Cressida Dick - the newly-appointed Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police - is the first woman to lead the force in its 188-year history. Dick's career has been exceptional, but not without controversy. She was gold commander in the control room in the aftermath of the 2005 London bombings and was at the helm when the innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes was shot dead by police at Stockwell tube station. Her appointment as Commissioner is a comeback of sorts; in 2014 she quit the police to take up a job at the Foreign Office.

Producer: Ben Carter.

Brought up by a single mum in Finsbury Park, North London, Naomie Harris now finds herself nominated for an Oscar for her role in Moonlight and this week received an OBE from the Queen. She's had a career playing strong, tough women; killing zombies in Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later and playing a modern, kick-ass Moneypenny in the latest James Bond films. She's not new to fame, she started acting at a young age and first appeared on TV at the age of nine but, as you'll hear, that lead to her being bullied at school. Guests include her drama teacher Anna Scher and theatre director Simon Godwin.

The Speaker of the House of Commons - John Bercow - stunned MPs this week when he announced he was "strongly opposed" to US President Donald Trump addressing Parliament when he visits Britain.

It's already led one Conservative backbencher to table a motion of no confidence in him.

John Bercow is no stranger to controversy. His brutal put downs of MPs and ministers in the Commons have often grabbed the headlines.

Bullied at school because he was short, he began his political career on the far right - a member of the notorious Monday Club.

But over the years, in his own words, his political views have "mellowed" - to the point where many Tories now regard him as a traitor and plot to unseat him.

On Profile this week, Mark Coles examines the highs and lows of Speaker Bercow's life and career.

Producer Smita Patel

Mark Coles profiles the man who runs NHS England. He oversees a workforce of one and a half million people, a budget of over £100 billion. According to some he's the fourth most powerful person in England.

Producers: Beth Sagar-Fenton and Joe Kent.

Becky Milligan profiles the man who could be the next President of America. Mild mannered, disciplined and a seasoned politician, Mike Pence was largely unknown until he was selected by Donald Trump to serve as his Vice-President.

PRODUCERS: Beth Sagar Fenton and Joe Kent

Arlene Foster had been hoping to celebrate her first twelve months in charge of Northern Ireland this week.

Instead, she's found herself forced out of office.

It's got little to do with religion, constitution or the almost four THOUSAND people who've lost their lives during political conflict over the decades.

The DUP leader and Northern Ireland First Minister has had to step down in a bitter row over renewable energy subsidies.

On Profile, Mark Coles looks back at Arlene Foster's life and career and the reasons behind this week's political upheavals.

Producer Smita Patel

It's the end of an era.

Dippy the dinosaur has left the building.

Gifted to King Edward VII in 1905, a 70 foot long cast of a fossilised dinosaur skeleton discovered in America has been on display at London's Natural History Museum for more than a century.

It's become the country's most recognisable museum exhibit - seen by an estimated 90 million people.

Now it's being replaced by the real skeleton of a giant blue whale...Dippy's 292 plaster cast bones setting off instead on a nationwide tour.

On Profile this week, Mark Coles examines how Dippy the replica Diplodocus has become a national treasure.

Producer Smita Patel

David Davis will be a major figure in the coming year as minister in charge of Brexit. In this week's Profile, Chris Bowlby hears how he was was shaped by a council house upbringing, SAS training, a turbulent political career and a significant love of sugar.

Producer: Smita Patel

On Profile this week we explore the life and career of one of the world's best loved children's illustrators. Over the last half century - much to his horror - Raymond Briggs has become a part of Christmas. Two books about a grumpy Father Christmas have become bestsellers. The film adaptation of his 1978 picture book 'The Snowman' has been shown on TV every Christmas for the past three decades. And now, this Christmas, the BBC is screening 'Ethel And Ernest' - a new film of Briggs' 1998 book about his parents. Mark Coles talks to Raymond Briggs' family and friends to find out what his books are really about.

Producer: Smita Patel

Skinny dipping with Nigel Farage, punching a business partner, and bankrolling Brexit - Edward Stourton tells the story of Arron Banks.

What next for the man who spent more than £7 million campaigning for Britain to leave the EU?

Producers: Ed Davey and Joe Kent.