118 episodes

Mark Lawson Talks To - Season 1 - 2003

First aired Dec 27, 2003Season 1

Browse all 118 episodes in this season, including available images, air dates, runtimes, ratings and episode summaries from TMDB.

Episodes

Anthony Minghella still

Episode 1

Anthony Minghella

NR
Dec 27, 2003

The director of Cold Mountain, released on Boxing Day, and The English Patient in conversation.

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Episode 2

Professor Colin Blakemore

NR
Mar 11, 2004

An interview with Professor Colin Blakemore, who has been at the forefront of UK scientific research for over 30 years.

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Episode 3

Howard Dean

NR
May 26, 2004

Interviewing the US politician who lost out in the Democratic presidential nomination battle back in February.

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Episode 4

Peter Singer

NR
Jun 1, 2004

An interview with the controversial bio-ethicist.

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Episode 5

Derek Walcott

NR
Sep 28, 2004

St Lucian poet Walcott discusses his Caribbean childhood and career.

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Episode 6

John Sulston

NR
Nov 15, 2004

The Human Genome Project strove to make information about DNA free to everyone. Its head, Sir John Sulston, talks about what makes him tick.

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Episode 7

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

NR
Dec 13, 2004

The charismatic Muslim leader discusses Islam and his concerns about President Bush's "war on terror".

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Episode 8

David Attenborough

NR
Feb 27, 2005

The man behind The Blue Planet and much more in conversation.

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Episode 9

Bill Deedes

NR
Mar 7, 2005

The inspiration for Evelyn Waugh 's "Boot" in Scoop and the "Bill" of Private Eye's "Dear Bill", Lord Deedes is a national institution. He was Minister for Information under Harold Macmillan , and later editor of The Daily Telegraph. Mark Lawson finds out what makes him tick.

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Episode 10

Seymour Hersh

NR
Mar 18, 2005

The investigative reporter in conversation.

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Episode 11

Madeleine Albright

NR
Sep 12, 2005

The former US secretary of state speaks frankly about her life and career. Topics covered in BBC4's exclusive interview include her take on the Bush administration and America's place in the world, her affinity with Condoleezza Rice and, bizarrely, Dame Judi Dench.

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Episode 12

Michael Palin

NR
Sep 19, 2005

An evening of Michael Palin programmes begins with an interview about his life and work - from his childhood in Sheffield to his globetrotting of today. New.

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Episode 13

Sir Tim Berners-Lee

NR
Sep 26, 2005

The inventor of the CHOICE worldwide web discusses how he conceived the device that helped to transform the planet.

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Episode 14

John Simpson

NR
Jan 8, 2006

The BBC's world affairs editor tells Lawson about life on both sides of the camera.

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Episode 15

Robert Winston

NR
Jan 15, 2006

Winston discusses his work, as a fertility treatment pioneer, and a TV presenter.

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Episode 16

PD James

NR
Mar 11, 2006

The detective novelist discusses her need to write, the World Wars, religion, and death.

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Episode 17

Frederick Forsyth

NR
Jan 3, 2006

The author discusses his foreign correspondent years, his politics, and the thrillers that made him famous.

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Episode 18

Griff Rhys Jones

NR
Apr 24, 2006

The writer, actor and director recalls his time on Not the Nine o'Clock News, and considers how his generation have gone on to dominate the British media.

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Episode 19

Julian Fellowes

NR
May 8, 2006

The actor, director and Oscar-winning writer of Gosford Park on his career.

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Episode 20

James Lovelock

NR
May 22, 2006

The environmental thinker issues a stark warning concerning our consumption of fossil fuels and climate change.

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Episode 21

Bill Oddie

NR
May 29, 2006

The nature-loving broadcaster reflects on his varied career and his mother's absence as a child.

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Episode 22

Philip Roth

NR
Jun 3, 2006

In a provocative interview, one of the most powerful voices in modern American fiction discusses his disillusionment with the Bush administration.

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Episode 23

David Baddiel

NR
Jul 12, 2006

The star of The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Fantasy Football League and Heresy, and author of Time for Bed discusses his career.

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Episode 24

Terry Gilliam

NR
Jul 23, 2006

In conversation with the film-maker and animator.

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Episode 25

Clive James

NR
Jul 31, 2006

The multi-talented Aussie in conversation.

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Episode 26

Engelbert Humperdinck

NR
Aug 19, 2006

The Leicester love god and crooner is captured in conversation.

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Episode 27

David Chase

NR
Aug 20, 2006

The creator of The Sopranos in conversation.

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Episode 28

Jilly Cooper

NR
Sep 27, 2006

The author of Polo and other "bonkbusters" in conversation.

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Episode 29

Jack Dee

NR
Oct 3, 2006

A lively chat with the sardonic comic kicks off Jack Dee Night.

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Episode 30

Alexei Sayle

NR
Oct 10, 2006

An interview with the straight-talking comedian renowned for his Marxist political views.

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Episode 31

Marguerite Patten

NR
Oct 17, 2006

The food writer and broadcaster reflects on her 1947 TV series and her OBE for "services to the art of cookery".

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Episode 32

Ridley Scott

NR
Oct 22, 2006

The director of Alien, Blade Runner and the Oscar-winning Gladiator discusses his life and career.

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Episode 33

Claudia Roden

NR
Oct 24, 2006

The food writer discusses her passion for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.

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Episode 34

lain Banks

NR
Nov 14, 2006

The author discusses his influences and inspirations.

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Episode 35

Terry Pratchett

NR
Nov 21, 2006

Interview with the author who has sold over 40 million books worldwide and is best known for the Discworld series.

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Episode 36

Stephen King

NR
Dec 11, 2006

Interview with the renowned horror author, known for popular and influential novels such as Carrie and The Shining.

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Episode 37

Armando Iannucci

NR
Jan 2, 2007

The interviewer meets writer, performer and producer Armando Iannucci.

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Episode 38

Ian Rankin

NR
Mar 3, 2007

Interview with the Scottish novelist and regular Newsnight Review contributor best known for his Inspector John Rebus novels.

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Episode 39

Nicholas Craig

NR
Apr 1, 2007

Former Young Ones star Nigel Planer appears in character as classical actor Nicholas Craig. He talks to Mark Lawson about his prolific 35-year career, and how his relationship with his mother heavily influenced his decision to become a performer.

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Episode 40

The Teletubbies

NR
May 26, 2007

The presenter talks to the creators of the children's programme.

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Episode 41

Biddy Baxter

NR
May 31, 2007

An interview with the former editor of Blue Peter who designed the show's famous badge and introduced the annual appeals.

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Episode 42

Stephen Fry

NR
Aug 18, 2007

The first in an evening of programmes celebrating the 50th birthday of Stephen Fry , including programmes chosen by Fry himself. Here, Stephen discusses his life, career and personal demons.

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Episode 43

Sanjeev Bhaskar

NR
Aug 20, 2007

Wide-ranging interview with the comedian, actor and writer.

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Episode 44

David Renwick

NR
Dec 3, 2007

The TV writer talks to Mark Lawson about his career.

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Episode 45

Russell T Davies

NR
Jan 16, 2008

Interview with the Doctor Who producer.

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Episode 46

Nicholas Parsons

NR
Feb 27, 2008

Interview with the actor and former game show host.

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Episode 47

Rabbi Lionel Blue

NR
Mar 5, 2008

Featuring an interview with the journalist, broadcaster and Britain's first openly-gay rabbi.

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Episode 48

Galton and Simpson

NR
Mar 19, 2008

Interview with the writers who created Steptoe and Son and Hancock's Half Hour.

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Episode 49

George Cole

NR
Mar 26, 2008

Interview with the veteran actor, who played Arthur Daley in TV series Minder.

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Episode 50

Barry Cryer

NR
Apr 2, 2008

An interview with the comedian who has written for a number of noted performers.

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Episode 51

Liz Smith

NR
Jul 14, 2008

An interview with the actress who starred in The Royle Family and The Vicar of Dibley.

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Episode 52

Jonathan Meades

NR
Jul 21, 2008

A chat with the British writer known for his work as The Times restaurant critic as well as documentaries on architecture.

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Episode 53

G.F. Newman

NR
Aug 11, 2008

The writer who created Judge John Deed and Law and Order discusses his life and career.

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Episode 54

Melvyn Bragg

NR
Sep 27, 2008

The broadcaster discusses his life and career.

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Episode 55

John le Carre

NR
Oct 5, 2008

Author John le Carre discusses his life and work. Now famous for his espionage thrillers, the writer started as a real-life spy working for MI6.

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Episode 56

Michael Parkinson

NR
Nov 9, 2008

The veteran chat-show host becomes an interviewee and talks about his career.

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Episode 57

Quentin Blake

NR
Nov 16, 2008

The journalist interviews British cartoonist, illustrator and children's book author Quentin Blake, most famous for his work on Roald Dahl 's stories.

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Episode 58

Rolf Harris

NR
Nov 23, 2008

The Australian TV star discusses his success as a junior swimming champion and his work on Animal Hospital.

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Episode 59

Phil Collins

NR
Jan 4, 2009

The musician discusses his life and work, including his success with Genesis and as a solo artist. He also talks about his three marriages and tackles the myths that surround him.

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Episode 60

Maureen Lipman

NR
Jan 11, 2009

The actress talks about her life and career as one of Britain's best-loved performers and her collaborations with husband Jack Rosenthal. She also discusses her bereavement since his death.

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Episode 61

Bill Bryson

NR
Jan 25, 2009

The presenter talks to the American travel writer and humorist about his experiences documenting lives in foreign lands and his love of the British countryside and character

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Episode 62

Sir Antony Sher

NR
Feb 15, 2009

Interview with the actor, who has starred in acclaimed TV dramas The History Man and The Jury, and who was one of the first gay celebrities to form a civil partnership.

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Episode 63

Mike Leigh

NR
Apr 19, 2009

The British director discusses his life and career, from his first venture into acting with the local Jewish youth group in his home town of Salford, to becoming an acclaimed scriptwriter for stage and screen.

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Episode 64

Ian Hislop

NR
May 9, 2009

Private Eye editor and Have I Got News for You captain Ian Hislop discusses his role as a satirist, in addition to his private life, including how boarding school became a second home after his father's death, and Christianity's influence on his life.

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Episode 65

William Boyd

NR
Aug 30, 2009

The author and screenwriter discusses his life and work, reflecting on how his childhood in West Africa and attendance at a Scottish boarding school has influenced his work.

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Episode 66

Richard Wilson

NR
Sep 30, 2009

Journalist Mark Lawson interviews Richard Wilson about his life and work, as the actor reflects on the success and drawbacks of his most popular role as Victor Meldrew in BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave.

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Episode 67

Sir Ranulph Fiennes

NR
Nov 14, 2009

An interview with the British RT CHOICE adventurer who this year added reaching the summit of Everest to a list of achievements that includes first man to walk to both the North and South Poles, crossing Antarctica on foot. and authoring numerous books.

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Episode 68

Jane Horrocks

NR
Nov 22, 2009

The actress reflects on her work, explaining how she stays focused while working on stage and revealing how age and gender can hinder a performer's longevity.

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Episode 69

Imelda Staunton

NR
Nov 29, 2009

The journalist talks to the Bafta-winning actress about her career in film, theatre and television, which has included roles in Cranford, Entertaining Mr Sloane and Vera Drake.

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Episode 70

Alan Bennett

NR
Dec 6, 2009

The Alan Bennett tribute continues as the playwright and author discusses some of his well-known works, including The History Boys, Beyond the Fringe and the Talking Heads series.

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Episode 71

A.S. Byatt

NR
Dec 13, 2009

The author and critic, who won the Booker Prize in 1990 for her novel Possession, talks about her career, revealing how she has managed to combine family life with the solitary world of a writer.

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Episode 72

Brian Cox

NR
Feb 23, 2010

Brian Cox talks about his passion for portraying complex and difficult characters, his personal psychological battles and the low point in his career when he almost gave up acting.

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Episode 73

Tracey Emin

NR
Mar 18, 2010

Mark Lawson talks to the enfant terrible of the British art world, Tracey Emin, famed for her unmade bed and a tent embroidered with the names of everyone she had ever slept with.

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Episode 74

Timothy Spall

NR
May 10, 2010

Mark Lawson talks to actor Timothy Spall about his life and career. Spall reflects on his working-class roots, on being a 'professional depicter' and his fight with leukaemia.

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Episode 75

Martin Amis

NR
May 23, 2010

Mark Lawson talks to notorious literary bad boy Martin Amis, who speaks candidly about his relationship with his father Kingsley and the death of his sister Sally.

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Episode 76

Vanessa Redgrave

NR
May 30, 2010

Mark Lawson talks to Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave about her life and career. She reflects on her acting family, political activism and the loss of her daughter Natasha.

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Episode 77

Sir David Frost

NR
Jun 13, 2010

Renowned broadcaster and satirist David Frost talks about his life and career.

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Episode 78

Julie Walters

NR
Oct 31, 2010

Mark Lawson talks to the actress Julie Walters about her life and career, as she explores her working class roots, struggles with self-confidence and finding peace at 60.

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Episode 79

Alison Steadman

NR
Nov 7, 2010

Mark Lawson talks to actress Alison Steadman about her life and career, as she explores her gift for mimicry, passion for improvisation and joy of working with great dramatists.

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Episode 80

Tom Jones

NR
Nov 14, 2010

Mark Lawson talks to Tom Jones about his life in and out of the limelight. Jones reflects on his upbringing in a coal mining community, early pub tours and international acclaim.

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Episode 81

Jimmy McGovern

NR
Nov 21, 2010

Mark Lawson talks to screenwriter Jimmy McGovern about his life and career in television drama, his memories of working-class Liverpool and the impact of Catholicism on his work.

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Episode 82

Simon Russell Beale

NR
Dec 24, 2010

Mark Lawson talks to the actor Simon Russell Beale about his life on and off stage. He offers insights into how he approaches his diverse roles and his recent career changes.

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Episode 83

Gilbert and George

NR
Feb 3, 2011

Mark Lawson talks to the controversial artists and 'living sculptures' Gilbert and George, who met as students at St Martins School of Art in 1967, about their lives and careers.

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Episode 84

Sir Anthony Caro

NR
Feb 9, 2011

Sculptor Sir Anthony Caro reflects on his time as Henry Moore's assistant, his groundbreaking shift from figurative to abstract sculpture and his position on public art.

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Episode 85

Anne Robinson

NR
Feb 28, 2011

In a candid interview, Anne Robinson reflects on the journey from finishing school to Fleet Street, alcoholism to America and print journalism to prime-time television.

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Episode 86

David Mitchell

NR
Mar 22, 2011

Mark Lawson talks to the comedian David Mitchell about his life and career, from his partnership with Robert Webb to panel show regular and co-host of the series 10 O'Clock Live.

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Episode 87

Peter Blake

NR
Jul 11, 2011

Mark Lawson talks to the artist Sir Peter Blake about his life and 60-year career, including how he became an 'accidental artist' and his reputation as the godfather of Pop Art.

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Episode 88

Diana Rigg

NR
Sep 27, 2011

Mark Lawson talks to Dame Diana Rigg about her life and 50-year career, exploring her conflicted views on being a sex symbol and the pleasures of professional success in her 70s.

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Episode 89

Rob Brydon

NR
Oct 4, 2011

Mark Lawson talks to actor and comedian Rob Brydon about his life and career in entertainment, including writing and performing for radio, film, television, stand-up and theatre.

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Episode 90

Michael Frayn

NR
Oct 11, 2011

Mark Lawson talks to Michael Frayn about his life and 50-year career writing novels, plays, philosophy, memoirs, screenplays, translations, farce, tragedy, verse and drama.

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Episode 91

Alice Cooper

NR
Nov 21, 2011

Mark Lawson talks to Alice Cooper about his life and 45-year career as a musician and actor, including his memories of his Detroit childhood and the perils of addiction.

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Episode 92

Frank Skinner

NR
Mar 13, 2012

Mark Lawson talks to comedian Frank Skinner about a career that has involved stand-up, broadcasting, writing and pop music. Skinner also talks candidly about his personal life.

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Episode 93

Terry Wogan

NR
Mar 20, 2012

Mark Lawson talks to legendary broadcaster Terry Wogan about his life and 50-year career, from his early years on Irish radio to his ever-popular Radio 2 show.

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Episode 94

Graham Norton

NR
Mar 26, 2012

Mark Lawson talks to celebrity interviewer and chat show host Graham Norton about growing up in Ireland, his sexuality and a near fatal mugging whilst he was at drama school.

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Episode 95

Noel Gallagher

NR
Mar 30, 2012

Mark Lawson talks to former Oasis lynchpin Noel Gallagher about his life, career and becoming one of the most successful songwriters of his generation.

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Episode 96

Mark Gatiss

NR
Apr 3, 2012

Mark Lawson talks to writer, actor and comedian Mark Gatiss about his life and career, including how his passion for horror and science fiction have influenced his success.

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Episode 97

Mark Rylance

NR
Apr 15, 2012

Mark Lawson talks to actor Mark Rylance about his life and career, including his lifelong relationship with Shakespeare and how he prepares for his role in the play Jerusalem.

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Episode 98

Felicity Kendal

NR
Apr 22, 2012

Mark Lawson talks to Felicity Kendal about her childhood in India and returning to the UK in the 1960s to become one of the best-loved actors of her generation.

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Episode 99

Sean Langan

NR
Apr 26, 2012

Mark Lawson meets the award-winning journalist and filmmaker Sean Langan, whose kidnap by the Taliban in 2008 inspired BBC Four's hostage drama The Kidnap Diaries.

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Episode 100

Zoe Wanamaker

NR
Apr 29, 2012

Mark Lawson talks to actress Zoe Wanamaker about her life and career. Wanamaker reveals insecurities about her looks and talents, and how her father Sam was a hard act to follow.

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Episode 101

Sir Patrick Moore

NR
Jan 13, 2013

Mark Lawson talks to the astronomer and English eccentric Sir Patrick Moore about his early life, career and the future of space exploration in an interview recorded in 2007.

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Episode 102

Mark Knopfler

NR
Mar 3, 2013

Mark Lawson talks to songwriter Mark Knopfler about his early life and influences, the years with Dire Straits and his quiet contempt for modern TV talent shows.

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Episode 103

Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais

NR
Mar 20, 2013

Mark Lawson talks to prolific writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais about their careers, from classic comedy The Likely Lads to recent drama Spies of Warsaw.

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Episode 104

Miriam Margolyes

NR
Apr 1, 2013

Mark Lawson talks to character actress and voice artist Miriam Margolyes about her passion for acting, her lively schooldays and her inexorable self-confidence.

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Episode 105

Michael Ball

NR
Apr 7, 2013

Mark Lawson talks to musical theatre star and recording artist Michael Ball about his early career, Eurovision and having a foot in both the Sondheim and Lloyd Webber camps.

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Episode 106

Bob Geldof

NR
Oct 6, 2013

Sir Bob Geldof talks candidly to Mark Lawson about his career in music with the Boomtown Rats, his activism, his family and his very public personal traumas.

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Episode 107

Steve Coogan

NR
Nov 12, 2013

Mark Lawson talks to the writer, comedian, actor and producer Steve Coogan about his life and career, from comic characters Paul Calf and Alan Partridge to straight acting roles.

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Episode 108

David Bailey

NR
Mar 10, 2014

Photographer David Bailey, who has captured many of the 20th century's most iconic faces, talks frankly to Mark Lawson about his life, loves and illustrious career.

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Episode 109

Joanna Trollope

NR
Mar 23, 2014

As she publishes her eighteenth novel, Joanna Trollope talks to Mark Lawson about creativity, divorce and the inescapable drama of domestic life.

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Episode 110

Julian Barnes

NR
Mar 30, 2014

Booker Prize-winning novelist Julian Barnes, whose Levels of Life is a memoir of bereavement following the loss of his wife to cancer, talks about love, death, memory and grief.

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Episode 111

Jo Brand

NR
Jul 20, 2014

Mark Lawson talks to comedian, writer and actress Jo Brand about the 1980s alternative comedy scene, her approach to hecklers and taboos, and her experiences as a TV personality.

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Episode 112

Michael Morpurgo

NR
Nov 16, 2014

Michael Morpurgo reflects on the success of his novel War Horse and the theme of war in his books, and discusses his relationship with his father and friendship with Ted Hughes.

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Episode 113

Frances de la Tour

NR
Jan 7, 2015

Mark Lawson talks to Tony and triple Olivier award-winning actress Frances de la Tour about her life and career, from Miss Jones in Rising Damp to Madame Maxime in Harry Potter.

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Episode 114

Celia Imrie

NR
Feb 8, 2015

From Calendar Girls to Cranford, Celia Imrie has been a familiar face on both TV and film for more than four decades. The actress talks to Mark Lawson about her life and career.

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Episode 115

Kazuo Ishiguro

NR
Feb 22, 2015

Mark Lawson talks to the Booker Prize-winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro about his life and career.

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Episode 116

Alexander McCall Smith

NR
Mar 1, 2015

Mark Lawson talks to author Alexander McCall Smith, whose No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series of books, set in Botswana, have sold in their millions around the world.

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Episode 117

Jonathan Pryce

NR
Mar 24, 2015

From playing princes to professors and cardinals to comedians, Jonathan Pryce is one of Britain's most versatile actors. He talks to Mark Lawson about his life and career.

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Episode 118

David Hare

NR
Nov 15, 2015

Writer and director Sir David Hare talks frankly to Mark Lawson following the publication of his much-anticipated memoir The Blue Touch Paper.