James Graham’s writing obsession started at the age of six in the shadow of Nottinghamshire's former coalmines. Equipped with a typewriter from his mother he created hundreds of stories from the family home in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

Accelerating through university in Hull and a writing residency in west London, Graham’s work started to attract wider audiences following a break at the National Theatre in 2012. Building on his thrilling political drama This House, he went on to write plays and TV series including Sherwood, Dear England, Quiz, Best of Enemies and Brexit: The Uncivil War.

During this year’s MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival, he called for more working-class people in TV.

But what next for this prolific playwright? Stephen Smith speaks to his family, friends and colleagues to find out more.

Contributors Anne Ellis - Mother David Morrissey - Actor Kate Wasserberg - Artistic Director, Theatr Clwyd Dr Sarah Jane Dickenson - Senior Lecturer, University of Hull Martin Humphrey - Former Head of Creative Arts, Ashfield School, Nottingham Susannah Clapp - Theatre Critic for The Observer

Production Team Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Julie Ball, Ben Cooper, Miriam Quayyam Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: John Scott Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Archive 2012 National Theatre production of This House written by James Graham and directed by Jeremy Herrin. The cast in the extract features Phil Daniels playing Bob Mellish, Philip Glenister playing Walter Harrison and Lauren O’Neil playing Ann Taylor.

Picture BBC/PA Media

From ‘hillbilly’ roots to becoming Donald Trump’s nominee for vice-president. At 39, if JD Vance is elected, he would be one of America’s youngest ever Vice-Presidents. A lot has been laid bare in his own words, in ‘Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis’. He talks about being raised by his grandparents who moved from the Appalachian Mountains area of Kentucky to Ohio, to a Middle America Rust Belt town looking for a better life. His mother struggled with drug addiction and a string of chaotic relationships. So how did he go from a sometimes unstable, sometimes violent, upbringing to being in the running to take one of the highest offices in American politics? There’s another transformation many wonder about too: why did he change his mind on Trump? Only in 2016 JD Vance said ‘I can't stomach Trump. I think that he's noxious and is leading the white working class to a very dark place.’ Mark Coles finds out.

CONTRIBUTORS Jon Husted, Lieutenant Governor of the state of Ohio Hayley Bemiller, Reporter on Ohio newspaper the Columbus Dispatch Josh Glancy, Editor of News Review at The Sunday Times Michael Hartley, President Swing State Strategies Bryan Lanza, former member of Donald Trump's presidential transition team

PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Phoebe Keane, Diane Richardson Editor: Penny Murphy Sound: Neil Churchill Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

CREDIT NPR Fresh Air

You may know her from Play School, Bafta or the House of Lords, Baroness Floella Benjamin doesn’t sit still, she’s even appeared in panto.

Stephen Smith hears about the remarkable life of the Trinidad-born actress, TV presenter and author, who campaigns passionately for children and the Windrush generation.

CONTRIBUTORS Colin Webb, Publisher, 'Coming to England' Nero Ughwujabo, Senior Strategy Adviser - Equality Diversity and Inclusion, The Prince's Trust Lord Simon Woolley, Principal at Homerton College, Cambridge University Johnny Ball, Children's TV presenter Paul Nicholas, Actor Linzi Beuselinck, Actress Jeremy Swan, Children's TV producer Ros Edwards, TV producer

PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Diane Richardso, Drew Hyndman Editor: Tom Bigwood Programme Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound: Neil Churchill

CREDITS BAFTA Aladdin and The Forty Thieves, BBC 1984

Johan Lundgren, Chief Executive Officer of Easyjet, one of Europe's biggest airlines. The carrier has been faced customer fury after cancelling hundreds of flights. Johan Lundgren has dealt with extremely trying personal and professional situations at different times in his life. Mark Coles hears about his youthful career ambition - to become a trombonist. Producer: Bob Howard Researcher: Natasha Fernandes Sound: James Beard Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Editor: Hugh Levinson

What makes Ben Stokes, the New Zealand born poster boy of English cricket and England's new captain tick? He has at times courted controversy but was the hero in England's world cup triumph. With Mark Coles. Produced by Bob Howard

Boris Johnson’s Mr Fixit - a Deputy Chief of Staff - brought in to steady the ship at the height of the "Partygate" allegations. Described as politically astute and determined for the Conservatives to win the next election, Canzini's career in the Tory party began in the 1980s. He's a long-standing Brexiteer who's worked alongside former Conservative leader, William Hague, and is a close ally of the Tories’ election guru, Sir Lynton Crosby. His critics worry he is pushing the Prime Minister further right on things like asylum seekers and trans issues.

Mark Coles explores the life and career of the man who goes by the name DC Grumpy on social media, has a profile picture of Darth Vader and once sported a David Cassidy-style haircut.

Presenter: Mark Coles Production team: Bob Howard, Natasha Fernandes, Brenda Brown Sound: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Richard Vadon

Jack Monroe rose to fame with her blog 'A Girl Called Jack’, sharing her struggles as a single mum on benefits, with just £10 a week to spend on food. She’s become a best-selling, award-winning writer of cookery books and she campaigns against poverty.

A regular on TV and social media, talking benefits and food banks, Jack Monroe has attracted the wrath of some right-wing commentators. She successfully sued former newspaper columnist, Katie Hopkins, for comments made online. Now, she’s threatening legal action against a Conservative MP who’s accused her of profiteering from the poor.

Mark Coles finds out what inspires Monroe's love of cooking, how growing up with foster children influenced her outlook and why she’s determined to speak out for the poorest in society.

Presenter: Mark Coles Production team: Sally Abrahams, Natasha Fernandes and Janet Staples Sound: Andy Garratt Editor: Richard Vadon

She wants to be a first minister for all, having led her party to a historic election win. Sinn Féin now hold the most seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly, entitling them to the position of first minister.

From local councillor to would-be leader of the power sharing executive, Mark Coles looks at the life and career of Michelle O'Neill, the IRA man's daughter, changing the image and appeal of nationalist party, Sinn Féin.

Presenter: Mark Coles Production team: Sally Abrahams, Diane Richardson and Janet Staples Sound: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon

The brutal and corrupt regime of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos was overthrown in 1986, yet their son, known as Bongbong, is leading the race to become the next president of The Philippines.

Edward Stourton profiles the life and career of Philippine presidential hopeful, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Her multi-media work celebrates the achievements of women in music and art, challenges racial and sexual bias and asks how our cultural institutions can become more inclusive.

From pastels to a cappella, Mark Coles profiles the life and career of Sonia Boyce, winner of this year's Venice Biennale, international art exhibition.

Sonia Boyce’s winning entry entitled 'Feeling Her Way' features the improvisations of five black female musicians, Poppy Ajudha, Jacqui Dankworth MBE, Sofia Jernberg, Tanita Tikaram and composer Errollyn Wallen CBE.

Credit: Feeling Her Way by Sonia Boyce.

Presenter: Mark Coles Production team: Sally Abrahams, Diane Richardson and Janet Staples Sound: Rod Farquhar Editor: Richard Vadon

Playwright, screenwriter and creator of the hit TV sitcom Derry Girls, about five school friends in 1990s Northern Ireland - getting up to all sorts.

The far-right politician going head-to-head with Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential elections.

Mark Coles charts Marine Le Pen's life and political career, which began alongside her father Jean-Marie Le Pen - founder of the far right Front National party.

Today she has sought to soften her image by playing down her party's past policies by taking on issues such as the cost of living crisis, as she challenges for the French presidency for a third time.

Producers: Sally Abrahams and Diane Richardson.

Credits: Marine Le Pen ‘Une Intimate Ambition’ interview with Karine Le Marchand, Channel M6.

Despite being fired by Amazon early in the pandemic, Chris Smalls continued to campaign for better rights and conditions for Amazon employees, setting up the Amazon Labor Union last year.

Now the Staten Island warehouse where Chris used to be based has made history, becoming the first Amazon workplace in the United States to vote for union representation, a serious defeat for Amazon which has been fighting against unionisation.

Timandra Harkness hears about the man behind this historic vote, speaking to some of the family, friends and team who’ve supported him along the way.

Presenter: Timandra Harkness Production team: Sally Abrahams, Diane Richardson and Janet Staples Sound: Rod Farquhar Editor: Damon Rose

After over four decades in the SNP and nearly two in government, John Swinney is finally stepping up to the top job for the first time, becoming Scotland’s new First Minister.

He’s no stranger to big jobs - it’s actually his second stint as SNP leader - but leading his country and his party is looking tougher than ever, as the SNP finds itself facing formidable challenges.

Who is this stalwart of the SNP, and do his life and experiences equip him for the task ahead? Mark Coles talks to friends, colleagues, and those who’ve watched this political operator up close for years.

CONTRIBUTORS Rosanna Cunningham, former MSP, Deputy Leader to John Swinney Allan Little, BBC Special Correspondent Glenn Campbell, Political Editor, BBC Scotland News Rev. Neil Glover, Church of Scotland Minister Ian Blackford, Scottish National Party, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber Pam Muir, constituency organiser for Perthshire North

PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Nathan Gower Assistant Producer: Diane Richardson and Marianna Brain Editor: Tom Bigwood Programme Coordinators: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

CREDITS ‘John Swinney (We Salute You)' by Nocturnal Vermin (Isaac Brutal, James ‘Slippyunderfoot‘ McCready, Arnold Bastard)

Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert has helped millions of people save money through consumer advice and big campaigns on bank charges and mis-sold PPI credit insurance. But now with the cost of living crisis, has he "run out of tools"? He grew up in a Jewish family in Cheshire. He lost his mother in an accident just before his 12th birthday, an event that had a lasting influence on him. He later became a journalist and financial campaigner, motivated by wanting to help others save money. The success of MoneySavingExpert made him a multi-millionaire. But the only thing that's flamboyant about him is his dancing style. He also loves Scrabble, even proposed to his wife over a game of it. He's obsessed with his daily step count, and has been known to hold meetings while on a treadmill. He's said to be the most trusted man in Britain - a heavy responsibility.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Arlene Gregorius Researcher: Imogen Serwotka Sound: James Beard Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Damon Rose

She made history in the US this week as the first black woman to go through Senate confirmation hearings for an appointment to America’s all powerful Supreme Court.

A person of profound faith, Ketanji Brown Jackson poured her soul into her studies. She excelled at Miami Palmetto Senior High School where she was a champion debater, star performer and the president of her class.

She graduated from Harvard University where she met her husband Patrick Jackson and formed life-long friendships. From there, she rose up the legal ranks, fast becoming a public defender, Vice Chair of the US Sentencing Commission and finally a Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Mark Coles profiles the indefatigable Judge on the brink of becoming the 116th Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Diane Richardson Researcher: Imogen Serwotka Production: Coordinator Editor: Damon Rose

One of Britain’s most popular authors, Dame Jacqueline Wilson is famous for stories of sassy children, troubled teens and struggling parents. Her books explore themes including death, divorce and depression. Now, the award-winning writer, who created characters like Tracy Beaker, Hetty Feather and Vicky Angel, has just released a new story - her 114th novel to date, about teenage pregnancy.

The novelist lived through a difficult childhood and her own marriage ended in divorce. But, after decades as a writer, she finally hit the big time in her middle age. Now 76, she has a wife, a fandom and a string of TV and stage adaptations under her belt.

Mark Coles profiles the former Children's Laureate, who's sold over 40 million books worldwide.

Produced by: Sally Abrahams and Ellie House Editor: Damon Rose Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar

She took the defining picture of Putin’s war so far: a family killed by Russian troops as they tried to flee to safety. The US photojournalist, Lynsey Addario, has reported from almost every major conflict in the twenty-first century, and now she is on the ground in Ukraine, documenting suspected war crimes.

Lynsey Addario - who reported on the Taliban before most of the western world knew who they were - has borne witness to war, humanitarian disaster and the worst effects of climate change. She has been kidnapped twice, but still keeps returning to conflict zones.

Mark Coles profiles the award-winning photographer whose images continue to make the front pages.

Credits: Lynsey Addario, talking to CBS Evening News’ Norah O’Donnell Sky News’ Stuart Ramsay and his team being attacked in Ukraine

Producers: Sally Abrahams and Ellie House Editor: Damon Rose Studio Manager: Neil Churchill

As the Ukraine crisis continues to escalate, NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, finds himself in the thick of it - tasked with preventing a third world war.

Norway’s former prime minister gained international renown for his stoic response to the 2011 terror attacks. Described by NATO colleagues as the ‘Trump whisperer’, he is known for being cool, calm and collected under pressure. Does he have what it takes for this latest challenge?

Mark Coles profiles the longest serving NATO chief in a generation.

Producers: Sally Abrahams and Ellie House Editor: Damon Rose

Credits: Professor John J Mearsheimer, courtesy of King's College, Cambridge Politics department ‘No Harm’ by Smerz

He’s gone into business with Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg, but this isn’t Nick Clegg’s first leadership coalition.

He was nicknamed Calamity Clegg but now the papers are calling him Master of the Metaverse. The former deputy prime minister has turned his fortunes around from a bashing at the ballot box, to becoming Silicon valley’s latest top dog.

Mark Coles profiles the man hired to fight Facebook’s fires.

The defence secretary topping Tory polls has had some strong words to say about Russian activity on the border of Ukraine. Adrian Goldberg profiles the soldier turned politician Ben Wallace.

Jimmy Carr has been condemned for his ‘abhorent’ Holocaust joke about the murders of thousands of people from the Roma, Sinti and traveller communities. Mark Coles looks at the life and career of the controversial comedian.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Joe Kent Researcher: Drew Miller Hyndman Editor: Damon Rose

Spotify reportedly paid $100m in 2020 for rights to The Joe Rogan Experience, the streaming service's top podcast. The show is said to be downloaded around 200 million times a month.

Joe Rogan hosts a variety of guests who discuss their views on a range of issues - but some episodes have featured false and misleading claims.

Big names from the music industry, including Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, have asked Spotify to remove their music from the platform. They have criticised the music streaming service for publishing a podcast that spreads Covid misinformation.

Mark Coles traces the life and career of the controversial former martial arts fighter and comedian.

Researcher: Drew Miller Hyndman Producer: Ben Crighton Editor: Damon Rose

Zelensky was an actor and comedian who became a household name in Ukraine by starring in a TV series about a teacher who accidentally became president. In a surreal case of life imitating art, Zelensky found himself elected in 2019 with zero political experience. As the threat of a Russian invasion looms, Mark Coles profiles a man on the brink of becoming an unlikely wartime leader.

Isaac Levido has established a formidable reputation as a election strategist, helping to craft wins both in the UK and Australia. Thought of as a protege of the quasi-legendary election guru Sir Lynton Crosby in his early years, he’s rapidly racked up achievements of his own, propelling both Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson back into office with his brand of data-driven analysis.

Stephen Smith opens the black box that is electoral strategising and sets out to understand the mind of the man who is set to shape the Conservatives’ impending general election campaign.

CONTRIBUTORS Katy Balls, Political Editor of The Spectator Alexander Downer, former leader of the Australian Liberal Party Paul Stephenson, Vote Leave Campaign Director Lord Andrew Feldman, former chair of the Conservative Party David Bold, friend and Australian political advisor

PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producer: Nathan Gower Assistant Producers: Julie Ball, Diane Richardson Editor: Tom Bigwood Programme Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

CREDITS The Thick of It, BBC Scott Morrison election night speech, ABC News Boris Johnson election victory speech

From pub landlady to chief interrogator, Adrian Goldberg profiles Sue Gray, the woman who secretly “runs Britain”, and is leading the investigation into Downing Street parties. We hear about her unconventional background, a mysterious career break involving brushes with the IRA, and her meteoric rise to become Whitehall’s most feared inquisitor. She’s been called “the most powerful person you’ve never heard of”. But, will she be able to withstand the pressure of investigating her own boss, the Prime Minister?

Adrian Goldberg profiles the life and career of World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic.

We hear about him practicing in the streets of Belgrade as a child during the war in the former Yugoslavia, how his views on health and medicine were shaped and how he became the formidable and resilient competitor that he is today.

Programme Credits In Depth with Graham Bensinger ABC News

Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Diane Richardson Editor: Penny Murphy

It’s been quite a year for proudly Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv, becoming the first female conductor at the 145-year-old Bayreuth Festival in August and now embarking on a new role as Teatro Comunale di Bologna's first female Music Director.

Presenter Mark Coles discovers the family stories and personal challenges which have brought Oksana’s charisma and talent from Western Ukraine to classical music's world stage.

Picture Credit: Tristram Kenton, Royal Opera House.

Programme Credits: Teatro Comunale di Bologna UATV The Ukrainian Institute in London DW Classical Music MDR Television Choir and Orchestra of the Bayreuther Festspiele US-Ukraine Foundation

Producer: Ben Crighton Researcher: Diane Richardson

British curling is looking forward to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics - and all eyes are on head coach David Murdoch, the man in charge of bringing home some medals.

All three teams - mixed, male and female - have qualified and hopes are high this former World Champion and Olympic silver medallist can inspire the teams to victory.

Mark Coles finds out what makes the Lockerbie-born sports nerd tick.

Producers: Diane Richardson and Lucy Proctor Editor: Penny Murphy

Pharoah Sanders’s 2021 album Promises has been called a spiritual album for the dark ages. Mark Coles hears how Sanders helped invent a new style of music, after his birth in the southern United States, and time spent sleeping rough in New York City.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ben Crighton and Chris Flynn

The pandemic has thrust the Government Chief Scientific Adviser into the middle of the clash between politics and science. He’s faced criticism from MPs, the press, and the public. Edward Stourton finds out about the man behind the pedestal, Sir Patrick Vallance. From fixing caravans on his parents’ site in Cornwall to breakfast with an mentor and a stint in industry with GlaxoSmithKline, who is the man advising our leaders on the pandemic? Presenter: Edward Stourton Researcher: Drew Miller Hyndman Producer: Ben Crighton Editor: Richard Vadon

He’s twice been convicted of hate speech, believes foreign names should be banned, and has been accused of being a Holocaust denier. Mark Coles looks at the life and career of the journalist turned politician who hopes to be the next leader of France.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Chris Flynn

After becoming the first Black woman – and the oldest person – ever to win the Turner Prize, British artist Lubaina Himid is now enjoying a retrospective at London's Tate Modern.

She’s become recognised as one of the most powerful political voices in British contemporary art, creating works about black identity, as well as championing the work of young black British female artists. Mark Coles speaks to those who know her.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Chris Flynn

The idea for the four year old pigchild was dreamt up in a London pub by three out of work mates in the 90s. She’s now the inspiration for theme parks across the world, and they are worth millions. After the prime minister declared his love for her in front of the UK’s leading business people, Mark Coles explores how Peppa Pig has become one the most recognisable characters on television.

Producers: Ben Crighton and Chris Flynn

Boris Johnson says he "crashed the car" in his handling of the case of the party's former MP Owen Paterson. But if the prime minister was at the wheel, Jacob Rees-Mogg was the backseat driver. The Leader of the House of Commons has described himself as a man of the people. Others have referred to him as the honourable member for the 18th century. Mark Coles asks what now drives the man who as a monocle wearing child was chauffeured in a Bentley.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Ben Crighton

Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, was born in Zimbabwe and moved to South Africa at the age of five, where he was brought up in care with his two siblings. Always a keen middle distance runner, he was a second for a friend in one of South Africa's most gruelling road races. Eventually he moved to the UK to work in IT and raise a family.

After a perfect storm of redundancy, marriage breakdown and an injury which prevented him from running with his own club, he decided he'd start a time trial in a local park, for his running club pals. The only proviso that they had to have coffee and cake with him afterwards.

Twenty years later, that timed run that he started has outpaced anything he could have envisaged and turned into parkrun. The 5k run around local parks on a Saturday morning, has gone global and the parkrun community has hundreds of thousands of people running or volunteering as stewards every week. Stephen Smith finds out what makes Paul Sinton-Hewitt run.

CONTRIBUTORS Roun Barry, School friend Hugh Brasher, Director, London Marathon Bruce Fordyce, Marathon runner Duncan Gaskell, Parkrunner and friend Russ Jeffereys, CEO parkrun Eileen Jones, Author and parkrunner Joanne Sinton-Hewitt, Wife

PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Julie Ball, Natasha Fernandes, Farhana Haider Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound: Neil Churchill

He came to Britain as a toddler - one of several thousand Indian immigrants from Kenya.

Raised in poverty in 1960s Bradford, Kamlesh Patel was targeted by skinheads – and sought solace playing cricket in a field with other south Asian friends.

Almost 50 years later - now a peer - Lord Patel is tasked with trying to repair the reputation of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, which has been accused of systemic racism.

As MPs begin their own investigation, Mark Coles follows Kamlesh Patel's remarkable journey from schoolboy cricketer and one time ambulance driver to social worker, academic, the House of Lords and now chair of the club he always dreamed of playing for.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Ben Crighton

He shot to fame as a teenage punk star from Derry, enjoyed hits as a solo artist and later worked behind the scenes for years in the music industry. But now Feargal Sharkey is enjoying a belated second burst of fame as a leading voice in the campaign against river and waterway pollution. His life-long love of fly fishing has led to a deep knowledge of the chalk streams of Southern England, and now Sharkey finds himself being quoted with approval in parliament by MP’s and peers. Adrian Goldberg talks to those who know him well, and hears about cigarette smuggling, stag dos – and a decidedly PRIVATE private life. Presenter: Adrian Goldberg Producer: Ben Crighton

Mark Coles finds out how Amanda Staveley went from a long-jumping Yorkshire schoolgirl to one of the most prominent women in football via horse racing, the Middle East, and a former employee she made dress up in a gorilla suit.

With her extensive Middle Eastern contacts book, Amanda Staveley isn’t afraid of putting her, or other people’s, money where her mouth is.

Although she doesn’t always get what she wants.

Producers: Ben Crighton and Chris Flynn

The UK’s ‘strictest’ headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh has landed a new role as head of the Social Mobility Commission, a public body designed to boost the life chances of the country's most disadvantaged children.

Born to Jamaican and Guyanese immigrants, Katharine Birbalsingh first rose to prominence at the 2010 Tory party conference. Her speech about Britain’s “broken” education system received a standing ovation, but it also made her one of the most controversial figures in British education, and for a while she couldn’t even get a teaching job.

Then, in 2014, she founded the Michaela free school in north-west London, which has a zero tolerance behaviour policy. Pupils are penalised for forgetting to bring a pencil, or even for talking in corridors between lessons. The school has been deemed “outstanding” in all areas by Ofsted inspectors.

Edward Stourton examines the life and career of Katharine Birbalsingh, and asks if her forthright personality and achievements as a headteacher will equip her to address issues of entrenched inequality.

Producer: Nick Holland Researcher: Bethan Head

Singer-songwriter Adele Adkins is one of the world's best-selling artists, with sales of over 100 million records. Better known simply as Adele, she’s also won nine Brit Awards, a Golden Globe and fifteen Grammys - not to mention an Oscar in 2013 for her singing in the Bond film Skyfall.

This week she released her first new single in six years, offering her fans a first glimpse of her so-called ‘divorce album’ entitled ’30’, due for release next month.

The 33 year old currently lives with her son in Los Angeles, rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. She’s come a long way from the working class upbringing with her single mother who once smuggled the toddler into a gig, hidden inside her coat. So how did this ‘ordinary girl’ from North London conquer the popular music world? Mark Coles looks at her life and extraordinary career.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Nick Holland Researcher: Bethan Head

British actress Cush Jumbo is best known for her starring role in US TV dramas The Good Wife and spin-off The Good Fight. Now she’s aiming to set the London theatre scene alight, playing ‘a new kind of Hamlet’ at the Young Vic. Only a handful of women have ever taken on the role before, and Jumbo is the first woman of colour to play the troubled Danish prince in a major production in Britain.

It hasn’t been plain sailing for Cush Jumbo, who worked a long list of jobs – including door to door sales and waitressing in a strip bar – to support herself as an aspiring actress, and came close to quitting altogether. But, as Mark Coles hears, she wrote her way out of the doldrums and became a star on both sides of the Atlantic.

Celebrity mates Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife) and Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia!) help tell her story, and spill some great anecdotes along the way.

Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Researchers: Zoe Gelber, Soila Apparicio, Bethan Head Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy Mix: Neil Churchill

Olaf Scholz is expected to be the new leader of Germany if he can construct a successful coalition. How did the former mayor of Hamburg appeal to the country's voters? With Adrian Goldberg.

By her own admission, Liz Truss is not always known as being diplomatic. As she takes on the role of Foreign Secretary, Profile investigates the influences and events that have taken her to one of the great offices of state, and finds that the journey has been far from usual.

Mark Coles hears from Liz Truss’s brother, her student friend and keen watchers of her political career, and asks how this former Liberal Democrat, karaoke-lover and child of CND campaigners came to sit almost at the top of the Conservative party.

Producer: Nathan Gower Researcher: Bethan Head

Sir Ed Davey is a mallet wielding, man on a mission. That mission is to demolish the Conservative 'blue wall' which he's already made a hole in after the surprise Liberal Democrat victory at the Chesham and Amersham by-election in June this year. With a First class degree from Oxford, he could have ended up as a spy, but instead chose the path well trodden for a PPE graduate, politics, taking a job as Economics Researcher to the then leader, Paddy Ashdown. He's committed to renewable energy and brought us wind farms during a stint as Energy Secretary in the Coalition Government in 2012, but can he keep the lights on for the Liberal Democrats?

Presenter: Mark Coles

Producers: Julie Ball Bob Howard Editor: Richard Vadon

The seminal rapper and billionaire fashion mogul Kanye West's new album Donda is named after his late mother, who was an influential figure in his life. It's gone straight to number one in many countries, it's the most successful album of the year already, clocking up over 180 million streams in just 24 hours.

Some consider Kanye West - who also calls himself Ye - a creative genius. Others have been put off by controversial behaviour. President Obama called him a "jackass", after Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for a video music award to say Beyoncé "had one of the best videos of all time", implying she should have won instead. He apologised later.

The hip hop artist doesn't lack self-belief. He has called himself a "God", and compared himself to the likes of Picasso and Shakespeare. But could he have a point? Even Barack Obama admitted that Kanye is "very talented" too. And experts say he has changed the genre, both as rapper and as producer. There is "hip hop before Kanye West, and hip hop after Kanye West".

And then there is fashion - his designs of popular trainers and clothes have made him a billionaire.

So what drives the controversial yet highly successful artist? Mark Coles dives into Kanye West's life and work to find out.

Producer: Arlene Gregorius Researcher: Maia Lowerson

Although Simon Harris reportedly describes himself as an 'accidental politician', he has managed to make a career out of it. His interest in politics was sparked at the age of 15 when he set up a support group in his local town to campaign for better secondary education for autistic people after he saw his parents struggle to get help for his younger brother. From then on his path was set. After a brief dalliance with Fianna Fail he joined the youth wing of the Fine Gael party at 17. He gave up his degree studies in year three of a four year course to work as an assistant to the then leader of the opposition in the Irish Parliament. By the age of 24 he was elected to parliament with the nickname 'Baby of the Dail' and was a junior minister by the age of 27. Since then he's held two further ministerial posts.

Now, after the shock resignation of former Taioseach, Leo Varadkar in late March, he was elected unopposed as leader of the Fine Gael party and now is expected to be confirmed as the new Taoiseach when the parliament returns after the Easter break. With a new nickname, 'The Tik Tok Taoiseach' because of his use of social media he's on track to break another record, set by his predecessor as the youngest Taoiseach in history to date.

Kate Lamble finds out what makes him tick outside of Tik Tok and his rapid rise to the top job in Irish politics.

CONTRIBUTORS Frances Fitzgerald, MEP, Dublin, Ireland Councillor Ray McAdam, Fine Gael Alice O'Donnell, Triple A Alliance Jennifer O'Leary, BBC Ireland Correspondent Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, The Irish Independent

PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Kate Lamble Producers: Julie Ball & Madeleine Drury Researcher: Jay Gardner Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Sound: Nigel Appleton

Following a sometimes ugly campaign, Britain's second largest trade union, Unite, has elected its first woman leader, Sharon Graham. But who exactly is she? Jealously guarding her privacy, Unite's new 52 year-old head represents a significant break with the union's retiring chief, Len McCluskey and, it would seem, his close political links with the Labour Party. Instead, centering her campaign on bringing the union "back to the workplace", Sharon Graham has emphasised her own focus on jobs, pay and conditions. She has called for "an obsession" with the Labour Party to stop and instead for "bad bosses" to be held to account. She claims to have won fifteen disputes without a defeat. But her policies are not without their critics. The strategy she has pioneered for "leveraging" disputes with employers by applying pressure across company activities has been attacked as "chilling". And within the union itself - where two-thirds of the members are men - accusations of misogyny have been levelled. Edward Stourton discovers how Sharon Graham has made it to the top of Unite, what makes her tick and what the union's members, employers, politicians and the public at large can expect from her. Among those taking part: Roz Foyer of the Scottish TUC; John Cooper of Unite; Gail Cartmail, President of the TUC; and Sebastian Payne of the Financial Times.

Producer Simon Coates

With the fall of Kabul and the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, this week Mark Coles profiles the man who’s become the public face of the strict Islamist movement - its political leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

Baradar was one of those who founded the Taliban almost thirty years ago. Now, after spending eight years in a Pakistani jail, many are tipping him to be Afghanistan’s next President.

Mark Coles speaks to some of the world’s leading experts on the Taliban to try to find out more about Mullah Baradar’s background, his upbringing and what he really believes in.

Producer Smita Patel Researcher Di Richardson

By the end of July this year, more than 80 million vaccinations had been administered in the UK.

Mark Coles takes a look at the talented and determined scientist leading the Oxford University vaccine team, Professor Sarah Gilbert.

Producers: Ben Crighton and Soila Apparicio.