Saturday Live
Join Adrian Chiles for a Saturday morning full of remarkable people with extraordinary stories.
Episodes
Eric Idle, Caitlin Moran, Rob Brydon and the Inheritance Tracks of Jim Al-Khalili
On the programme this week are Caitlin Moran, Eric Idle and Rob Brydon. Caitlin’s here to talk about - how to be hopeful in a world gone mad.For more than half a century Eric Idle’s refuge from the mad world of comedy, music, film and fame has been a little place in Provence. And his latest book is a love letter to it.And Rob Brydon is in a happy place having found hope, peace and contentment in h
Alexei Sayle, Alice Roberts, Kevin Fong and the Inheritance Tracks of Sian Brooke
Adrian Chiles presents Radio 4's Saturday morning programme full of remarkable people with extraordinary stories.Academically we’re in very good shape today. Dr Kevin Fong has degrees in medicine, astrophysics, aerospace engineering and he’s a fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. Kevin has spent his working life in high-risk, high-performance teams and he's written a new book called Minu
Mel Giedroyc, Alan Cumming, Eric Ngalle Charles and the Inheritance Tracks of Carlos Gu
Adrian Chiles presents Radio 4's Saturday Morning programme:Alan Cumming has always had a lot going on, in theatre, in Hollywood, as presenter now of one of the biggest shows in television. And yet he stays close to his Perthshire roots as Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s artistic director.In search of Mel Giedroych’s roots, we travel south to Leatherhead in Surrey where her new novel is set. Like Ala
Alan Davies, Trainspotting the Musical, Life After a Ruptured Brain, and the Inheritance Tracks of Adrian Lester
Today we’re in the company of three luminously talented people who’ve survived seriously dark periods to shine brightly in their fields.More than thirty years after Irvine Welsh’s debut novel caused a sensation, he tell us how Trainspotting The Musical was a natural next step.Alan Davies’ career has been going strong for more than thirty years too. There's a lot going on in his new memoir - the st
Sara Cox, Ben Okri, Chris Terrill and the Inheritance Tracks of Nisha Katona
Joining Adrian this week on Saturday Live, BBC Radio treasure and bestselling author Sara Cox. She just taken over BBC Radio 2's breakfast show but has found the time to write a brand new novel, 'The Truth of Us' that is published on the 16th July. We have the Booker Prize Winning Author and poet Ben Okri, he is a giant amongst writers, a master storyteller with a fascinating life story of his own
Ralf Little, Mark Foster, Katriona O'Sullivan and the Inheritance Tracks of Clare Grogan
Joining Adrian Chiles on this week's programme is Mark Foster, for a good while the fastest swimmer on the planet.We have author and psychologist Katriona O’Sullivan, a woman raised in poverty in Coventry, who went on to get a PhD from Trinity College, Dublin. And the remarkably gifted Ralf Little, who we know as an actor but might equally have been a doctor or a footballer. Plus the Inheritance T
Paul Merton, Professor Lady Sue Black, David James and the Inheritance Tracks of Mark Billingham
Adrian Chiles presents Radio 4's Saturday morning programme. On today's programme:Paul Merton’s been at the top of his game for BBC One's Have I Got News for You and a familiar voice here on BBC Radio 4’s Just A Minute. He is about to take his Improv show with his wife Suki Webster to the Edinburgh Fringe this August. They’ll also be taking the show back to The Comedy Store in London from Nove
Ruby Wax, Social History, Memoirs & Music, plus the Inheritance Tracks of Lorraine Kelly
Joining Adrian Chiles on this week's programme is Professor of social history, a writer with a first class degree from Cambridge and a TV legend with a masters from Oxford.Ruby Wax is as well known now for her work in mental health, but she’s been looking back at some of her biggest interviews to see what she can learn about herself as well as her subjects.Professor Carl Chinn is a social historia
Danny Robins, Sushi, Family Secrets, and the Inheritance Tracks of Nat Sciver-Brunt
Three great guests on the show, as per normal. One of them’s all about the paranormal, one is a legendary entrepreneur, and a lifelong journalist whose greatest story turned up in her own family. Danny Robins is a man with an uncanny ability to explore the supernatural in a way which delights sceptics and believers alike.Sharon Ring worked on Fleet Street in newspapers and magazines for more than
Victoria Pendleton, Training Dragons and the Science of Stars, plus the Inheritance Tracks of Russell T Davies
Adrian Chiles is joined by three hugely successful guests - all shining stars in their fields.Victoria Pendleton won it all as a track cyclist, a quite astounding athlete who dug so deep, physically and mentally, in her career, and also in navigating her life after cycling.Cressida Cowell is the writer and illustrator behind - amongst other things - the incredibly successful How to Train your Drag
Tom Fletcher, Russell Kane, Poetry in Nature, and the Inheritance Tracks of Katie Razzall
Adrian Chiles with a pop star, a comedian and a writer, but there’s a lot more to each of them than that.Tom Fletcher was starring on the West End stage at the age of 10. 30 years later he’s been back there writing the music for Paddington - The Musical. In between he’s squeezed in popstardom with the hugely successful band McFly. Bethany Handley grew up loving life in the great outdoors of Monmou
LIVE at the Hay Festival - Hugh Bonneville, Martha Kearney, Matt Haig, and the Inheritance Tracks of Prue Leith
Martha Kearney is a titan of news and political broadcasting who these days takes a more relaxed approach to her work, swapping the campaign trail for a nature trail.Matt Haig can do it all, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books - and we’re all aboard for his latest novel the Midnight Train - but it's Winnie the Pooh that Ian Fletcher, Earl Grantham, Mr Brown…are but some of the much loved ch
JJ Chalmers, Ruth Rogers, Matthew Carter & Lawrence Price plus the Inheritance Tracks of Jason Watkins
Adrian Chiles presents Radio 4's Saturday morning show. Our wonderful guests today include JJ Chalmers, who has been a design-technology teacher, Royal Marine and Invictus games medallist. He is now a regular presenter on Television and Radio. We also have with us a legend of the food and restaurant world, Ruth Rogers. And a couple of podcasting Dads - Matthew Carter and Lawrence Price - who’v
Steve Backshall, Natalie Queiroz, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and the Inheritance Tracks of Nick Robinson
On today's programme, Adrian Chiles is with Steve Backshall. The adventurer and naturalist has captivated all of us with his work, but especially children - millions of them - who he’s led wide-eyed into the natural world. Frank Cottrell-Boyce is blessed with a similar gift for capturing the imagination of children, as well as grownups. The esteemed screenwriter is presently the Children’s Laureat
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Lucy Shepherd, Jonathan Shalit and the Inheritance Tracks of Liz Earle
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall found his calling in the countryside of Gloucestershire and Devon to become a cook on the wild side championing seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Lucy Shepherd is our explorer who has navigated her way from the safety of the Suffolk countryside to the amazon and arctic, including the Cardiff studio.And Jonathan Shalit, who began writing music reviews at school and e
Lesley Nicol, Joseph Coelho, Tari Lang and the Inheritance Tracks of Laura Mvula
On today's programme, Adrian is joined with a poet, an actor and a woman who has been through a military coup in the 1960s. Joseph Coelho the poet was raised in a tower block in Roehampton. He wrote his way into the role of children’s laureate and fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Lesley Nicol, the actress, grew up in Irlam, Greater Manchester and ended up in Downtown Abbey. Some journey
John Robins, Chelsea Flower Show, Exotic Animals, and the Inheritance Tracks of James McAvoy
John Robins is a critically-acclaimed comic with awards a-plenty, and now a blistering memoir "Thirst; worked around Twelve Drinks That Changed My Life.Arit Anderson of Gardeners’ World is on her way to the centre of the gardening world, the Chelsea Flower Show, where she’s creating a special space for those with Parkinson's.Starting with a distressed raccoon she found in a bloke’s garage, Lindsey
Dom Joly, Walter Presents, Worm Whispering, and the Inheritance Tracks of Noah Wyle
“Prankster” hardly does Dom Joly justice. He’s been a diplomat, a linguist, a traveller, a broadcaster, a writer and lots more besides.Walter Iuzzolino is the "Walter" behind Channel 4’s Walter Presents series. A man who probably watches more TV from more countries than anyone else on the planet.Dr Jaqueline Stroud, Professor of Soil Science at Warwick University, likes nothing better than eavesdr
Bear Grylls, Music Composition, Flaming Feasts, and the Inheritance Tracks of Lesley Joseph
Today an adventurer, a chef and a composer.From special forces to chief scout Bear Grylls likes a challenge, his latest being nothing less than a successful re-write of the story of Jesus. Our chef is Chris Roberts, aka Flamebaster, whose key ingredients are food, fire and frightening levels of enthusiasm.And our composer is Liz Lane, the sometime child prodigy, who found her gift for composition
Dilly Carter, Football, Swearing and the Inheritance Tracks Lisa Kudrow
Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.
John Lloyd, Sailing, Punk Rock, and the Inheritance Tracks of Dr Sian Williams
Adrian spends the hour in the company of renowned TV producer John Lloyd, the modest genius mind behind such national institutions as Spitting Image, QI and Blackadder. Also on the porgramme, Kala Subbuswamy who saw no reason why a middle-aged woman couldn't start a punk band, so did just that. And Jazz Turner didn't let her disability stop her sailing solo around the British Isles, and now she pl
Nigel Kennedy, Grief, Red Nose Day and the Inheritance Tracks of Adam Fleming
On Saturday Live this week, a virtuoso violinist, a singer with a powerful story of motherhood, love and grief, and the woman who made her fortune working out how we shop. Adrian spends the hour in great company with Nigel Kennedy, Jess Mills and the hugely influential Edwina Dunn OBE. Also today, we'll be hearing from a somewhat out of breath Greg James, pedalling his way from Weymouth to Edinbur
Steve Rosenberg, Cut Flowers, Cancer Care, and the Inheritance Tracks of Mike Wozniak
We’re in the company of an eminent foreign correspondent, a no less eminent expert in the field of flowers, and the woman who’s built the most beautiful spaces for cancer care. Our journalist is our man in Moscow - our last man in Moscow, really - Steve Rosenberg. Bringing colour, fragrance and joy to our studio is the queen of cut flowers, Sarah Raven.And we’ll all be scattering rose petals at th
Maggie Aderin, Shipwreck Hunting, Sea Shanties, and the Inheritance Tracks of Andy Zaltzman
On Saturday Live this week we’ll be looking up, down and all over the place.
Dame Maggie Aderin, space scientist, will have us looking to the skies in wonder before David Mearns, shipwreck hunter, takes us down into the ocean deep as we marvel at his life’s work - and a man never short of a sense of wonder is writer, actor, comedian, sailor and lover of alpacas...Griff Rhys Jones.Also today, we’
Jack Thorne, Hostage Negotiation, Family History, and the Inheritance Tracks of Marian Keyes
Today we’re in the company of a billionaire, a hostage negotiator and the most sought after screenwriter in the business.The screenwriter in question is Jack Thorne who’s now turned his considerable talent to a brilliant TV adaptation of Lord of the Flies.Nicky Perfect says hostage negotiation is all about empathy, and less about talking than listening. And we’ll be all ears as she tells us what w
Mark Steel, Nun at NASA, Funeral Cosmetics, and the Inheritance Tracks of Matt Edmonsdon
Today we have a comedian, a nun and an undertaker’s beautician. Mark Steel says that when there’s a crisis afoot, while everyone else is panicking the comedians in the room are busy finding the funny side. This Mark’s done, with a book about what he calls his adventures in cancerland. The remarkable Sister Libby Osgood, worked for NASA before she became a nun. Quite the career path that. And Jayne
Alexander Armstrong, Cold Cases, Small Prophets and the Inheritance Tracks of Riz Ahmed
Alexander Armstrong on life as a writer, Professor Patricia Wiltshire explains the role of a forensic botanist, Mackenzie Crook unveils the secrets behind his latest show.
Amanda Owen, Curious Incidents, Brain Rest, and the Inheritance Tracks of Mika.
We have a writer, a shepherdess, and a man in favour of doing more of nothing. Our writer wrote one of the biggest books of the last 25 years. The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-time has brought joy to millions of children, and adults. And now Mark Haddon’s written a memoir just as memorable. Our Shepherdess is almost certainly the only Shepherdess you can name. The Yorkshire Shepherdess h
Anton du Beke, Winter Olympics, Remembering Smells, and the Inheritance Tracks of Claire Foy
Today's programme features a couple of very nice movers. There’s Anton de Beke, fresh from the first night of the Strictly Tour to recount a life of dance and showbiz.Lizzy Yarnold is used to moving at a rather more ferocious speed as our most successful winter Olympian.Picking up on the sweet smell of success, Michael O’Shaugnassey is an expert in scents and uses them to access prisoners memories
Keith Brymer Jones, Ornithology, Royal Stonemasonry, and the Inheritance Tracks of Mark Heap
This week's programme is fashioned out of clay and stone, against a background of beautiful birdsong. Our potter is the king of clay himself, Keith Brymer Jones, the big, friendly, funny, tearful face of The Great Pottery Throw Down.Our stonemason, Jennie Regan, was taught her craft with the help of the King, and has returned the favour by carving some stone for him.The birdsong will be supplied b
Jake Humphrey, Mapping Canal Towpaths, Online Dominatrix and the Inheritance Tracks of Justin Hawkins
Jake Humphrey is a High Performance broadcaster - he's spoken openly about his mental health and what drives him, and in his podcast and new book he uncovers what makes the likes of Sir Chris Hoy and Sarina Wiegman tick.Madelaine Thomas has excelled in not one but two fields. Firstly as a dominatrix and then as a tech entrepreneur helping others protect their privacy.Dr Uy Hoang, also has two stri
Josh Widdicombe, Helen Sharman and the Inheritance Tracks of Emily Watson
Josh Widdicombe is about to take his stand up show on the road around the country and his latest new podcast series; Dr Helen Sharman talks about the time she became Britain’s first astronaut, and Finlay Wilson a Yoga teacher and author discusses all things yoga in all sorts of glorious Scottish settings. Plus Emily Watson the actor with an astonishing list of theatre, film and television credit
A Christmas Games Special
On this Christmas special edition of Saturday Live, we take a deep-dive into the world of board games.Marcia Lewis’s has board games in her blood - her father was the creator of Cluedo.Neil Scanllan holds not one, not two, but four world records for his remarkable collection of Monopoly sets.Dr Harshan Lamabadusuriya, doctor by day, scrabble assassin by night, has had the best season of his life b
Russell Tovey, Desert Racing, Puppeteering, and the Inheritance Tracks of Paul Bettany
The actor and art lover Russell Tovey - who’s not only on a mission to spread his love of art far and wide… but is humanity's best hope in the War between Land and Sea.
There’s no hint of CGI in the warzones Sally Becker’s been to - the recipient of a Lifetime achievement award at this year’s Pride of Britain, she’s made it her life’s work to help children in some of the most unimaginable situat
Chris McCausland, Shipwrecks, Pigeon Fancying, and the Inheritance Tracks of Jacinda Ardern
Chris McCausland, funny, clever, excellent dancer, widely loved. The list goes on. His new autobiography "Keeping Laughing" charts his life and career across a twenty-five-year journey where he lost his sight but found moments of happiness and laughter along the way.Douglas Roberston, survived being cast adrift in the pacific ocean for 38 days after a killer whale. Just a teenager at the time, he
Ben Miller, Synaesthesia, Women's Football, and the Inheritance Tracks of Chris and Xand van Tulleken
We’re in the company of Ben Miller, comedian, actor, writer and some time student of physics...here to tell us how Father Christmas can in fact deliver a gift to every child in just one night with his new book "The Night I Met Father Christmas".Someone who has had an early Christmas present already is Lucy Steeds, who this week was crowned the winner of the Waterstones Book of the Year. She reveal
Michael Sheen, Scam Safe, Medieval Combat Sports, and the Inheritance Tracks of Jason Donovan
Michael Sheen is an actor, director and Welshman who describes his vision and impact of the Welsh National Theatre, exploring how the stage can reflect and shape national identity, and what can be learned from football scouts to find the next generation of talent.Convicted fraudster Alex Wood reveals how he went from a would be child prodigy violinist to defrauding millions of pounds out of people
Paul and Hollie Cook, Baking, Extreme Cleaning, and the Inheritance Tracks of Richard E Grant
On a wet and windy Saturday Live, Hollie Cook joins us to discuss a career that has seen her music streamed millions of times online, as well what it's like to be raised by a Sex Pistol - her dad, Paul Cook is with us too, still drumming up a storm half a century after it all started.The almost indecently talented Jasmine Mitchell - completing a degree in medicine while finding time to win Bake Of
Oliver Jeffers, Fatherhood, The House of Thatchers, and Peter and Dan Snow's shared Inheritance Tracks
The acclaimed illustrator and children’s author Oliver Jeffers discuses the power of fatherhood in both his life and work, from his father's visionary education beliefs during The Troubles, to how his own role as a father feeds into his work - his new book is "I'm Very Busy".Eleanor Thatcher, is a fifth generation cider maker, and the first woman in the family to join the senior leadership of That
Ken Follett, The FA Cup, Piano Reinvention, and Miranda Hart's Inheritance Tracks
Ken Follett has sold 200 million books around the world, in more than 80 countries and into 30 different languages. He made his breakthrough with spy thrillers before working his way back through time, and now we find him telling the story of the building of Stonehenge in his latest book, "Circle of Days".The Macabees musician Felix White wanted to be a footballer, didn’t we all, until it became c
David Suchet, Greetings Cards, Artistic Exploration, and Clare Balding's Inheritance Tracks
Sir David Suchet has reignited his little grey cells to traverse the world, following in the footsteps of the great Agatha Christie in a new book and television series "Travels with Agatha Christie".Tony Foster is also a keen traveller, as an adventure artist he has ventured deep into the world’s wildernesses, painting 17,000ft up Mount Everest and in the very heart of the Grand Canyon.Stacey McNe
Peter James, Hedgelaying, Prosthetics, and Philippa Gregory's Inheritance Tracks
Peter James is one of the UK's bestselling authors who's Detective Grace series now hosts Queen Camila in a staring role, by Royal request, in his latest novel "The Hawk is Dead". But this isn't his first familial involvement with the Royal family, as his mother was the official glovemaker to Queen Elizabeth II.Jim Ashworth-Beaumont was a former army veteran and skilled prosthetics expert - until
Susie Dent, Winemaking, Speed Ploughing and Joanna Lumley's Inheritance Tracks
It’s often said that one pretty sure route to happiness is to find something you love doing, and then make a career out of doing it, and seems to be exactly what Susie Dent has managed to do with her lifelong fascination with words. In her new book "The Roots We Share" Susie spreads her love of language. Fekky grew up in Lewisham, and used music as his escape from a life of gangs and violence. But
Priscilla Presley, Ann Cleeves, Panning for Gold, and Davina McCall's Inheritance Tracks
Priscilla Presley met Elvis in Germany aged 14, moving with him to Graceland at 17 before their marriage, but despite the glamour surrounding their lives, Priscilla’s experience was marked by emotional complexity. In her new memoir, 'Softly as I Leave You', she reveals how she felt she was “living his life”. Ann Cleeves has written 37 novels, garnering huge critical acclaim. Her work’s been transl
Mary Portas, Finding Happiness, Rebuilding a Life, and Joanna Page's Inheritance Tracks
Mary Portas revolutionised the art of window dressing during her time at Harvey Nichols when, still in her 20's, she rose beyond the all male leadership team to bring the brand into the 21st Century and grab headlines for their displays. In her new memoir "I Shop, Therefore I Am" she lets us see through the shop window to reveal the untold stories behind the success.Dr Grace Spence Green had been
Lulu, Palestinian Cooking, a Water Sommelier, and Mark Kermode's Inheritance Tracks
We all know Lulu for her breakout hit Shout, voicing the theme tune to James Bond's The Man With a Golden Gun, and winning Eurovision in an unprecedented 4-way tie. But, in her new memoir If You Only Knew, she reveals how her childhood in Glasgow was marked by trauma, her father was an alcoholic and mother never fully came to terms with being given away as a baby.
Sami Tamimi first arrived in Lo
Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, Beekeeping, Basketball, and Dan Brown's Inheritance Tracks
Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith have worked together for three decades on the likes of The League of Gentlemen and Inside No. 9. But, despite creating some of television's most twisted characters the pair are, as far as we can tell, relatively normal off-screen - Reece is a keen home-baker and Steve loves a good cryptic crossword.Today John Amaechi is a psychologist and leadership consultant,
Michael Rosen, Ghostwriting, Dry Stone Walls, and Oti Mabuse's Inheritance Tracks
Former Children's Laureate, Michael Rosen, shares his guide to hope and happiness during troubling times in the world and after his battle against Covid-19 during the pandemic - plus he reveals the joy of returning to work with "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" illustrator, Helen Oxenbury, for the first time in more than 30 years with "Oh Dear, Look What I Got!".Kristie De Garis is a writer, photograph
Adam Kay, Anna Whitwham, Kevin Rowland, Janet Street-Porter
Adam Kay from delivering babies to delivering punchlines, the former obs and gynae doctor turned BAFTA-winning writer and comedian, now stitches together stories in his bestselling books. The beloved voice of Dexys Midnight Runners and Dexys - the singer-songwriter Kevin Rowland. He’s traded melodies for memories in his raw and revealing memoir. And penning stories, teaching other writers and als
Bettany Hughes, Jay McGuiness, Dave Fishwick, Ade Adepitan
Award-winning historian, broadcaster, and author Bettany Hughes wrote her first book when she was just five years old. Now she's
written her first ever children's book, as part of her mission to make history accessible to all. Jay McGuiness swapped the glittery Strictly ballroom and The Wanted tour bus for the West End stage - and now has written a fantasy trilogy! And Dave Fishwick - the real Da
Judy Murray, Defne Suman, Richard Turner, Rick Edwards
Mother of champions and former tennis star and coach herself... Judy Murray has swapped a killer forehand for the mighty pen. Richard Turner is a cult survivor who knows a thing or two about love bombing, gaslighting and the prosperity gospel, but it was his autism diagnosis that opened his eyes to the truth. Defne Suman, is an acclaimed Turkish author, and hatha yoga teacher, whose novels unearth
Sir Lenny Henry, William Ivory, Aoife Ní Bhriain, Nick Grimshaw
Dudley’s finest, Sir Lenny Henry, has always used his comedic and acting talents to infuse characters with humour and heart - his Comic Relief work turned laughter into social impact and he now has a list of ‘brilliant things’ to share.Violinist and Daughter of Dublin Aoife Ní Bhriain has, through her music, blended traditional Irish sounds with modern innovation, turning cultural roots into conte
Adeel Akhtar, Terry Deary, Charlotte Philby, Limahl
Double BAFTA winning and shapeshifting actor Adeel Akhtar has been seen on screen in Murdered by My Father, Sherwood and Fool Me Once and on stage he’s currently playing a politician in The Estate. Terry Deary is the bestselling author of Horrible Histories and has now written his first adult crime thriller…Actually, I’m A Murderer. And Charlotte Philby is the investigative journalist, author of s
Kwame Kwei-Armah, George Egg, Mohammad Belal, Fearne Cotton
Actor, director and playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah on the big decisions he’s faced from changing his name to the Herculean task of writing a super-hero musical.Mohammed Belal... Who became England's first paralysed surgeon after a cycling accident. He faced years of rehabilitation to return to work.George Egg who mixes comedy and cooking and says good nosh doesn’t have to be posh and how cooking hel
David Baddiel, Leyla Kazim, Mikey Please, Suzi Ruffell
A man who serves up laughs and heart in equal measure - teller of stories David Baddiel is a comedian, author, screenwriter and presenter who has most recently taken inspiration from the humble burger.Mikey Please is the BAFTA winning short film maker. His stop-motion magic with Aardman Studios conjured the Oscar-nominated Robin Robin and has just won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. And fr
Ashley Walters, Rhys Darby, Helen Lederer, Georgia Mann
Ashley Walters, the powerhouse actor, producer and rapper, who’s delivered unforgettable performances in Top Boy and the recent global Netflix hit Adolescence, his memoir unveils a tapestry of his inner workings, woven with candour and introspection.Rhys Darby is one of New Zealand’s finest comedy exports. Famous for his boundless curiosity and for blending quirky wit and brilliance he’ll tell us
LIVE from the Hay Festival!
Fresh from her recent BAFTA success – the award-winning actress, writer and producer - Ruth Jones is with us. Ruth’s latest book of fiction is a story where the main character embarks on one last investigation for a council’s Unclaimed Heirs Unit... and along the way, the character discovers the importance of holding onto friendship and community.He's the architectural alchemist who has guided us
Francesca Simon, Jude Kelly, Sophie Pierce and Alex Murdin
Writer Francesca Simon swapped Californian sunshine for life in the UK, where she created one of the most iconic characters in children’s literature — Horrid Henry. She joins us to talk fairy folklore, presidential ambitions, and the stories that shaped her.Jude Kelly, founder of Women of the World and one of the UK’s most influential cultural figures, shares her journey from Toxteth to the South
Reeta Chakrabarti, Alistair Wood, Jack Rutter, Rory Kinnear
Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.
Mark Addy, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, Mike and Andrew Lamport, Jason Mantzoukas
Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.
Jeremy Vine, Poppy Okotcha, Jack Mosley, Nigel Havers
Broadcaster Jeremy Vine, who disappointingly didn't make his way to the studio on a penny farthing is here in his capacity as an Agatha Christie loving author.Poppy Okotcha, the model-turned-horticulturist, has swapped Vivienne Westwood runways for an edible and medicinal garden. Dr. Jack Mosley, son of the late Michael Mosley, has shut out the food noise to continue his father's legacy. All that
Nick Butterworth, Dave Henty, Sophie Pierce, Charles Collingwood
One of Britain's best former art forgers, ‘brushstroke alchemist’ David Henty, has been called a Master Craftsman of his art with over 30 years' experience, producing near original copies.Sophie Pierce didn’t think she’d live to thirty but has just become the first person with cystic fibrosis to complete a world record breaking rowing challenge across the Atlantic. The writer and illustrator Nick
Tim Rice, Sareeta Domingo, Alan Toyne, Penelope Wilton
Oscar award winning lyricist Sir Tim Rice, the man behind some of the world's most beloved musicals. From Evita to The Lion King, he's currently on tour bringing his own life stories and hit-filled career to a stage near you. Novelist Sareeta Domingo joins Saturday Live, she faced her own life altering plot-twist, when she was diagnosed with cancer. It proved to be more than a chapter to endure, i
Gyles Brandreth, Lorna Tucker, Paul Lamb, Sophie Duker
The writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth discusses his love of words and language.Lorna Tucker is the fearless and celebrated filmmaker who rose from homelessness and a life of crime on the streets of Soho to Sundance glory.And Paul Lamb the wagon-living-hedge-laying wizard, who weaves living masterpieces from nature’s tangle, restoring ancient countryside hedgerows and keeping alive a vanishing
Michael Morpurgo, Tricia Stewart, John Harris, Gina McKee
The author Michael Morpurgo, whose stories have enchanted children across the world...he’s now turned to non-fiction with a book for adults proving that the most magical storytellers have very real lives.
Journalist and writer John Harris is a music chronicler and critic of music and critic since the age of nineteen...music’s been a massive part of his life, and now more than ever as it’s worked
Denise Lewis, Chris Chibnall, Shân Veillard-Thomas, Rachel Burden
Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.
Rebecca Front, Amber Butchart, Natalie Chandler, Christina Trevanion
The career of BAFTA winning actor and funny woman Rebecca Front spans the stage, screen and now podcasting - she brings her unique blend of irreverence and being a ‘bit of a Pollyanna’ to the studio.Natalie Chandler swapped her boots for the pen as a former professional rugby player who’s now tackling the world as a thriller writer – guided by her dreams and her ancestors. And a living example of
Lorraine Kelly, Sally Lindsay, Alice Watkins, Carrie Hope Fletcher
Actor Sally Lindsay has gone from stealing scenes as Shelley Unwin in Coronation Street to creating and starring in The Madame Blanc Mysteries - and is passionate about fighting for working class talents in her industry.Lorraine Kelly has been brightening our screens in the morning for decades with warmth, wit and her ability to put absolutely anyone at ease - and now can add debut novelist to her
Lindsey Burrow, Connor Allen, John McFall, Jared Harris
Lindsey Burrow who inspired the nation caring for her late husband, the rugby league legend Rob Burrow, as he lived with MND, shares her story of love, loss, resilience and advocacy. At the age of sixteen, Connor Allen attacked his own mum and she reported him to police, but his life turned around thanks to support from his teachers at trial to become the Welsh Children’s Laureate and multi-discip
Steven Frayne (aka Dynamo), Pepsi Demacque-Crockett, Harriet Dyer, Steph McGovern
Steven Frayne, better known as the illusionist and magician Dynamo, has made the impossible look effortless: walking on water, levitating above London and somehow keeping his secrets. His new show marks a new chapter, where he uses his magic to spotlight everyday heroes across the UK, returning to the street magic that first launched his career.From backing vocals for Wham! to pop stardom with Pep
Kate Mosse, Maher Fattouh, Dola Posh, Olly Alexander
Internationally lauded, bestselling novelist, Kate Mosse is celebrating big this year, with both the 20th anniversary of her iconic novel Labyrinth, and the 30th edition of the Women’s Prize for Fiction announced later this year.Maher Fattouh, a football loving student who was blinded by an explosion as he fled Syria in 2014 but discovered that true vision comes from resilience not sight.Photograp
Nisha Katona, Mark Thompson, Phoebe Smith, Jesse Eisenberg
Nisha Katona, former barrister now Mistress of Spices, Mowgli restaurant mogul, TV presenter and host of new show Home Kitchen - she’s described herself as a culinary Womble.Astronomer Mark Thompson is famous for unravelling the mysteries of the universe and the world of STEM., on TV and on tour, telescope in one hand and a sense of wonder in the other. Phoebe ‘Wander Woman’ Smith is with us, adve
Malorie Blackman, Cat Burford, Claire Fayers, Felicity Jones
Former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman who’s transformed the literary landscape, broken boundaries and redefined storytelling, brings her brand of honesty and unfiltered storytelling to the stage with Pig Heart Boy.Cat Burford, aka The Molar Explorer, navigates both teeth and tundras, balancing dentistry with daring polar expeditions - and has returned from Antarctica to join us.The mythologi
Nadiya Hussain, Dr Kate Hays, Tim Sullivan, DJ Spoony
Cook, author, broadcaster and former Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain knows how to turn up the heat in the kitchen and how to quietly contemplate life. Her new book is a love letter to her food and her religion.Dr Kate Hays helps us keep our cool under pressure, as the FA’s performance psychologist currently working with the Lionesses, she's seen the highs and lows that sport has to of
Monty Don, Beth Jones, Danny Gray, Eve Myles
Gardening Guru Monty Don, who’s sown seeds of sustainability, cultivated lawns of loyal fans, travelled the world and has grown his wise and warm reputation by sharing personal experiences. Beth Jones is a tattooist whose body-art is empowering breast cancer survivors, proving that inking can be therapeutic and transformative.Danny Gray has not only redefined men’s grooming with his makeup brand b
Jackie Kay, Huw Ware, Peter Murray, Alice Roberts
The literary alchemist Jackie Kay, poet, author and playwright, whose words dance between the very personal and the universal - she wants us to Coorie Doon. We’ve scored a bullseye in getting darts referee and LGBT+ ambassador Huw Ware on the show...so…game on! Sir Peter Murray, the visionary sculptor of landscapes and minds alike reveals how he went from an educationalist to founder of the Yorksh
Sarah Beeny, Jarlath Regan, Marina Gibson, Russell Howard
Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.
Tiffany Murray, Sam Oladeinde, Mared Pugh-Evans, Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Tiffany Murray grew up watching legendary rock stars eat her mother’s food...David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Ozzie Osbourne and Siouxsie Sioux, to name but a few. She shares what it was like to grow up at the iconic Rockfield Studios. Actor Sam Oladeinde gave up a career in law to become Aaron Burr, Sir, in the UK and Ireland tour of Hamilton. But what has he taken from his previous profession into
Peter Lord, Sarah Ward, Josh Widdicombe, The Choir With No Name
Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.
Gordon Buchanan, Emad Choudhury, Abby Furness, Alex James
Gordon Buchanan, the world-renowned wildlife filmmaker, takes us through the mud, sweat and tears, and lions, tigers and bears that have shaped his extraordinary career.Abby Furness, the singer-songwriter and social media influencer, has become an advocate for resilience after her harrowing experience with a cyber-stalker... Imam Emad Choudhary, the UK's only spiritual leader and police detective,
