Matthew Parris discovers that Edith Hall, Professor of Classics at King’s College, London, has a surprising nomination for a Great Life.

She's chosen Lucille Ball, the vivacious redhead, who in the 1950s and 1960s was one of the best-known and best-loved actresses on TV, both in the United States and here.

What makes a professor of Greek and Roman writing such a great fan of a zany American actress?

What was Lucy like behind the TV persona?

Matthew finds out in the company of Carole Cook, Lucy’s long-time friend and protégée.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2014.