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Dermot O'Leary launches his Time Capsules series on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2 by interviewing Alastair Campbell, who famously served as Tony Blair's Director of Communications.

The interview tracks the ups and downs of Campbell's high-profile career, as well as some of the music that has been the soundtrack to his life, including the tune he played during his nervous breakdown in 1986. He also talks about life at Number 10 and his burgeoning new career as a novelist.

Over an hour, Alastair selects and discusses 10 of his favourite tunes, in the following categories: Family Favourite, Teenage Kicks, The Tearjerker, Five Free Choices, Ultimate Time Capsule Song and Funeral Song.

Alastair reveals his thoughts on former boss Robert Maxwell, as well as his first impressions upon meeting Tony Blair.

He tells behind the scenes stories about election night 1997 and the impending job to be done, and airs his opinions on many political figures including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Nicolas Sarkozy, George Bush and Nelson Mandela.

He also discusses whether he has a future in politics and touches on his workaholic tendencies, as well as revealing his softer side and what makes him cry.

Artists featured include Diana Ross, Randy Crawford, Nelly Furtado, Jacques Brel and D:Ream.

Dermot O'Leary's Time Capsules with Alastair Campbell will be broadcast on Radio 2 on Tuesday 24 February at 10.30pm.

Future Time Capsules (transmission dates tbc) will include Dawn French and Simon Pegg. The Producer is Ben Walker.

Notes to Editors

Please only state two of Alastair's choices:

1. Family Favourite – Donald Campbell by Donald Campbell

2. Teenage Kicks – Diana Ross – Ain't No Mountain High Enough

3. The Tearjerker – Randy Crawford – One Day I'll Fly Away

4. Free Choice 1: Jean de Florette (Stella Artois ad)

5. Free Choice 2: Simply Red – Money's Too Tight To Mention

6. Free Choice 3: D-Ream – Things Can Only Get Better

7. Free Choice 4: Nelly Furtado – Forza

8. Free Choice 5: South African National Anthem

9. Your Ultimate Time Capsule song – Jacques Brel – Ne Me Quitte Pas. (Don't Leave Me)

10. Your Funeral Song – Jacques Brel – Quand On N'a Que L'Amour (If We Only Have Love)

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