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After suffering a fall that has left him paralysed, the playwright, screenwriter and author has begun sharing his thoughts with the world from his hospital bed.Born in suburban Bromley to an English mother and a Pakistani father, Hanif Kureishi turned to the arts to escape his everyday surroundings growing up. He became one of the most celebrated writers of his generation.Mark Coles hears from Kureishi's friends, family and old colleagues, as he explores the life and career of the man whose works include The Buddha of Suburbia and My Beautiful Laundrette.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ben Cooper and Diane Richardson Editor: Simon Watts Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

As the threat of teacher strikes looms over schools in England, Mark Coles looks at the life and career of Education secretary and Conservative MP for Chichester, Gillian Keegan.Friends and colleagues reveal how coming of age in Liverpool during the 1980s shaped her political views, leading her to a successful international career in business before entering politics.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ben Cooper and Diane Richardson Editor: Simon Watts Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Helena Warwick-Cross Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

Paul Nowak has taken up his post as General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress at a time when workers across multiple sectors are striking for better pay deals to help with the cost-of-living crisis. It's the worst period of industrial unrest since the 1980s.Nowak, who's from Merseyside, has spent his entire adult life fighting for workers' rights. How will the TUC negotiate with a government which says pay rises are unaffordable and inflationary, and which now plans to tighten the rules on strike action?Adrian Goldberg investigates Paul Nowak's life - which includes a career off the picket line as an amateur musician. Presenter: Adrian Goldberg Producers: Ben Cooper and Diane Richardson Editor: Simon Watts Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Helena Warwick-Cross Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar

It's hard to remember that the actor who plays straight-talking cop Catherine Cawood in crime drama Happy Valley, set to return on New Year's Day, was once ditzy barmaid Raquel in Coronation Street.From musicals to soaps to hit drama series, Sarah Lancashire has had a long and varied career on her way to becoming one of the Britain's best loved actors. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Lucy Proctor and Matt Toulson Editor: Simon Watts Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Helena Warwick-Cross Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar

People across the country will be turning to TV chefs this week to help plan the festivities - and, arguably, nobody does Christmas better than Nigella.Mark Coles takes a look at the life of Nigella Lawson, the daughter of a famous Chancellor of the Exchequer who became the Queen of Christmas cooking.Friends recall their favourite memories, many of them culinary. And journalist Gilly Smith, author of Taste and the TV Chef, explains why Nigella has become a global food star.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Lucy Proctor and Matt Toulson Editor: Simon Watts Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Helena Warwick-Cross Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar

As nurses strike and the Health Service faces winter pressures, Mark Coles looks at the life and career of Shadow Health Secretary and Labour MP for Ilford North, Wes Streeting.Friend and colleagues reveal how childhood poverty and a cancer diagnosis have shaped the views and aspirations of the man tipped to be a future leader of the Labour party.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ben Cooper and Diane Richardson Editor: Simon Watts Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Helena Warwick-Cross Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar

Oliver Dowden, the MP for Hertsmere, has worked closely with four Prime Ministers, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and now Rishi Sunak, one of his best friends in parliament. He's made his mark quietly, mainly behind the scenes - but as Culture Secretary during the pandemic, he managed to secure extra funding to support the arts. As Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, some might argue Oliver Dowden is now the second most powerful person in government. He's been given the key job of organising the government response to the current wave of strike action.Away from work, Dowden is a patriot, a monarchist and a man who enjoys pub lunches and walks in the countryside with his family and pet dog, Betsy. Adrian Goldberg speaks to friends and colleagues who give us an insight into a man whose nicknames run from Olive to The Undertaker. ContributorsGeorge Osborne, Chair, British Museum; Former Chancellor of the Exchequer. Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and The Deepings. Annabelle Dickson, Politic

Olena Zelenska delivered a moving speech to MPs and peers recently, describing the terror of air raids, evoking memories of World War II and calling for further military support for her country.The Ukrainian first lady has also addressed the US Congress and appeared on the cover of Vogue but stepping into the limelight has not been easy for the comedy writer, who is more comfortable behind the camera.Adrian Goldberg profiles Olena Zelenska, speaking to some of the friends and colleagues who know her best. Contributors Irina Pikalova, 'Kvartal 95' executive producer. Stylist Natalya Kamenska. Rachel Donadio, Journalist, Vogue. Iuliia Mendel, Author The Fight of Our Lives. Ukrainian Chef, Levgen Klopotenko.Presenter: Adrian Goldberg Producers: Diane Richardson and Natasha Fernandes Production Co-ordinators: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Editor: Simon Watts Studio Engineer: Rod Farquhar

Stand-up comic, broadcaster and LGBT rights activist, Joe Lycett, appeared to shred £10,000 of his own hard-earned comedy cash in protest at footballer David Beckham’s refusal to step down as an ambassador for the Qatar World Cup - a country where homosexuality is banned.He didn't really do it - but it's the latest in a series of stunts that have become the comedian's calling card.Friends, relatives and colleagues reveal how Joe Lycett went from drama-loving schoolboy to 'Esther Rantzen in a sparkly jumpsuit'.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Lucy Proctor and Diane Richardson Production Co-ordinators: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Editor: Simon Watts Studio Engineer: Rod Farquhar

Wales are heading to their first football World Cup since 1958. Their captain is Gareth Bale, who was once the most expensive footballer in the world. Born in Cardiff in 1989, Gareth was first spotted at the age of nine by Southampton. He become their second-youngest player of all time when he broke into the first-team aged 16, and enjoyed two seasons with the south coast club before moving to the Premier League with Tottenham.It was in North London that Bale announced himself on the European stage, eventually securing a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid for a then world record fee. After nearly a decade in Spain, where he won some of football's biggest prizes, he surprised many by moving to the MLS to play for Los Angeles FC earlier this year.Gareth Bale's meteoric rise also coincided with a renaissance of the Welsh national team's fortunes - they'd regularly struggled to qualify for major tournaments in the decades before he broke onto the scene. With their World Cup campaign kicking off against the USA on

This week the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) announced its first ever nationwide strike. Pat Cullen, the RCN's General Secretary and Chief Executive, will lead them into industrial action which is expected to start in December.Born in Northern Ireland, Pat Cullen was inspired by her older sisters to train as a nurse during the Troubles. After roles at Northern Ireland's Department of Health, and Public Health Agency, Cullen joined the RCN's Northern Ireland branch in 2016. Three years later, she led the union's first-ever strike, seeking pay parity for Northern Irish nurses with those working elsewhere in the United Kingdom.Since 2021, Pat Cullen has been the interim leader of the RCN at national level. Drawing on her experiences in Northern Ireland, she's now campaigning for better wages and conditions for nurses across the UK.Timandra Harkness takes a look at Pat Cullen's life and career.Producer: Ben Cooper Researcher: Matt Toulson Production Co-ordinators: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Editor:

Since entering Parliament in 2017, the MP for Saffron Walden has rapidly risen through the ranks to a seat at the Cabinet table as Trade Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities.Kemi Badenoch surprised some in Westminster when she reached the fourth round of the Conservative leadership election this summer. Her forthright views on British colonialism and trans issues have won her admirers on the political right, but also been heavily criticised by LGBTQ campaigners.So who is Kemi Badenoch? How has her childhood in Nigeria influenced her political outlook? And how does she like to unwind? Mark Coles investigates.Researcher: Alice Struthers Producers: Ben Cooper and Matt Toulson Production Co-ordinators: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Sound engineer: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Simon Watts

This month, the multi-award-winning violinist has started work as the first Scottish and first female director of the Edinburgh Festival since it began in 1947. Nicola Benedetti's passion for culture also extends well beyond performing; she's used her high profile to advocate for the importance of the arts in education. Mark Coles charts Nicola Benedetti's journey from first picking up the violin at age four to overseeing one of the world’s biggest annual cultural events.Researchers: Matt Toulson and Alice Struthers Producers: Ben Cooper and Bob Howard Production Co-ordinators: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Simon Watts

The chancellor, Surrey-based entrepreneur and protege of David Cameron. He served as Foreign and Health Secretary while twice challenging - unsuccessfully - for the Conservative Party leadership. In just a few days he tore up most of the prime minister's economic policy. Now he has to try and restore the government's credibility with the markets while attempting to deal with the impact of the cost of living crisis. With Timandra Harkness. Produced by Bob HowardResearchers: Alice Struthers, Ellie House, Matt Toulson Production Co-ordinators: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Sound engineer: James Beard Editor: Bridget Harney

Erling Haaland is a phenomenon. Since arriving in the summer, Manchester City's Norwegian star striker has lit up the Premier League after scoring 20 goals in 13 games. Born in Leeds to a footballing father and an athlete mother, he grew up in a small Norwegian town before moving to Austria and then Germany to further his career. While some foreign footballers have struggled to adapt to English football, Haaland has taken to it like a duck to water. With Mark Coles. Produced by Bob Howard.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, commonly known as Lula, was born into poverty in Brazil in 1945. Coming to prominence as a union leader, he failed to become president on three previous occasions before finally succeeding in 2002. He helped reduce social inequality in the country over two terms but after leaving office he became mired in a corruption scandal and was jailed for 18 months. Now he is facing a run off vote for the Brazilian presidency against incumbent Jair Bolsonaro later this month. How did Lula rise to become such a significant politician and can he repeat his electoral success of 20 years ago? With Mark Coles. Produced by Bob Howard.Researchers: Octavia Woodward & Matt Toulson Production Co-ordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Editor: Richard Vadon Sound engineer: James Beard

Downing Street's new Chief of Staff, Mark Fullbrook, is not a stranger to politics. He's been the "backroom boy" behind many political campaigns around the world, including Boris Johnson's successful Mayor of London campaigns and President George Bush’s unsuccessful re-election bid in 1992. But, until now, Mark Fullbrook has kept his names out of the headlines.That changed when it was reported that Fullbrook had been questioned as a witness in an FBI inquiry into alleged electoral bribery in Puerto Rico. Then, this week, he became headline news when it was revealed his Downing Street salary was being paid through his own lobbying firm. The publicity comes at a bad time for Prime Minister Liz Truss who is facing economic turmoil following the Chancellor's mini-budget.So, who is Mark Fullbrook and why do we know so little about him? Mark Coles looks at the life of an influential, yet unheard-of, political figure.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Diane Richardson and Matt Toulson Production Co-ordinator: Helena W

As Italians go to the polls it's Giorgia Meloni's right-wing party, Brothers of Italy, that's tipped to lead a centre-right coalition. But what is it about her that appeals so much to her voters?Meloni was born in a working-class neighbourhood of Rome, and got into politics aged 15. She rose through the ranks of her local far-right party, often being sent into schools to counteract left-wing activism.She made history in 2008 when she was appointed Youth Minister by then prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, becoming Italy's youngest ever minister.Four years later, aged 35, she split from Berlusconi and started her own political party, the Brothers of Italy, where she has been President since 2014.In recent years, Fratelli d'Italia has boosted its appeal and looks set to become the largest party. But with Italy's fast turnover of prime ministers, can Giorgia Meloni stay the course and deliver what Italy wants?CREDITS AP Archive, Fratelli d'Italia rally, Oct 2019.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Sally Abrahams, Di

The new Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, faces big challenges in his first week in office. The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will be at the top of his agenda, but also improving the reputation of the force.The Met was heavily criticised following the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving policeman and the sharing of racist and sexist group chat messages by officers at Charing Cross police station. Public trust in the force was strained even further last week when an unarmed black man, Chris Kaba, was fatally shot in Streatham.Born in Birmingham, Mark Rowley attended Handsworth Grammar School before studying mathematics at Cambridge. After university he joined the West Midlands Police force, rising through the ranks to become the Head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, overseeing the response to the terrorist attacks in 2017. He retired from the Met in 2018, and co-authored a crime thriller.Now Sir Mark Rowley aims to restore public confidence in the force. So, what kind of leader will he

Described as “incredibly bright, borderline eccentric and very Thatcherite”, Kwasi Kwarteng has been MP for Spelthorne in Surrey, since 2010. Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Kwasi Kwarteng excelled academically – he was an Eton scholar, got a double first from Cambridge University and a scholarship to Harvard. He’s worked as a newspaper columnist, a financial analyst and has written several books on history and politics.Kwasi Kwarteng is a long-time friend and close political ally of the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, who’s just promoted him to the top post in the Treasury. At a time of high inflation, rising energy costs and a looming recession. So is he up to the challenge? Mark Coles charts the life and career of the man with one of the most powerful jobs in the UK.Presenter: Mark Coles Production team: Sally Abrahams and Matt Toulson, Maria Ogundele and Helena Warwick-Cross Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar Editor: Richard Vadon Credit: Sky News – Anna Jones interview with Kwasi Kwarteng, 5 Augu