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
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Blaise Metreweli
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
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Liz Carr
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
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Susie Wiles
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 Co-ordinator: Sabine Scherek
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
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Tom Fletcher
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: Sabine Schereck
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