, Timandra Harkness looks at the life of Jurgen Klopp, from his childhood in the Black Forest to the young player who could run like the wind, before hanging up his boots to become a coach.Presenter: Timandra Harkness and Becky Milligan Production: Ellie House, Phoebe Keane, Diane Richardson Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele Editor: Richard Vadon

Stephen Smith looks at the life of the newly appointed French prime minister. The child of film producers, at one stage it looked like he was bound for a career in entertainment.Instead, Gabriel Attal has become the youngest PM in modern French history and he hopes to revive President Macron's government. One of his first tasks will be to lead the French government into the European Parliament elections in June.Contributors Marisol Touraine, former French Minister of Health, chair of Unitaid. Mireille Clapot, National Assembly member for Drôme. Philippe Marliere, Professor of French and European Politics, University College London. Dominic Gould, Actor. Sophie Pedder, Paris Bureau Chief, the Economist.Credits France 24 TF1, France. La Belle Personne, directed by Christophe Honoré Institut National de l'AudiovisuelPresenter: Stephen Smith Production: Daniel Gordon, Leontine Gallois, Diane Richardson Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Andrew Fell Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele, Katie Morrison, and Janet

The ‘New Adult’ romance author topping book charts, and breaking records - she’s even outsold the Bible. Who is Colleen Hoover? The small-town Texan turned hit novelist is a TikTok sensation. Young women film themselves sobbing as they read her books, and queue for hours to meet her. Her meteoric rise to fame, from a small trailer on the family farm, reads like one of her stories. And now, her hit novel - ‘It Ends With Us’ - is set to hit the silver screen.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ellie House and Diane Richardson Editor: Richard Vadon Studio Manager: Neil Churchill Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele, Katie Morrison, and Janet Staples

Reform UK - formerly known as 'The Brexit Party' - has hit 10% in polls for the first time. And its leader, Richard Tice, is gearing up to contest the next general election. In a press conference this week, he vowed that Reform UK candidates would stand in every seat in England, Wales, and Scotland - posing a threat to Conservative candidates across the country. Dubbed a "bad boy of Brexit", who is the businessman turned politician leading this charge from the right? Presenter: Paul Connolly Producers: Ellie House, Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Editor: Richard Vadon Studio Manager: James Beard Production Coordinator: Janet Staples

Sir Mufti Hamid Patel, chief executive of education trust, Star Academies, which runs schools often in deprived areas, many of which have achieved outstanding results. Sir Mufti Hamid Patel left school in Blackburn at 16, without himself excelling academically. Having worked in local government in Blackburn, he then ran a Muslim girls school before starting Star Academies. The trust has grown to include 34 primary and secondary schools mainly in northern England, the Midlands and East London. New government ways of monitoring progress, show almost half the top twenty achieving schools in the country are run by Star. PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Bob Howard Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Polly Neate. CEO of the housing and homelessness charity Shelter. Recently rescued in a dramatic cliff top drama, Neate was determined to fight social injustice from an early age. She started life as a journalist and then worked for the charities Action for Children and Women's Aid before taking the top job at Shelter. Her climbing injury has left her on crutches but she continues her professional work campaigning to help the homeless and is still determined to carry on climbing. PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Bob Howard Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Graham Puddifoot Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Tucker Carlson, the American conservative political commentator and newscaster.He was born in California and from the age of six was brought up by his father after his mother left the family home. Tucker Carlson followed in his father's footsteps when he left college and took up a career in journalism. He's worked for CNN, MSNBC and Fox News from which he was 'let go' in April this year. As he launches his own streaming website 'Tucker Carlson Network', Stephen Smith finds out about the man who has been described as one of the most influential people in American media in recent years. CONTRIBUTORS Neil Patel, Co-founder and CEO of Tucker Carlson Network Chadwick Moore , Journalist and Author of 'Tucker' a biography of Tucker Carlson Alex Shephard, Senior Editor, 'The New Republic' Heather Hendershot, Professor of Communications and Journalism, Northwestern UniversityPRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundel

Olivia Colman, Oscar winning actress. Stephen Smith charts her career from an appearance at the age of 4 in a school nativity play, through to her current project as Mrs. Scrubbit in the new 'Wonka' film. Olivia Colman first came to public attention as a comedy actress in 'That Mitchell and Webb Look' and then 'Peep Show' but she always felt she could do more. It was being cast in the British film 'Tyrannosaur' that brought her to the attention of Hollywood. Now she's on her way to National Treasure status with the likes of Dame Judi Dench and Dame Helen Mirren. CONTRIBUTORS Paterson Joseph, Actor, Producer, Writer. Screen Credits, Boat Story, Vigil Paul Hands, Former Director of Drama, Gresham's School Anna Smith, Film Critic, Broadcaster and host of 'Girls on Film' podcast Catherine Shoard, Film Critic, The GuardianPRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleCREDITS Peep Show, Channel 4 Wonka, Warner Bros

It is only a year since the controversial AI chatbot, ChatGPT was launched by Open AI, the company founded by this week's profilee, Sam Altman. For him the past year may have felt like a roller coaster but surely nothing compares with the last two weeks. Over the course of a week, he lost his job at Open AI and was immediately offered a job by Microsoft who'd invested heavily in the business. Next, Open AI employees threatened to resign in solidarity with their founder if he was not reinstated. The board had no choice but to take him back. Sam Altman is now back as CEO of Open AI, and those who ousted him are no longer on the board. But who is this relatively young tech entrepreneur who founded an AI company with Elon Musk and ran one of the most successful tech incubators in Silicon Valley? Timandra Harkness finds out. CONTRIBUTORS Andy Abbott, Head of School, John Burroughs School, St. Louis, Missouri Elizabeth Weil, journalist, New York magazine Mike Isaacs, Tech reporter, New York Times Madhumita Murgi

The new President of Argentina, Javier Milei swept into power winning fifty-five percent of the popular vote. He's threatened to take a chainsaw to the economy, replace the peso with the dollar and blow up the Central Bank. With looks more reminiscent of a seventies rock star, will this unconventional economist be able to solve the hyperinflation that is crippling Argentina's economy once more. Or will his lack of experience and support in government cause this self-professed anarcho-capitalist to have to change tack?CONTRIBUTORS Juan Luis González, author, El Loco. Lilia Lemoine, Vice president of the Libertarian Party in Argentina. Ana Lankes, Latin America Correspondent, The Economist. Ezequiel Gonzalez-Ocantos, Professor of Comparative and Judicial Politics, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford.PRPDUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Editor: Bridget Harney Sound Engineer: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Born and raised in south east London, James Cleverly once dreamed of being an artist, then opted for an army career. But never expected to become a politician. Yet now, after swiftly climbing the cabinet ladder, the high-flying statesman has made the step up from Foreign Secretary to Home Secretary. But with a bulging in-tray - including the government's troubled plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda - can he rise to the challenge? Charismatic, convivial and sometimes cautious, does James Cleverly have the skills needed for the job? Paul Connolly talks to friends and colleagues about Cleverly's fast political ascent, his ability to stay the course and his passion for spicy food. Presenter: Paul Connolly Producers: Sally Abrahams, Kirsteen Knight, Julie Ball Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: James Beard Editor: Bridget Harney

As President Biden's top diplomat, Antony Blinken is in the eye of the storm as the conflict rages in Israel and Gaza. The US Secretary of State has been preparing for this role his whole life. But has he got what it takes? After a gilded upbringing - living in New York and Paris, an Ivy League education and a passion for music - he reluctantly turned his back on rock and roll to pursue a career at the top of politics, becoming a confidante of three US presidents. Stephen Smith talks to friends and colleagues to find out more about the man whose father was an ambassador and whose stepfather survived Auschwitz. PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Sally Abrahams, Natasha Fernandes, Kirsteen Knight Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Janet Staples, Rosie Strawbridge, Gemma Ashman Sound Engineer: James Beard Editor: Bridget HarneyCREDITS Without Ya, Ablinken (Spotify)

The US pop superstar, Taylor Swift, who's just become a billionaire entirely through music. Recent success includes a new re-recorded album, her live tour and accompanying film.

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

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