Great Lives Episodes Available now
Tom Paine
Writer and political activist George Monbiot chooses 18th-century revolutionary Tom Paine.
Tchaikovsky
Economist Ruth Lea chooses the great Russian composer. Stephen Johnson adds his expertise.
Mary Kingsley
Journalist Ann Leslie chooses the pioneering writer and explorer Mary Kingsley.
Ian Dury
Comedian Linda Smith nominates musician, actor and artist Ian Dury.
Charles Dickens
Satirist and writer Armando Iannucci chooses novelist Charles Dickens.
Tommy Cooper
Writer and broadcaster Clement Freud chooses comedian Tommy Cooper.
Octavia Hill
Trade unionist and politician Brenda Dean chooses National Trust founder Octavia Hill.
Bernardo O'Higgins
Writer Brian Keenan chooses Bernardo O'Higgins, who liberated Chile in the 19th century.
Sarah Bernhardt
Jenny Eclair chooses one of the first acting superstars, Sarah Bernhardt.
Flora Sandes
Kate Adie discusses Britain's first commissioned female officer in World War One.
