Saturday Live

Joining Adrian Chiles on this week’s programme:

Bill Bailey studied English at University in London before he transformed his fascination with music, performance and ideas into a successful career on stage and screen. He’ll be discussing his new musical-comedy tour Vaudevillean.

Actor, Director and Producer Chris Addison initially pursued stand-up comedy. He’s gone on to turn his talents behind the camera in hit television series in the UK and America. He’ll be discussing his new BBC television series, Tall Tales and Murder.

Penny Mallory spent her formative years in Kent, before finding herself homeless and living on the streets in London during her teenage years. Inspired by watching sport on BBC Grandstand at the age of six, she went on to enter the high-risk and adrenaline-fuelled world of professional rally driving. Plus we’ll hear the Inheritance Tracks of the musician Sheryl Crow.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

Baroness Floella Benjamin hardly needs an introduction, but her career started in a bank before becoming a trailblazer in children’s television. Now Baroness Benjamin, she continues to speak in public life on matters across the media and diversity.

Sir Tony Robinson had a stint in children’s television too before he was catapulted into fame acting as Baldrick - with his cunning plans in the Blackadder series. Now a best-selling writer and documentary maker, he has spent more than two decades bringing the country’s archaeological hidden history to life.

And plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke’s quest to further his understanding of orchids led him to the Panamanian jungle on an expedition that went dangerously wrong. Kidnapped and held in captivity for nine months, he returned to the safety of his garden estate in the Kent countryside where he continues to cultivate his worldly discoveries.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Studio Producer: Catherine Powell Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

Joining Adrian Chiles this week on the programme are:

Nick Park, filmmaker, animator and author will be talking about his latest book about the life of Gromit - the beloved character from the adventures of Wallace & Gromit.

Next Wednesday will mark sixty years since the disaster at the Welsh village of Aberfan. On 21 October 1966 a mountain of coal waste slid down into a school and houses resulting in 144 people - including 116 children - losing their lives. Janett Bickley was eight years old and attended the school on that day, she tells us her life story.

And Dr Xand Van Tulleken grew up alongside his identical twin brother with a passion to become a doctor. He has gone on to have a stellar career in broadcasting and continues to navigate our understanding of health and medicine matters.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan and Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

Adrian Chiles is joined by three guests who have made a success in business, music and broadcasting.

The musician Tinie Tempah has in recent years flexed his talents across the industries of fashion and property. But music remains at the top of his priorities with a new album - The Night's Not Dead - and a UK/European tour, more than sixteen years since finding global success in the industry.

Entrepreneur Sara Davies was a student at university when she launched an idea for the crafting industry that went on to become a multi-million pound international business. Sata has a new book out called Crafting for All Occasions.

And Choirmaster Gareth Malone found personal confidence through singing and choirs before helping other people find their voice through the power of collective song. He is about to go on a tour called Sing-A-Long-A-Gareth: At The Movies, during the autumn and winter.

Plus, we'll hear the Inheritance Tracks choices from actor and writer Nigel Planer.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assiatant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

Adrian Chiles is in the company of a talented trio on today's programme:

Charlie Higson, writer, actor and comedian has enjoyed great success in television, not least with The Fast Show. And as a novelist the writer of the much admired young James Bond series has now published his first work featuring the grown up 007.

Billy Monger holds the world record at Ironman as a double amputee, this after going back to motor racing following the calamitous crash which changed his life at the age of 17. Now he has an eye on the 2028 Paralympic Games.

And Rebecca Coxon’s life was changed after curiosity about her family history led to a DNA test with results she never saw.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

When it comes to bringing history to life on television Lucy Worsley is queen of the realm; she’s written a personal history of the Queens and Kings whose lives she’s almost lived through her work.

Clare Balding’s one of the most respected and well-loved broadcasters in the business, bringing the biggest sporting and ceremonial events into our homes, as well as writing a series of best selling books, her latest being a first novel for adults.

Dr Liz O’Riordan has at least two crowning achievements to her name. Firstly, qualifying as a doctor and becoming a breast surgeon. Secondly, negotiating the trauma of having breast cancer herself and finding a new path after she had to leave her career in surgery behind.

Plus we will hear the Inheritance Tracks of the comedian Lucy Porter.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producers: Catherine Powell and Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 his work, not least in writing about his cat.

Also, we have a listener on the Isle of Wight offers thanks to the young man who pulled him out of trouble when a swim went very wrong one day last month.

Plus, we have the Inheritance Tracks of the Professor of Physics and broadcaster Jim Al-Khalili.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producers: Catherine Powell and Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 Minute Six which charts his experiences.

Professor Alice Roberts warmed up for her degree in medicine with a BSc in Anatomy and went on to get a PhD in palaeopathology.

And while Alexis Sayle might not be quite so well endowed in the degree department he is considered the godfather of alternative comedy, which is something of which we’re all very much in awe.

Plus we have Inheritance Tracks from the actress Sian Brooke.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producers: Catherine Powell and Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 Alan, Mel has an enormous range of work on stage and screen to her name.

And Eric Ngalle Charles is a poet and writer whose life story is something to which no work of fiction could do justice: trafficked from Cameroon to Russia before somehow finding his way to sanctuary in Wales. Eric gets a chance to speak to Liz Mitchell, the original lead singer with Boney M who he had met on stage at a concert during his time in Russia.

We revisit the last programme before we went on our summer break. Back on the programme in July, listener David Cornmell from York was desperately seeking the kind policemen from Greater Manchester Police who came to his rescue when he came a cropper at Manchester Airport last year.

And we have the Inheritance Tracks of the professional dancer, Carlos Gu.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell and Imy Harper Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 story of his stand-up comedy told in the context of the trauma he went through as a child, and his cancer treatment in middle age.

And Clemency Burton Hill was an accomplished classical musician, writer and broadcaster when a catastrophic brain haemorrhage almost robbed her of everything.

Also, thanks are given to a couple of coppers who were on hand when a listener’s homecoming from holiday went badly wrong.

And we have the Inheritance Tracks of the actor Adrian Lester.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 to tell.

And Chris Terill has more than 200 documentaries under his belt, awards galore, and a long career worthy of a documentary in its own right.

Plus, the inheritance tracks of the chef and restaurateur behind Mowgli Street Food restaurants, Nisha Katona.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Lowri Morgan Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 Tracks of the singer-songwriter Clare Grogan.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producers: Catherine Powell and Imy Harper Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 November through to December. Professor Lady Sue Black - Baroness of Black Strome – is a world‑renowned forensic anthropologist, celebrated for her pioneering work in forensics and human identification.

David James is a football pundit and a former England international. His career as a goalkeeper has taken him from grassroots sport in Welwyn Garden City to the international stage and World Cup tournaments.

Plus we'll have the Inheritance Tracks of the best selling crime author Mark Billingham.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Imy Harper Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 historian, proud son of Birmingham and great grandson of a Peaky Blinder.

Sathnam Sanghera’s written novels, an acclaimed memoir, acclaimed histories of the British Empire. Now he’s exploring the meaning of one of his heroes - George Michael.

Plus the Inheritance Tracks of the broadcaster Lorraine Kelly.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producers: Catherine Powell and Imy Harper Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

If you have been affected by any of the details discussed in today’s programme you can find information for help and support in the UK at bbc.co.uk/actionline

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 three decades before finding the full story of her mother and uncle’s childhood in Nazi Germany.

And Simon Woodroofe had a great career in music and television behind him before he got round to keeping the promise he made to himself to make his million - Yo Sushi being the business which made his name. He's just released his memoir: Yo! Man: Rock n’Roll, Robots and Reinventing British Dining.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant producer: Catherine Powell & Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 Dragon series.

So we have a sports star, and a star author, and in Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell we have someone whose work enabled the discovery of a new kind of star, a discovery which changed astronomy forever.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Imy Harper & Ribika Moktan Productions co-ordinator: Josie Hardy Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 Monmouthshire and she has written a memoir, My Body is a Meadow: Finding Freedom in the Outdoors.

And with Russell Kane there’s an awful lot going on. Terrifyingly clever, award-winning comedian, writer, children's book author and now Shakespearean actor.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producers: Ribika Moktan and Sofia Popova Production co-ordinator: Josie Hardy Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 characters of Hugh Bonneville - he’s now turned his hand to a children’s book where, as we’ll hear, the most unbelievable stories within it are true!

All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of Prue Leith.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards and Josie Hardy Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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’ve got fellow fathers to come together and share their feelings by offering classes in braiding girls’ hair.

Plus the Inheritance Tracks of the actor Jason Watkins.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan and Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 Laureate. Frank will be appearing on the programme ahead of his appearance at the Children's Laureate Lecture called The Kids Are Not Alright, which is being held on Thursday 14 May at the Royal Institution in London.

And amazing storytellers though Frank and Steve are, even they might struggle to do justice to the tale of what Natalie Queiroz has been through. Her work campaigning for the victims of crime has earned her a well-deserved MBE.

Also, we'll hear the Inheritance Tracks of broadcaster and journalist Nick Robinson.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

And if you have been affected by any of the details discussed in today’s programme, you can find information for help and support in the UK at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

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 ended up managing the talents of some of the biggest names in music and show business.

Plus the Inheritance Tracks of the beauty entrepreneur and author Liz Earle.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producers: Ribika Moktan and Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 that for Mrs Patmore, the cook who, disappointingly, can’t cook in real life.

And Tari Lang who grew up in Jakarta and has written a coming of age memoir in the middle of the military coup which saw at least half-a-million people lose their lives in Indonesia. Plus the Inheritance Tracks from the singer-songwriter Laura Mvula.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producers: Ribika Moktan and Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Andrea Kennedy

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 McKenna’s spent the last 15 years saving two hundred exotic animals.

We'll be thanking six burly men who, 27 years ago, lifted up and carried a car containing a heavily pregnant listener of ours, off the hard shoulder of the M25.

Two brothers are pleased as punch to be reunited, after forty years, with their late father’s Austin 35 racing green, racing car.

And we’ll get the Inheritance Tracks of the actor turned director James McAvoy.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Colin Patterson

“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 eavesdropping on worms.

And we hear the Inheritance Tracks of the actor and star of The Pitt; Noah Wyle.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 suited the sound of brass bands down to the ground.

All that, plus the rescue dog from Kampala who needed rescuing a second time by a man in a white van on a roundabout in Saffron Walden - and the Inheritance Tracks of Lesley Joseph.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Powell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

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 plans to take on the world.

And the Inheritance Tracks of former presenter of BBC Breakfast and Saturday Live, now a consulting psychologist, and still broadcasting, most notably with the Radio 4 series Life Changing, Dr Sian Williams.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Lowri Morgan Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell & Alice McKee Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 Edinburgh for Comic Relief.

And we are treated to a special performance by Nigel and his band - Alec Dankworth on double bass and Peter Adams on the cello.

This week's Inheritance Tracks comes from Adam Fleming.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Lowri Morgan Assistant Producer: Alice McKee Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

(The live performance in this programme has been shortened for music rights reasons).

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 the feet of Dame Laura Lee for all her work leading the cancer support charity Maggies.

All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of the comedian Mike Wozniak.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producers: Lowri Morgan and Alice McKee Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Ed Prendeville

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’ll rise from the depths to the surface for some sea shantying from The Longest Johns - and we’ll be getting the Inheritance Tracks of Andy Zaltzman.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producers: Lowri Morgan and Alice McKee Researcher: Angharad Butler Editor: Glyn Tansley

(The live music performed in this programme has been shortened for music rights reasons)

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 we can all learn from the techniques police negotiators use.

And we’ll certainly be paying close attention to what Welsh born billionaire Michael Moritz has to say to us, about his own story, and his telling of the story of his family which is fascinating, harrowing and inspiring in equal measure.

Also today the firefighter who spends his spare time being a Viking - and the Inheritance Tracks of Marian Keyes.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producers: Catherine Powell, Ribika Moktan, Imy Harper Researchers: Angharad Butler, Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 Lownds - who brought her expertise as a high-street beautician into the family funeral business.

Also today the annual pancake race still being run more than 550 years after it started - and the Inheritance Tracks of Radio 1 DJ and boardgame designer Matt Edmondson.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Gareth Nelson-Davies

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.

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 herself, Amanda Owen, whose new tv series suggests her love of her farming life burns as brightly as ever.

And the man who wants us to give our brains a break is a neuroscientist who’s applied his considerable brain to the importance of giving all our tormented minds a bit more downtime. Dr Joseph Jebelli has a fascinating story to tell.

Also, we’ll be asking how many clowns can you fit into a church as we speak to the clown organising the 80th anniversary Joseph Grimaldi Service - and we’ll be enjoying the Inheritance Tracks of Mika.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Colin Patterson

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.

Also today, a man considered so dull that he’s won an award for it, and the Inheritance Tracks of Claire Foy.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 by Sean Ronayne who has managed to record the sound of all but two of Ireland’s 200 native bird species.

All that, plus, the winner of surely the UK’s most gruelling race - 268-miles of mid-winter madness along the Pennine Way - and we’ve the Inheritance Tracks of Mark Heap.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Gareth Nelson Davies

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 strings to his bow. As an eminent epidemiologist he maps the path of diseases. As an enthusiast for waterways he’s single-handedly photographing thousands of miles of tow paths for Google. Never mind streetview...this is canalview.

Also today, the surfer waiting to hear if she’s bagged the world record for riding a bigger wave than any other woman ever - and the Inheritance Tracks of the catsuit wearing, falsetto singing, rockstar Justin Hawkins.

Presenter: Adrian Charles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 credits to her name, and an array of awards and nominations to match chooses her Inheritance Tracks.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Colin Paterson

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 becoming the UK champion for the second time.

Also today, BBC Inside Science presenter Tom Whipple, shares with us the tips and tricks for winning some of Christmas’s classic family games - and the Mammoth star Mike Bubbins adds a sprinkling of 70’s Christmas nostalgia to proceedings.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 situations.

And Vanessa Ruck - who spent seven years recovering from a life-changing car accident… only to then learn to ride a motorbike and race it in extreme endurance events.

All that plus, a man who makes a living with his hand, head, and indeed his entire body inside some of the most iconic puppets on stage - and the Inheritance Tracks of the actor Paul Bettany.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 reveals the extremes he had to go to extremes to survive.

Another tackler of apparently insurmountable obstacles is Mila Stanzani a record-holding obstacle course racer hear to give us an insight into one of the newest sports at the next Olympics.

All that plus, an award-winning pigeon fancier and the Inheritance Tracks of New Zealand’s former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 reveals the process of how her debut book, "The Artist", has become so successful - and how he channels her synaesthesia.

Grace Vella spent her childhood dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, she almost made it playing for Liverpool and Man City, but didn’t quite make the grade, so made football her business instead and has founded the women's sports brand Miss Kick.

All that, plus Hollie McRae, daughter of iconic rally driver Colin McCrae, tells us how she has become determined to keep rally driving in the family - and we have the shared Inheritance Tracks of Chris and Xand van Tulleken.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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. Now, he is a fraud hunter looking for personal redemption whilst helping the police and presenting Scam Secrets on Radio 4.

Jenny Häbry is a three time world champion and first female armoured MMA champion, she lifts the curtain on the world of armoured mixed martial arts, revealing the grit, discipline, and determination it takes to rise to the level of world champion.

Also, Emma Youell joins us live from Norfolk with her metal detector in hand - will she find anything? Plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of Jason Donovan.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producers: Lowri Morgan, Ribika Moktan and Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Colin Paterson

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 Off by a country mile.

Extreme cleaner Ben Giles started out cleaning windows, and moved into cleaning crime scenes and all manner of unspeakable things.

Also today we talk to the award-winning TikToker championing the humble bus and we have the Inheritance Tracks of Barbra Streisand obsessive…Richard E Grant.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 Thatchers, she reveals the wise words that have been passed down the family tree.

Lesley Pearse is a prolific storyteller who has written multiple Sunday Times Bestsellers, but her own story is just as gripping as any told in her many well-loved novels.

We’ll also be talking to George and Joshua Kohler, the father and son duo setting records by cycling around the world together.

Also, another father and son team come together to share their Inheritance Tracks, Peter and Dan Snow.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Lowri Morgan Assistant Producer: Josie Hardy Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Ben Mitchell

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 clear to him aged seven that he wasn’t good enough... so he turned to Football Manager by post. Football became his refuge when his mother became ill with MS, and his part memoir, part football and social history book, "Whatever Will Be Will Be" frames that life story of love and loss around the successive rounds of last year's FA Cup.

Sarah Nicolls is a skilled pianist and innovator who has become one of the few people to reinvent the piano, turning it quite literally on its head to create the vertical piano, which is not only being played using the keys but also the strings from within and the wood surround.

Also, an orchestra of noise from a parade of classic cars lined up on his front drive along Pall Mall.

Plus, the Inheritance Tracks of the comedian and author Miranda Hart.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 McNeil is someone else who finds inspiration from nature and expresses it through her art - after being unable to find a card to send a friend struggling with their mental health...so made one herself and now her Fox Under the Moon business has sold cards and books into over 25 countries.

Also, a couple of dragons fighting it out in the streets of Glastonbury for the pagan Samhain festival.

Plus, the Inheritance Tracks of the broadcaster, author and Faithful...Clare Balding.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

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 one day a dramatic crash with a lorry, whilst out cycling, left him needing his own expertise.

Elizabeth Ashdown is one of only 4 remaining passementerie artists in the UK – a trade that creates elaborate decorative trimmings, such as tassels and trim for the clothing of Kings and furnishings of stately homes.

Also, someone else who is keeping ancient heritage skills alive is Russell Parker who comes to us LIVE from the Cotswold Hedgelaying championships to tell us all about the craft.

All that...plus the Inheritance Tracks of Philippa Gregory.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Colin Patterson

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 during lockdown he, like many of us, found his green fingers and has since upped sticks and moved to the countryside to set-up his own farm, charting his experiences on his YouTube channel "Hood2Farm".

Richard Sharp began an urban wine collective after a holiday in France to a vineyard opened his eye to the power of community projects. Grapes from allotments, balconies, public gardens all across London are harvested and brought together to create a single unique wine.

Also, three time World Champion Plougher, John Hill, joins us LIVE from the British National Championships.

Plus the Inheritance Tracks of Joanna Lumley.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 translated into more than 20 languages, including television, with adaptations of her work yielding ITV’s Vera and the BBC’s Shetland. Her latest 'The Killing Stones' sees the return of DCI Jimmy Perez.

Vincent Thurkettle gave up a secure job with the Forestry Commission to pursue a life of gold prospecting at age 40 after he calculated his life expectancy was much less than he hoped. He is now best known for discovering Britain’s largest gold nugget, 97g, about the size of a small chicken egg in a shipwreck off the coast of Anglesey.

Also, Ursula Martin, the woman who decided to walk her way past cancer. 10 years and 10,000 miles on, she’s still walking.

Plus the inheritance tracks of Davina McCall.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 dreaming about becoming a paediatrician ever since she was seven years-old. But after a freak incident at a shopping centre she thought that future had been lost. Her breath-taking story is inspirational.

Adam Lind walked from Birmingham to London to prove that the kindness of strangers still exists. His interest in community living and searching for happiness came from a trip to India and is continued on the 2,000 miles of the UK waterways on his canal boat.

All that plus a thank you to the French family who found a missing niece, a the revved up reverend pushing his pedal to the metal in Belgium, and the Inheritance Tracks of Joanna Page.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 London from Palestine, in 1997, as a wide-eyed chef in his twenties looking to shake up the Arabic food scene in London. He soon met and befriended Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi and despite the obvious differences from their homelands they became the best of friends and together redefined middle-eastern cooking in the UK. But despite having co-written dozens of cookbooks - Boustany, is the first he has written solo.

After hitting rock bottom following his divorce, then fashion product developer Doran Binder, bought a struggling pub. Little did he know that underneath was exceptionally high quality water. He has not only bottled it, but has become the UK's first water sommelier.

All that, plus the woman soaring her way through grief in a hot air balloon, a thank you for a quite remarkable act of kindness, and the Inheritance Tracks of film critic, writer and broadcaster, Mark Kermode.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell

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, but in a previous life he was an NBA star. But, John spent most of his childhood in Stockport feeling lonely, bullied for his height and weight, he hated sport. But a chance encounter with a basketball coach in the street that saw this 6'10" teenager stars align.

One of Molly Earl's earliest memories as a child is rescuing bees with her amateur beeping father. Today she rescues swarms of bees destined for extermination for a living and has given refuge to millions of bees creating 250 established hives around St Austell - where she turns their efforts into award-winning honey.

All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of The Da Vinci Code author, Dan Brown.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell

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, photographer and one of the few female dry stone wallers in the UK. Based in Perthshire, she fixes the cracks in both the countryside and at home, as she lives with her two children and two ex-husbands.

Journalist and professional ghost-writer, Zoë Apostolides, creates memoirs for those who are old or dying to pass down to their family - but it was the creation of her own grandmothers memoirs during lockdown that revealed more than she thought.

All that, plus former Strictly star Oti Mabuse shares her Inheritance Tracks.

Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 also throwing punches - the author Anna Whitwham proves she’s as fierce a pugilist as she is a wordsmith.

Plus, the Inheritance Tracks from the journalist, writer and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter.

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

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 Dave behind the hit Netflix film 'The Bank of Dave' - shares his inspiring life story, which all started with a chip butty...

All that plus, the Inheritance Tracks of much-loved TV presenter Ade Adepitan.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens. Producer: Lowri Morgan.

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 forgotten histories and turn memory into literature with sociological insight.

All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of the 5Live presenter and noughties teen tv icon…Rick Edwards.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Lowri Rhiannon Morgan

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 contemporary expressions.

And, hailing from Nottingham, former refuse worker turned screenwriter William Ivory’s discusses a cannon of films, which include Made in Dagenham, and lifts the curtain on how he elevates the mundane and gives voice to the overlooked.

All that plus, to get into the festival mood, the Inheritance Tracks of 6 Music’s Breakfast presenter Nick Grimshaw.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Kiri Pritchard-McLean Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

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 spy thrillers, and has uncovered the women behind her grandfather's double life as one of the Cambridge Five.

All that...plus the “Never Ending” Inheritance Tracks of Kajagoogoo star and singer Limahl.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens

Producer: Catherine Powell

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 helped him after the death of his father.

Inheritance Tracks are picked by DJ-turned-novelist Fearne Cotton...

Presenters: Kiri Pritchard-MCLean and Jon Kay Producer: Catherine Powell

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 fresh from one of her many eating sprees, the globe-trotting foodie and sustainability sage Leyla Kazim joins us. The Food Programme presenter and judge on MasterChef reveals why she is relocating to Portugal for some ‘purposeful living’.

All that plus we have the supreme Inheritance Tracks of comedian - and now memoirist - Suzi Ruffell.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Catherine Powell

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 about being a real-life soldier and on-screen pirate. Plus his current stand-up tour.

And Helen Lederer joins us. The actor-writer-comedian who is busy rehearsing for her performance in Fawlty Towers on stage.

Plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the broadcaster and writer Georgia Mann.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

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 through communities around the UK, where people who turn their creative dreams into homes. The TV presenter and writer - Kevin McCloud – is with us under the canvas of this delightful Hay Festival tent.

And GT Karber is the mastermind behind the phenomenon – Murdle – a series of murder mystery puzzle books. Greg is the son of a judge and a civil rights attorney who grew up in the community of Arkansas in the United States. But he’s taken a break from conjuring up his puzzling and logical creations to join us in the Hay-on-Wye countryside.

Plus the Inheritance Tracks of the comedian Ivo Graham.

Presenters: Huw Stephens and Kiri Pritchard-McLean

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

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 Bank.

Writer Sophie Pierce and artist Alex Murdin open up about how the wild beauty of Dartmoor helped them process the loss of their son, Felix — and how grief, love, and nature are deeply connected.

We’ll spin the wheel with potter Caitlin Jenkins, whose love of ceramics is rooted in family history.

And the landscape-loving writer and environmentalist Professor Robert Macfarlane brings us his Inheritance Tracks.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Catherine Powell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

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 plus the Inheritance Tracks of Nigel Havers.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

This programme has been changed for music rights reasons.

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 Butterworth, who was raised above a corner shop in Essex full of sweets, wasn't able to read until he was 8 - 70 years later and his Percy the Park Keeper book series has sold almost 9 million copies worldwide.

All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of Archers icon Charles Collingwood as he celebrates 50 years in Ambridge.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell

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, it became a catalyst to re-examine who she is.

And Alan Toyne joins the programme, a former zookeeper and now writer with a gorilla-sized love for primates. He discusses his passion for understanding them and what it is like to live with one.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Lowri Morgan

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 ancient craft.

Plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the stand-up comedian and writer Sophie Duker.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

And if you’ve been affected by any of the things discussed in our conversation...there's information, help and support available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

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 a kind of magic his son James who has autism.

She bared all to help a friend, Tricia Stewart is one of the original Calendar Girls who helped transform a cheeky fundraising idea into a global phenomenon.

All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the BAFTA award winning actor, Gina McKee.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Adrian Chiles Producer: Catherine Powell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

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 her work, curator and historian of textiles, dress and design Amber Butchart is currently making a 'Splash' by focusing on a century of swimming and style.

All that plus we drop the hammer on one of TVs best antique experts, Christina Trevanion, as she shares her Inheritance Tracks.

Presenters: Niki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 achievements.

After suffering with long covid, Alice Watkins swapped her job as a scenic artist in the theatre and became a ceramicist, letting clay take centre and making pieces made from kitchen waste!.

All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of the West End star who boasts a sublime vocal range and 25 percent of McFly as a brother – Carrie Hope Fletcher.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

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-disciplinary artist.

Multi-disciplinary is something I could add to John McFall’s description too; former Paralympian, surgeon, and now the first person with a physical disability to be cleared to take part in a mission to the International Space Station.

All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of The Crown and Chernobyl actor Jared Harris.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 Pepsi & Shirlie, Pepsi Demacque-Crocket has now woven her St Lucian roots into her writing, with a memoir, a debut novel, and a lifetime of stories to tell.

Comedian writer and mental health advocate Harriet Dyer sees comedy as just one of her superpowers and shares how she died not once, but twice with her trademark unfiltered honesty.

All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of broadcaster and Irish dance child prodigy Steph McGovern.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

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.

Photographer Dola Posh has an eye for beauty, truth and the spaces in between, she explores themes of motherhood, identity and Black women's experiences.

All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of actor, musician and Eurovision contestant Olly Alexander.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

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, adventurer, author, extreme sleeper and podcaster whose latest book weaves together her personal journey with insights into the ancient pilgrim paths of Britain.

All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of Oscar nominated auteur Jesse Eisenberg.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 mythological author Claire Fayers isn't scared by lions, tigers and bears...she deals with Giants, Ghosts and Goblins.

All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of Oscar nominated actor Felicity Jones.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 offer.

Tim Sullivan is the film and tv writer turned crime author who has swapped My Little Pony for the criminal underbelly in his DS Cross series.

All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of Radio 2 star, The Good Groove’s DJ Spoony.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 but is also on a mission to break down stigmas in beauty and in men’s mental health.

All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of actor and yellow waterproof trendsetter Eve Myles.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

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 Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

All that plus the Inheritance Tracks of Professor Alice Roberts are dug up.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

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 life on the stage.

Mared Pugh Evans is the seventh official harpist to His Majesty the King, her sound is so sublime it could summon the angels but she’s also an innovator...and passionate music evangelist for in the community.

All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of Sophie Ellis Bextor as she prepares to sing us into the New Year.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

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, whose dual roles allow him to build bridges between diverse communities.

All that, and the Inheritance Tracks of a cheesemonger, winemonger and musicmonger, Blur bassist Alex James.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

The hypnotic charmer and master of psychological illusion Derren Brown blurs the line between magic, psychology, and theatre and he’s won two Olivier Awards for that showmanship - as well as his latest show 'Only Human' Derren steps into Springfield for the Simpsons Christmas special.

As a child, Abigail Tinnion was brought up on folk-stories and horror films, that inspired her art-work where myth, legend, and imagination collide.

Rob Parsons, founder of the charity Care for the Family, lives his life reminding us that the heart of society begins with hearth and home after a knock at the door 45 years ago reconnected him with a lost friend from the past.

All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of actor, writer and real-life detectorist Mackenzie Crook.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

The actress Tracy Ann Oberman is back playing Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice: 1936' - a version inspired by the life of her great-grandmother who stood on the frontline against the fascists at the Battle of Cable Street.

Laura Henry-Allain also tells us how she was inspired by her Gran Gran and the stories she shared that helped Laura create the UK’s first animated series about a Black British family…'JoJo and Gran Gran'.

Ben Branson joins, the maverick behind the non-alcoholic spirits company Seedlip, hosts the podcast 'The Hidden 20%' where he shares conversations with fellow neuro-divergent people.

All that, plus we have the I-Ts of K-J-T – that’s the Inheritance Tracks of Olympic medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Amar Latif, the trailblazing adventurer who as a blind rambler and fearless globetrotter, treks paths that many of us wouldn’t dare, proving that vision is about perspective, not sight.

Dirt detective Professor Lorna Dawson is armed with her trowel and cutting-edge forensic science, she’s revolutionised crime-solving from the ground up.

James Middleton, entrepreneur, ideas man and brother to the Princess of Wales. From crafting bespoke marshmallows to creating a pet wellness brand, a champion of good mental health and animal welfare, his late dog Ella saved his life.

All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of Hollywood actor and West End musical star, Luke Evans.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Actor Martin Clunes, who although now has hung up his stethoscope, will forever be Doc Martin for some. But, these days he's busy meeting remarkable animals; from search-and-rescue dogs to mine-sniffing rats and therapy horses.

The mighty Sabrina Pace-Humphreys is here, she’s a trailblazing ultra-runner, author and activist, who not only tackles gruelling terrain but also breaks down barriers; encouraging diversity every step of the way.

Richard Armitage is an actor, author and voice-over artist who has thrilled us for over two decades - from Spooks, The Hobbit and North & South to Harlan Coben's hit Netflix dramas - making him the only man on the programme for whom spying, dragons and Victorian etiquette are all in a day’s work.

All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the comedian, broadcaster and soon to be celebrity gladiator contestant...Ellie Taylor.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Celebrated chef, restaurateur and TV star Rick Stein, is more than a master of seafood - he’s a well-travelled storyteller with a deep-seated love for food that transcends borders. He has a new heart and a fresh outlook on life.

Andy Cato, best known as one half of the pioneering electronic duo Groove Armada, is equal parts DJ, musician and forward-thinker - and now mostly a pioneering sustainable agriculture farmer.

Lady Anne Glenconner is an aristocrat, author, former lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret. She’s lived a life that reads like a dramatic novel - from royal escapades and tumultuous relationships to personal tragedies; but always with glamour and grit.

All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the author, broadcaster and lover of the outdoors, Kate Humble.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell

Phil Wang, who says he wouldn’t be a comedian if he wasn’t of mixed heritage, Malaysian and British, his latest Netflix special opens on the subject of reheating rice and how in the west we’re afraid to do that…so what does his dual heritage allow him to do

A question we could also put to Chitra Soundar, the award-winning children’s writer, who grew up in India, and whose books have inspired the new BBC animated sitcom Nikhil & Jay which is about two Indian/British dual heritage brothers.

Nigel McCrery, the man who created the hit TV series Silent Witness and who’s written over a dozen novels, reveals the details about his involvement in the DNA identification of the Russian Royal family.

All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the former Time Lord and master of spin Peter Capaldi.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Nihal Arthanayake Producer: Ben Mitchell

The global explorer, TV presenter and author Simon Reeve makes programmes around the world which focus on people’s lives...and he’s been arrested by the KGB, chased by cheetahs and nearly died from malaria.

Liz McConaghy spent seventeen years as a Chinook crewman with the RAF, the longest serving woman to do so, her deployments left scars on her soul but has now found a way to soothe them.

Lalage Snow, photojournalist and filmmaker, has covered war and unrest in the in Gaza, The West Bank, Israel, Eastern Ukraine - but has now found that the peaceful act of people gardening brings out the best stories.

All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of the broadcaster and proud Brummie – Adrian Chiles.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Lindsay Nicholson, who, after studying astrophysics, chose journalism as a career, became Good Housekeeping’s editor for two decades and is now a grief counsellor, equestrian coach and writer... none of which are rocket science. She talks about the loss of her husband and daughter to cancer, and the car accident that led to her life’s third act.

Skiing and climbing up and down mountains are Alpinist Fay Manners’ life. But, recently in the Himalayas she experienced the indiscriminate power of Mother Nature and was stranded for three days. Thankfully she survived and lives to tell the tale.

Jon Sopel, formerly the BBC’s North America Editor, now a co-presenter of The News Agents, discusses the familial sacrifices that allowed him to further his career and reveals what he took from Air Force One.

All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of the comedy power couple and podcasters, Chris and Rosie Ramsey.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

One of the world’s best known and bestselling authors Jodi Picoult is no stranger to controversy, some of her books have been banned in the US, and her latest novel might just ruffle a few ruffs here too as she looks to bust the myths we hold about the truth behind who wrote Shakespeare's plays.

The actor and DJ Kristian Nairn, perhaps best known as the gentle giant Hodor in Game of Thrones, has written a memoir sharing stories about his life coming of age as a gay man during The troubles in Northern Ireland and finding his confidence as a drag queen called Revvlon.

And Sam Evans and Shauna Guinn reveal what happened when they quit their 9-5 jobs, went on a pilgrimage around the Southern US states, and learned the dark art of American BBQ.

All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of actor, author and the voice of Danger Mouse and Hey Dugge - Alexander Armstrong.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell

Radio 4's Saturday morning show brings you extraordinary stories and remarkable people.

Frenchman Fred Sirieix who's gone from front of house at the crème de la crème of London's restaurants, to fronting TV shows, to now writing a book on his love of Britain.

We hear what sort of urge it was that took Shetland raised journalist Jen Stout over to Russia to study, then onto Ukraine to cover the war.

Plus, screenwriter and playwright Jeff Young joins us to tell us why he quit his job as a filing clerk to hitchhike to Paris.

Two-time Sunday Times bestselling author Candice Brathwaite shares with us her Inheritance Tracks.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi & Huw Stephens Producer: Lowri Morgan

Culinary maestro Yotam Ottolenghi, the man who’s transformed the way we think about Middle Eastern flavours, vegetables, and the art of home cooking joins us to chat 'Comfort' food.

We welcome Livi Deane, a model and beautician, who’s written a book about living with lifechanging impaired vision and a prosthetic eye, as a result of a rare form of eye cancer.

And historian siblings David and Yinka Olusoga join us to discuss their new book 'Black History for Every Day of the Year' and will be share some of their own life story with us

All that, plus we have the Inheritance Tracks of comedian, presenter, actor and creator of Keith Lemon, Leigh Francis.

Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens Producer: Ben Mitchell