Profile

South African – born space physicist Michele Dougherty has been awarded the honorary title of Astronomer Royal. She becomes the first woman to hold the title in the 350 – year -old history of the role. Although her all-girls school in Durban did not offer science as an option, her father sparked her love for planetary science when he built a telescope in the back garden of the family home. After qualifying as a mathematician and moving to Germany for a fellowship, Dougherty changed focus and joined teams working on two major space missions. Dougherty played a big role in major discoveries in the solar system, including the revelation that jets of water vapour shoot out of one of Saturn’s moons, Enceladus, meaning it may be able to support life. She even managed to convince Nasa to turn a spacecraft around to take a closer look! Mark Coles speaks to colleagues and friends who describe her as a supportive and strong team leader always happy to celebrate other people’s successes.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ivana Davidovic and Emma Gibson Editor: Nick Holland Sound Editor: James BeardPHOTO: Michele Dougherty/Imperial College London

From Disney to Microsoft, via Vodafone and Virgin Media, Cindy Rose has been a top executive at some of the world’s best known companies. Born and raised in the US, one of her early passions was figure skating – a sport she confessed left her covered in bumps and bruises. After qualifying as a lawyer, she later switched to corporate roles, relocating to Europe then London. Her time at Disney included a shift dressed as Mickey Mouse’s loyal hound, Pluto, welcoming guests to the Californian theme park. Now she’s set to become the new CEO of the troubled FTSE ad giant, WPP – where her experience in tech and AI look set to be an asset. Stephen Smith talks to friends and colleagues to find out how Cindy Rose made it from law to leadership – and the challenges she faces as head of one of the world’s biggest advertising groups. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Natasha Fernandes, Alex Loftus, Sally Abrahams Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: James Beard Editor: Bridget Harney Credits: Cindy Rose at London Tech Week, 2018 Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, addressing Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing CBS Mornings (2014) Claudia Winkleman, Liquid News, 24 July 2002 Greenpeace scale Disney offices in London, 2004. Source: Greenpeace.

Piers Litherland has been called a modern-day Indiana Jones. He’s a former banker-turned-archaeologist who led the discovery of the lost tomb of Tutankhamun's relative, Thutmose II. As a child, Litherland was obsessed with Egypt. It was a passion that never left him, even as he pursued a career in finance. But it was only after a chance meeting with an eminent Egyptologist from Cambridge that he decided to ditch the office job and follow his heart. Since then, Litherland has headed a joint Anglo-Egyptian mission in Egypt’s Western Wadis - funding the project himself. Then, in February 2025, his team made what’s been called ‘the discovery of the century’ - the tomb of Thutmose II, an ancestor of Tutankhamun. Litherland said he cried when he realised what he'd found. Stephen Smith speaks to friends, family and colleagues of Piers Litherland, charting his life and passion that led to the discovery of the first tomb of an Egyptian King since Tutankhamun in 1922.Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Ben Crighton and Natasha Fernandes Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound: James Beard Editor: Nick Holland Credits: Archive recording and audio logs of archaeological dig, Rabee Eissa and Jenny Litherland

Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic candidate for New Yok City mayor after a stunning victory in the primary race. If he goes on to win the mayoral election in November he will become the first Muslim and Indian American to lead the nation's largest city. His nomination came as a shock to some in the mainstream Democratic party who worry his policies are too extreme and could alienate swing voters. Before turning to politics Mr Mamdani had a brief career in the music industry. Mark Coles interviews his friends and family about his rise from rap artist to politician. Presenter: Mark ColesProducers: Natasha Fernandes and Ben CrightonProduction Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleSound: Gareth JonesEditor: Nick Holland Credits: CBS New York “Zohran Mamdani claims victory in NYC Democratic mayoral primary” The Late Show with Stephen Colbert “Colber Talks NYC Mayroal Race with Candidates Zohran Mamdani & Brad Lander” Zohran Mamdani’s Instagram and TikTok abc News "Trump threatens to arrest NYC mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani"

Charlie xcx is known to fans for her avant-garde, innovative approach to pop music. For many, the singer-songwriter, who’s won 5 BRIT awards and 3 Grammys, is one of the most influential figures in 21st century pop. Born Charlotte Aitchison in Cambridge in 1992 and raised in Essex, she was still at school when she began posting songs on MySpace and performing at warehouse raves, eventually landing a record deal in 2010. Her stage name, Charli xcx is a nod to her MSN screen name from when she was younger. Charli xcx first had success writing and collaborating on hits for other people. Her 2024 album, Brat, became a global pop culture phenomenon and was even embraced by US Presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, for a while. Mark Coles charts her career from wannabe teenage rave DJ to major label star. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Natasha Fernandes and Sally Abrahams Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound: David Crackles Editor: Nick HollandCredits: CBS “America Decides”, July 2024. Abigail De Kosnik, associate professor for the Berkeley Center for New Media. BBC 3 Charli XCX: Alone Together, D&Productions Ivor Novello Awards 2025 !Franceskaar! Charli xcx, 2008 CBS News Shorts, 2024

Current Director-General of Technology and Innovation, Blaise Metreweli, was recently appointed as the new chief of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, MI6. She’s the first woman to assume the role. She attended Westminster School, where she got a glimpse of leadership in her role as head girl. In 1995, she went on to study Anthropology at Cambridge University. Beyond the lecture halls, Blaise Metreweli was a keen sportswoman. In 1997, the Cambridge women's team she was in beat their rivals Oxford University in the Boat Race. After graduating, she set her sights on an international career, applying to be a diplomat but was diverted to work for MI6 instead. During her time serving as a spy, she was reportedly posted to Europe, Iraq and other parts of the Middle East.Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Ben Crighton and Natasha Fernandes Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill Editor: Nick Holland

Actress and disability campaigner, Liz Carr, is probably best known for her role as forensic examiner, Clarissa Mullery, in the TV crime drama, Silent Witness. She’s also done comedy, theatre and even written a musical, about what she calls ‘assisted suicide’. Last year she fronted the award-winning BBC TV documentary, Better Off Dead, making the case against assisted dying.Born and raised in Merseyside, Liz Carr became seriously ill when she was seven and has used a wheelchair since she was eleven. Whilst studying law at Nottingham University, she got involved in politics, disabled rights and activism. As her public profile grew she became a powerful voice in the debates over assisted dying. As the assisted dying bill returns to the Commons this week, with MPs debating and voting on a series of contentious amendments, Mark Coles speaks to Liz’s friends and colleagues about her acting, comedy and campaigning. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Sally Abrahams and Nik Sindle Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Sound: Neil Churchill Editor: Nick Holland Credits: Silent Witness: ‘Covenant part 2’ (2017) BBC/Cipango Productions Audiovisuelles/Dir. David Drury Better Off Dead (2024); Burning Bright Productions/ BBC/Dir. James Routh Hardtalk – Stephen Sackur interviews Liz Carr Abnormally Funny People, 2005, Edinburgh Fringe show Dirty Dancing (1987) Great American Films Limited Partnership/Vestron Pictures/Dir. Emile Ardolino

Donald Trump calls Susie Wiles the “ice maiden” for her ability to stay cool under pressure. It’s an invaluable skill in her role as White House Chief of Staff - responsible for who has access to the President. Aged 68, Susie Wiles has spent more than 40 years in Republican politics – steering powerful men to elected office. She’s worked for US presidents, governors, mayors and Congress members. But she likes to stay out of the limelight. Most of her experience has been in Florida, where she’s had a string of political success stories. Including big names like Senator Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis – running their campaigns to become governor of the Sunshine State. Back in 2015, Donald Trump was a long shot for President, so he turned to Wiles for help winning Florida. His victory in the state helped him clinch the White House in 2016. As Trump’s campaign manager for the 2024 run, Susie Wiles is widely credited with running what many regard as Trump’s most disciplined and strategic campaign. Susie Wiles grew up in New Jersey. Her father, Pat Summerall, was a professional football player and later a famous sports broadcaster. But, he was an alcoholic and he credits his daughter for helping him overcome his addiction. Stephen Smith talks to friends, colleagues and commentators to find out how events in Susie Wiles’ life have shaped her to become one of President Trump’s most trusted advisors – doing a job widely considered to be one of the most important in Washington. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Bob Howard and Sally Abrahams Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound: David Crackles Editor: Nick HollandCredits: Susie Wiles interview with Lara Trump on Fox News, March 2025 The Apprentice, Episode1, Series 1, 2004 on NBC. Produced by Mark Burnett and Donald Trump CNN Florida Gubernatorial Debate - Ron DeSantis vs Andrew Gillum Oct 21, 2018

Tom Fletcher heads the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and has been at the forefront of recent efforts to deliver aid into Gaza. Last week, he was criticised for making inaccurate claims about the impact of the Israeli blockade. No stranger to tough jobs, he was previously a foreign policy advisor to three British Prime Ministers and the UK Ambassador to Lebanon as the country dealt with the civil war in neighbouring Syria. He once fought the mayor of Nairobi in a boxing match and had a mortar round land in his swimming pool at the British embassy in Beirut. One of four siblings, he was born in Folkestone, where he attended the Harvey Grammar School before studying at Oxford University. Prior to his UN role he was Principal of Hertford College and has written books on diplomacy as well as novels.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Tom Gillett, Lucy Pawle and Jo Casserly Editor: Nick Holland Sound: Gareth Jones Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

In April 2024 Rosemary Coogan became only the third person from the UK to qualify as an astronaut after completing basic training with the European Space Agency (ESA). Originally from Northern Ireland, she excelled academically and holds two master's degrees from Durham University and a PhD in astronomy from the University of Sussex. She became an ESA astronaut after a challenging selection process which whittled down 22,000 applicants. The agency hopes to send Rosemary to the International Space Station by 2030. In this episode of Profile, Stephen Smith explores the life and career of the woman who has a chance of becoming the first person from the UK to walk on the moon.Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Tom Gillett and Lucy Pawle Editor: Nick Holland Sound: Neil Churchill Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Earlier this month the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also made President Trump's National Security Advisor. The last person to undertake both roles simultaneously was Henry Kissinger in the 1970s. The son of Cuban immigrants, Mr Rubio has had a turbo-charged career; rising from junior positions in his home city of Miami, to the US Senate which he reached before he turned 40 and now a Cabinet position where he dominate US foreign policy.As a boy he dreamed of being President and he made his first attempt in 2016. The Republican primaries were brutal, with candidates trading deeply personal insults. It was assumed that Mr Rubio's relationship with the eventual winner of that contest - Donald Trump - had been fatally damaged. But they continued their working relationship and today Rubio serves as one of the President's most trusted advisors.Will Marco Rubio be tempted to run once again for the White House? And what forces have shaped his stellar political career?Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Tom Gillett and Lucy Pawle Editor: Matt Willis Sound: David Crackles Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison

Reform UK triumphed in May’s local elections, winning many more council seats up for grabs than the other major parties. Behind the scenes, the party has gone through major changes. Millionaire businessman and donor Zia Yusuf was appointed chairman last summer, and has been credited with professionalising the party. The son of Sri Lankan immigrants, he made his money co-founding a luxury concierge business, before moving into politics; and all before the age of 40. But where do his ambitions lie beyond being chairman? And where does the future of the party lie beyond the central figure of Nigel Farage? In this episode of Profile, Stephen Smith explores the life, career and journey of the man some say is responsible for Reform UK’s growing success. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Lucy Pawle and Nik Sindle Researcher: Gabriel May Editor: Max Deveson Sound: Gareth Jones Production Coordinator: Maria OgundeleArchive: ‘Communication Problems’ - Fawlty Towers BBC / writers: John Cleese and Connie Booth

President Trump shocked the world earlier this year when he announced plans to impose tariffs affecting nearly all goods entering America.But rather than coming as a surprise, the US President had made the policy one of the key cornerstones of his re-election campaign. He'd also implemented some tariffs during his first term in office too.Despite strong opposition to the move, President Trump enjoys the unflinching support of economist Peter Navarro, who is seen by many as the architect of the agenda. Having advised the US President during his first term in office, Navarro is back in the White House to see it through.In this episode of Profile, Mark Coles explores the life, career and journey of Trump's key economic advisor on global trade.Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ben Cooper, Lucy Pawle and Smita Patel Researchers: Chloe Scannapieco and Darin Graham Editor: Max Deveson Sound: Gareth Jones Production Coordinator: Maria OgundeleArchive C-SPAN Politico

Canadians are gearing up to vote in a snap General Election.It's been called by Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of England, who in recent months replaced Justin Trudeau as leader of Canada's ruling Liberal Party. Carney is hoping to receive a fresh mandate from the public, and face down US President Donald Trump, whose rhetoric towards America's neighbour in the north has become increasingly belligerent since returning to the White House.It's been a long journey for 60-year-old Carney - from growing up in a small town in Canada's Northwest Territories all the way to the very highest levels of international diplomacy.In this episode of Profile, Stephen Smith charts the life and career of the man hoping to become Canada's Prime Minister.Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Ben Cooper and Lucy Pawle Researcher: Chloe Scannapieco Editor: Max Deveson Sound: James Beard Production Coordinator: Katie MorrisonArchive CPAC CP24 Global News The Guardian

Beloved Britpop band Pulp have released their first new music in almost a quarter of a century, the single 'Spike Island'.Their talismanic frontman Jarvis Cocker has always been the band's star turn, with his second-hand 70s style, mesmeric stage presence and biting lyrics.Following some difficult early years in his hometown of Sheffield, Cocker formed the band in 1978, but had to wait over a decade before breaking through on the crest of the Britpop wave in the mid-90s. The band released some of the most memorable and well-loved songs of the era, including 'Common People' and 'Disco 2000'.But his very public bottom-baring protest against Michael Jackson at the 1996 Brit Awards thrust him even more firmly into the public's imagination, and the fame he had craved for so long quickly took a darker turn.Mark Coles speaks to some of the most important people in Jarvis's story, including current and former bandmates Candida Doyle, Nick Banks and Richard Hawley, and his sister Saskia.Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Ben Cooper Researcher: Chloe Scannapieco Editor: Max Deveson Sound: Gareth Jones Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Stephen Smith profiles the actor Lesley Manville, winner of a second Olivier theatre award. From growing up in Hove to her long-time collaboration with film-maker Mike Leigh, Manville has a reputation as the complete professional. With contributions from Mike Leigh, Director Rob Icke, Actor Tim McCullan, former teacher Julia Clarey, Observer critic Susannah Clapp and friend Rebecca Blond. Presenter: Stephen Smith Production Team: Bob Howard, Chloe Scannapieco, Devian Maside Editor: Max Deveson Sound Engineer: Gareth Jones Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Steve Witkoff started out as a New York lawyer, until a late night encounter with Donald Trump in a sandwich shop inspired him to move into real estate. Known as "Smoking Steve", he has amassed a property empire worth millions, become friends and golf buddies with Trump, and has now been appointed as his Middle East Envoy and go-to international negotiator and trouble shooter. To his critics he's dangerously unqualified and out of his depth. To his supporters, he's the straight-talking fresh pair of eyes needed to resolve deeply entrenched conflicts. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Josephine Casserly, Chloe Scannapieco, Devian Maside Editor: Max Deveson Sound Engineer: James Beard Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele

Jack Thorne is co-author of Netflix drama Adolescence. But this is far from his first rodeo, over a 20 year career, his writing has appeared in many iconic British dramas, from Shameless and This is England '86 to His Dark Materials. He started out as a playwright and hasn't lost his love for theatre, having written West End box office hit, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Jack is known in the industry for his compulsive work ethic, political edge and capacity for empathy. Stephen Smith speaks to the people close to Jack, including early collaborator and Oscar-winner Daniel Kaluuya, actor Morven Christie, and Jack's dad, Mike Thorne. Production Team Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Josephine Casserly and Chloe Scannapieco Editor: Max Deveson Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleArchive Adolescence, Plan B, Netflix This is England ‘86, Warp Films and Film4 Production, Channel 4 Skins, Netflix

Jonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Adviser, is used to operating behind the scenes: he’s spent decades working as a diplomat, negotiator and mediator. Recent events in the US and Ukraine have thrust him into the spotlight. After the fiery Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, Powell has been credited with advising Ukraine and ensuring that lines of communication were kept open. He travelled to Kyiv to meet Zelensky and played a key role in fashioning a plan for a ceasefire and the steps that might follow.Powell began his career in the foreign office before becoming Tony Blair’s chief of staff. He was crucial to the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement which helped bring peace to Northern Ireland. Since then, he’s worked on resolving conflicts and crises all over the world in places like Colombia, Mozambique and Libya.Mark Coles talks to his friends, family and former colleagues to find out how this veteran negotiator became one of the most important figures shaping British foreign policy. Production Team Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Viv Jones, Hugh Sheehan, Clare Williamson, Mantej Deol Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has one the toughest tasks in Labour’s domestic programme: tackling the burgeoning welfare bill.Next week, the government is expected to announce reforms to the welfare system. There is unease over the plans within the party, with some Labour MPs saying they fear drastic cuts could push vulnerable people into poverty. The move could split the party and put Liz Kendall in a difficult position. A grammar school girl, Kendall went on to study history at Cambridge, where she liked to revise while sunbathing and listening to Wham. She became MP for Leicester West in 2010, and ran for Labour leader in 2015, but came away with just 4.5% of the vote. Now on Keir Starmer’s front bench, her supporters say she’s not afraid of a fight and willing to take on some of the party’s sacred cows. Production Team Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Viv Jones, Chloe Scannapieco, Hugh Sheehan, Keiligh Baker Editor: Bridget Harney Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele