Profile

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. PRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Sabine Schereck Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: James Beard 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,

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. CONTRIBUTORSPaterson 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 Guardian. CREDITSPeep Show, Channel 4 Wonka, Warner Bros. Pictures L'Orchestre Cinematique, Pure Imagination (Newley/Bricusse) Oscars Award Ceremony 2019 - Best Actress Award The Crown, Netfl

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. CONTRIBUTORSAndy Abbott, Head of School, John Burroughs School, St. Louis, MissouriElizabeth Weil, journalist, New York magazine Mike Isaacs, Tech reporter, New York TimesMadhumita Murgia, A

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.Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck Sound: James Beard Editor: Bridget Harney

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. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Sally Abrahams, Natasha Fernandes, Kirsteen Knight Production co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Janet Staples, Rosie Strawbridge, Gemma Ashman Sound: James Beard Editor: Bridget Harney Credits: 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 Watts Archive 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

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 Programme Coordinator: Sabine Schereck Sound Engineer: James Beard Archive: 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

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.

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.

Lachlan Murdoch will become the boss of one of the world's most powerful media empires. His father, Rupert, has said his eldest son will succeed him as chairman of Fox and News Corp. Lachlan's appointment ends years of speculation over which one of the siblings will take control of the businesses their father built. At one point Lachlan's younger brother James was favourite for the top job but it didn't go his way. So, who is Lachlan Murdoch, how did he win his father's approval and what impact will he make? Timandra Harkness pieces together what we know about him through interviews he's given and by speaking to people who've worked for and observed the Murdochs. Guest: Paddy Manning, Author, The Successor: The High-Stakes Life of Lachlan Murdoch. Michael Wolff, Author, The Fall: The End of the Murdoch Empire. Sarah Ellison, Washington Journal National Enterprise Reporter, Author, War at the Wall Street Journal. Kelvin MacKenzie, Former Editor, The Sun. Claire Enders, Founder, Enders Analysis. Credits

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 Bartlett Presenter: Mark Coles Production: Alix Pickles, Diane Richardson, Phoebe Keane Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

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 Conversation Presenter: Timandra Harkness Production: Sally Abrahams, Diane Richardson, Alix Pickles Production Coordinator: Sabine Schereck 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: Sabine Schereck Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Richard Vadon

Joe Biden has been involved in US politics for more than fifty years, becoming one of America’s youngest senators in 1972, when Richard Nixon was in the White House. Now, aged eighty, Biden is the oldest US president in history and is seeking re-election in 2024. He’s experienced terrible tragedies in his life, when his first wife and baby daughter were killed in a car accident in 1972, and the death from cancer of his elder son, Beau, in 2015. Yet he bounced back, serving two terms as vice president under Barack Obama, and finally making it to President in 2021. As he makes another run at the White House, Mark Coles charts his life from the blue-collar town of Scranton, Philadelphia to Washington DC and hears how family plays a very important role in his life. Presenter: Mark Coles Production team: Diane Richardson, Alix Pickles, Sabine Schereck, Sally Abrahams Sound: Rod Farquhar Editor: Richard Vadon

Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, is no stranger to media attention. He has made headlines for his controversial statements about poverty, migration and the death penalty. Now he is reported to be a prominent figure in the New Conservatives, a pressure group calling on the Prime Minister to drastically cut migration before the next general election. Yet he started his working life as a Nottinghamshire miner, and worked as a Labour councillor before later switching parties. Mark Coles finds out about his life and career. Presenter: Mark Coles Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Rod Farquhar Production: Viv Jones, Diane Richardson, Alix Pickles, Sabine Schereck