December 12, 2015

Michael Morpurgo, Dr Helen Sharman

1 hour 26 minutes

Michael Morpurgo joins Aasmah Mir and the Reverend Richard Coles. He describes how stories from his mother, and a decorated soldier from WWI, have inspired his latest novel; the importance of daydreaming and his reimagining of the Nativity.

Helen Sharman became the first Briton in space in 1991. She recalls how that experience affected the rest of her life as we countdown the days to Tim Peake's launch.

Tony talks about his experience of being homeless for nine months, before being helped by The Connection at St. Martins.

We have tracked down last week's mystery muralist: Ron Brocklehurst tells us about his painting in listener Philip Farmer's house. The photographer Derek Ridgers on documenting British youth tribes - from punks to skinheads and new romantics.

JP Devlin chats on the sofa with Steph and Dom from Gogglebox.

And Hayley Mills shares her Inheritance Tracks. Blue Skies by Willie Nelson, and the theme from the soundtrack to the film Whistle Down the Wind.

Horizon: Tim Peake Special: How to Be an Astronaut BBC Two, 8.00pm (Scotland, 10.00pm) on Sunday 13 December.

Tuesday 15 December - Blast Off Live: a Stargazing Special, BBC One, from 10.30am-11.15am and Stargazing Live: Brit in Space, BBC Two, from 7.00pm with Brian Cox and Dara O'Briain talking to him live from the ISS.

An Eagle in the Snow, by Michael Morpurgo, is published by Harper Collins Children's Books.

The Dark Carnival - Portraits from the Endless Night by Derek Ridgers is published by Carpet Bombing Culture.

Steph and Dom's Guide to Life, published by Coronet Books, is out now.

Gogglebox is on Channel 4 on Fridays at 9pm.

Hayley Mills is appearing as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at Richmond Theatre.

Producer: Louise Corley

Editor: Karen Dalziel.

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