Profile

Mark Coles profiles Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was the first African to be elected Director-General of the World Health Organisation. Three years on, he finds himself at the centre of a political storm. Some say he has been too soft on China - where the coronavirus began. Others accuse the WHO of being too slow to declare a global public health emergency and US President, Donald Trump, has threatened to withdraw funding. Now one of the most recognisable faces in the world due to the pandemic yet little is known about Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Producer: Jim Frank

The coronavirus crisis presents a difficult challenge for opposition MPs seeking to win national support without being accused of opportunistic point scoring. One shadow minister has managed to get the nation’s attention. Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Shadow Minister for Mental Health, is both an MP and an A&E doctor. During lockdown she has been working shifts at her local hospital and her first-hand experience there led her to accuse the Health Secretary Matt Hancock of manipulating testing figures last week. Their exchange in the commons has been viewed over 5 million times on social media.

Producer: Anna Meisel

Some on the left of his party think he’s too establishment and Washington thinks he’s a rebel out to do his own thing, but Andrew Cuomo has gained widespread support for his handling of the coronavirus crisis. Mark Coles looks at the life of the New York Governor, a son of one of America’s most respected politicians.

Producer: Sandra Kanthal

Supreme Leader of North Korea had not been seen in public for a number of weeks, setting off a global frenzy regarding his whereabouts and health.

Speculation was rife as to who would succeed him.

The most likely candidate is his closest confidant. A young woman whose always by his side.

Becky Milligan pieces together the mystery of Kim Yo-jong. Politician and sister of Kim Jong-un.

Producer Smita Patel

A look at the life of Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health & Social Care for England. He has been criticised for promises he's made about testing and supply of personal protective equipment for health workers. According to newspaper reports, unnamed Downing Street sources have been suggesting the targets are "arbitrary" and "irrational". Mark Coles talks to friends, family and his mentor - the former Chancellor George Osborne - to find out more about Matt Hancock. An expedtion to the North Pole, a game of cricket on the Arctic ice, a stint as a sports broadcaster - it's not what you might expect.

Producer Smita Patel

Dame Vera Lynn's story is well known. She's regarded by many as one of Britain's national treasures. Dubbed 'the forces sweetheart' during the Second World War, her songs like 'We'll Meet Again' and 'There'll Always Be An England' became synonymous with hope and survival during dark times.

Producer Smita Patel

On Profile this week, we look at the man who has effectively become Britain’s acting Prime Minister.

The 46-year-old Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, asked to deputise “where necessary” for Boris Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus.

A staunch Brexiteer and a karate black belt, he’s perhaps not the best-known member of the Cabinet.

So, who is he and – more importantly - is he up to the job?

A former lawyer, Raab has experience in international justice – but his hard-line on Brexit as well as past comments about feminism, welfare and Britain’s work ethic have angered his critics.

Mark Coles hears from political colleagues, Westminster journalists – even Dominic Raab’s boxing coach.

Producer Smita Patel

Anthony Fauci Is a doctor, immunologist and director of the USA’s National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases. He’s also a lead member of the White House coronavirus task force. Mark Coles talks to those who know him well.

First broadcast on Saturday 4th April 2020.

Producer: Ben Crighton

On Profile this week - it’s a personal one.

In lockdown at home because of the coronavirus, presenter Mark Coles has turned to music to help get him through the past few days…captivated by an album he bought by chance in a London record store a couple of weeks ago.

It’s called‘Esja’- the debut album from a little-known 29 year old Polish pianist, Hania Rani.

The music is sublime and minimalist…solo acoustic piano inspired in part by the mountains and countryside of Iceland where some of it was recorded.

For Mark, it’s become his sanctuary….his headspace - a much needed nightly respite from the cacophony of coronavirus news bulletins and press conferences.

But who is the mystery woman behind the music?

Producer: Smita Patel

Photo of Hania Rani by Kinga Karpati

The Bank of England's new governor started work on Monday amid global turmoil. The world economy is in chaos as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. How will he handle the difficult decisions to come? Edward Stourton profiles Andrew Bailey, from his childhood in Leicester all the way to Threadneedle Street. This is not the first crisis in his long banking career, but it may well be the toughest.

Producers: Eleanor Biggs and Rosamund Jones