Great Lives Episodes Available now
Julius Caesar
Archaeologist Barry Cunliffe nominates ancient Roman leader Julius Caesar.
Claude McKay
Theatre director, actress and writer Yvonne Brewster nominates poet Claude McKay.
Mata Hari
Fiona Bruce chooses the femme fatale, international spy and exotic dancer, Mata Hari.
Billie Holiday
Singer and actress Pauline Black chooses a jazz legend, the singer Billie Holiday.
Marie Curie
Pallab Ghosh explains how Marie Curie achieved fame through her work on radioactivity.
Anton Chekhov
Author William Boyd champions playwright Anton Chekhov's claim to greatness.
Tintin
Nick Danziger breaks the programme's rules with comic book adventurer, Tintin.
Joe Strummer
With Matthew Parris. Phill Jupitus nominates former Clash frontman Joe Strummer.
Pope John Paul II
Conservative MP Ann Widdicombe nominates the last Pope, John Paul II.
William Beveridge
Anne Fine nominates the author of the report that became the basis for the Welfare State.
