Jayaben Desai

James Naughtie profiles the sewing machinist who led an infamous strike in the 1970s.

• 12 mins

Stuart Hall

James Naughtie profiles Stuart Hall, leading thinker on British culture, race and identity

• 12 mins

David Attenborough

James Naughtie considers the celebrated broadcaster and naturalist.

• 12 mins

Margaret Thatcher

James Naughtie considers the longest-serving prime minister of the 20th century.

• 12 mins

David Hockney

James Naughtie profiles the artist who has long been at the forefront of British art.

• 12 mins

Billy Connolly

James Naughtie considers Scottish comedian Billy Connolly,

• 15 mins

Ralph Robins

James Naughtie on the industrialist credited with turning around Rolls Royce's fortunes.

• 12 mins

Amartya Sen

James Naughtie profiles the Nobel prize-winning economist.

• 12 mins

Salman Rushdie

James Naughtie considers the Booker Prize-winning British Indian novelist.

• 12 mins

Anita Roddick

James Naughtie considers the influence of one of Britain's most successful businesswomen.

• 12 mins

Norman Foster

James considers the architect who has transformed the world's skylines and landscapes.

• 12 mins

Charles Saatchi

James Naughtie reflects on the high-flying advertising executive and art collector.

• 12 mins

Goldie

James Naughtie considers the contribution of the musician, artist and DJ.

• 12 mins

John Hume/David Trimble

Jim Naughtie profiles the Irish politicians who shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998.

• 12 mins

Doreen Lawrence

Jim Naughtie profiles the campaigner and mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.

• 12 mins

Tim Berners-Lee

The inventor of the World Wide Web and unlikely hero of the Olympic opening ceremony.

• 12 mins

Diana, Princess of Wales

James Naughtie reflects on the glamorous life and untimely death of the Princess of Wales.

• 12 mins

Alex Salmond

Jim Naughtie considers the Scottish politician with a passion for an independent Scotland.

• 12 mins

Tony Blair

James Naughtie profiles Tony Blair, the Labour Prime Minister who swept to power in 1997.

• 12 mins

Fred Goodwin

Jim Naughtie considers Fred Goodwin, the banker now bereft of his knighthood.

• 12 mins

Rupert Murdoch

James Naughtie profiles Rupert Murdoch, the global media magnate.

• 12 mins

Simon Cowell

James Naughtie profiles Simon Cowell, who made his name and fortune on talent shows.

• 12 mins

Queen Elizabeth II

James Naughtie profiles Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrated her diamond jubilee in 2012.

• 12 mins