20 Questions With Sir Malcolm Rifkind

A star of musical theatre, an icon and heartthrob of the 1980s, and a man with four UK Number Ones to his name, Jason Donovan takes us behind the scenes of a career in the spotlight. 

Continuously a minister for the 18 years of Tory rule that stretched from 1979 to 1997, Sir Malcolm Rifkind offers insights from his time in and out of power. What was it like being the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary? As a former Defence Secretary, does he think Britain needs to spend more on defence? How should political leaders do business with despots or those they may otherwise hold in contempt? At a time of crisis for the Conservative Party, what really is Conservatism? And what are his top tips for public speaking? A rare insight into the life of one of the UK's leading political figures. 

Britain's greatest living opera singer, Bryn Terfel, tells us of the magic in the Welsh water and how he began life as a farmer's son, recounts his rise to fame, explains the secrets to his success as a bass baritone, reflects on performing with his wife, the harpist, Hannah Jones, remembers listening to Pavarotti in his dressing room and appearing with José Carerras, and chooses the role and opera house he'd take with him to Heaven.

Tech entrepreneur and crime writer Ajay Chowdhury on the ways in which Generative AI is changing the world, the exciting possibilities it presents and the extreme risks it poses. 

Broadcaster and columnist Adrian Chiles on fame, drinking, mental health, football, presenting, writing, grief, national cuisine, barbecues, dad jokes and books on display.

On the cusp of turning 75, Robert Lindsay, star of stage and screen, reflects on his award-winning career and offers insights into his life behind the scenes.  

One of the biggest names in British broadcasting since the 1990s, Vanessa Feltz is about to launch her autobiography, Vanessa Bares All. Here she offers intimate insights into a life lived in the public gaze, analyses her career trajectory, discusses ancient Greek theatre, and reveals why she doesn't feel embarrassed talking about sex. 

The most prolific run-scorer in professional cricket history, Graham Gooch shares some of the secrets of his success as a player and a coach. From his 333 against India at Lord's to his 154 not out against the might of the West Indies at Headingley in bowler friendly conditions, what was it that made England's captain such a brilliant player? And how did he later help drive an England team containing Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook to become the number one Test side in the world? Who is the greatest bowler he ever faced? Did he find the spin of Shane Warne or the speed of Malcolm Marshall more challenging? Four decades on from the rebel tour to South Africa that he led on the field, does he regret his decision to travel to a country still under the yolk of Apartheid? And after his rehabilitation in the national side following.a three year ban, why did the England captaincy bring the best out of him? This is a rare chance to hear from one of England's greatest ever players. 

First Minister of Scotland until May of this year, Humza Yousaf is a major figure in Scottish and British politics. Here he makes the case for Scottish independence, argues in favour of wealth taxes, makes the case for immigration, champions multiculturalism and has some tough words for Elon Musk. 

A pioneer of arts broadcasting and an icon of Britain's cultural scene for decades, Dame Joan Bakewell here reflects on her career so far. At 91 she looks back on her work in television, shares her passion for art and music and literature, and explains her affair with Harold Pinter. This is a rare insight into the winner of a BAFTA Fellowship who helped transform the way the arts were covered on TV.