Last Word

Matthew Bannister onSir Craig Reedie, the sports administrator who led London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics and went on to become President of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Lord Coe pays tribute. Bronwen Naish, the musician who devoted her life to promoting the joys of the double bass.Geoff Yeadon, the world record breaking cave diver from Yorkshire.And Margareta Magnusson, best known as the author of the book “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning”.Producer: Ed Prendeville Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn Tansley

John Wilson onRobert Fox the producer who had a career that spanned theatre, film and television. We have tributes from Colin Firth, Rupert Everett and Robert’s brother, the actor Edward Fox.Mary Rand MBE, the first British woman to win an Olympic athletics gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.Sir Tony Hoare, one of the world’s leading computer software designers who developed algorithms and languages which have become industry standards. Biruté Galdikas, the primatologist and conservationist whose years of studying orangutans in their natural habitat helped understand and protect the primates.Interviewee: Edward Fox Interviewee: Rupert Everett Interviewee: Colin Firth Interviewee: Wendy Sly Interviewee: Professor Bill Roscoe Interviewee: Professor Erin VogelProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used: Another Country movie promo, Another Country Trailer, 1984, director Marek Kanievska, writer Julian Mitchell, Goldcrest

Matthew Bannister onThe Woman’s Hour presenter Dame Jenni Murray. Mark Steel joins us to recall her triumphant debut as a stand-up comedian. Len Deighton who created “anti-James Bond” novels including The Ipcress File, Billion Dollar Brain and Horse Under Water.Lynda Hale, the footballer who battled against sexism to play in the first official England women’s international in 1972.Jurgen Habermas, the German philosopher who came up with the influential concept of “the public sphere”.Producer: Ed Prendeville Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive: Jurgen Habermas interview, YouTube Upload, Davidmeme, 1/02/2007; Jürgen Habermas Interview, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs (Georgetown University), 10/2011; Scotland v England, BBC News, 18/11/1972; South Today, BBC, 29/07/2025; South Today, BBC, 18/07/2022; Nationwide, BBC, 17/11/1972; Desert Island Discs, BBC Radio 4, 19/06/1976 The Lively Arts: Len Deighton, BBC Two, 18/12/1977; The Truth

Matthew Bannister onYanar Mohammed who campaigned for women’s rights in Iraq and set up a secret network of shelters for those fleeing abusive relationships. She was shot dead on 2nd March.Phil Woolas, a key figure in the New Labour project who became MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth.Professor Robin Weiss, the eminent virologist who carried out important work to understand HIV.Jane Lapotaire, the classical actor who won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Edith Piaf.Interviewee: Nawal Al-Maghafi Interviewee: Nick Jones Interviewee: Jonathan Weber Interviewee: Zoë WanamakerProducer: Ribika Moktan Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used: Outlook, BBC World Service, 09/05/2005; News 1800, BBC Radio 4, 14/12/2003; BBC News, 1/04/1992; BBC News, 02/05/1997; Daily Politics: 2010 Election, Debates: The Immigration Debate, 4/05/2010; BBC News at Ten, BBC, 07/05/2009; BBC News at One, 09/12/2010; BBC News, 21/11/1986; Frontiers, BBC Radio 4, 24/02/1996; Piaf, p

Matthew Bannister onPaul Conroy, the photojournalist who worked extensively in war zones in the Middle East and the Balkans. He was with the Sunday Times reporter Marie Colvin when she was killed in Syria. Kenith Trodd, the TV producer best known for his work with Dennis Potter on series like Pennies from Heaven and The Singing Detective. Stephen Poliakoff pays tribute. Astrid Llewellyn who skippered the first all-female crew to take part in a Tall Ships Race. Jo Purvis, the DJ who promoted LGBTQ+ ballroom dancing events in the 1970s and 1980s. Interviewee: Stephen Poliakoff Interviewee: Tim Llewellyn Interviewee: Toni Krause Interviewee: Peter FlockhartProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used: Paul Conroy interview, Music on the Front Line, Music Matters, BBC Radio 3, 03/05/2025; Paul Conroy: My Escape from Homs, Outlook, BBC World Service, 22/01/2013; Caught on a Train, Play for Today, Playhouse, Director: Peter Duffell,

Matthew Bannister onNeil Sedaka the prolific songwriter who had Sixties hits with Oh Carol and Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen and made a Seventies comeback with Solitaire and Love Will Keep Us Together. Graham Gouldman pays tribute. Drusilla Beyfus, the journalist best known for her books on etiquette. Her daughter Alexandra Shulman shares her memories.Professor Dame Carole Jordan, the leading astronomer who was an authority on the coronae of the sun and cool stars.And Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran for over thirty years who was killed in an air strike.Interviewee: Nazila Fathi Interviewee: Lisa Verrico Interviewee: Graham Gouldman Interviewee: Professor Mike Lockwood Interviewee: Alexandra ShulmanProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used: Revolution In Iran, BBC News, 11/02/1979; The death of Ayatolla Khomeni, BBC News, 04/06/1989; Iran street protests, BBC News, 1999 and 2009; Protests in Iran, BBC News, 29

Matthew Bannister onMartyn Butler who was a central figure in the UK’s early response to HIV and AIDS. He was a co-founder of the Terrence Higgins Trust and gave his own home phone number as a helpline.Allan Massie, the Scottish author and critic whose hero was Sir Walter Scott. Sir Ian Rankin pays tribute. Professor Nicola Fear, the epidemiologist who studied the effects on military personnel of serving in the Iraq War and Afghanistan.Willie Colón, the American trombonist who was inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage to create salsa music.Interviewee: Tony Whitehead Interviewee: Sir Ian Rankin Interviewee: Professor Sir Simon Wessely Interviewee: Garth CartwrightProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used: Martyn Butler seminar recording, Terrence Higgins Trust, THT YouTube channel, uploaded 26/06/2022; Terrence Higgins Trust actuality recording, Week In Week Out, BBC Wales, 29/10/1985; News report, BBC News, 08/01/1987; Advert: Iceberg, Department of He

Kirsty Lang onReverend Jesse Jackson the leading American civil rights campaigner.Diane Munday who fought to make abortion legal and co-founded the British Pregnancy Advisory Service.Philippe Gaulier whose internationally renowned clown school which helped to shape the careers of many leading actors. Lady Jean Wilson who travelled the world building a charity that cured millions of avoidable blindness Interviewee: Lord Woolley of Woodford Interviewee: Sally Phillips Interviewee: Cal McCrystal Interviewee: Caroline Harper Interviewee: Andrew CopsonProducer: Catherine Powell Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Editor: Glyn Tansley

Matthew Bannister on:Meredith Hooper, the prolific author who wrote several books about Antarctica. We have a tribute from her son, the Oscar winning film director Tom Hooper.David Young, the American lawyer who was in charge of a team known as “The Plumbers” who tried to stop leaks of sensitive information from the Nixon White House.Dorothy Solomon, the manager and agent who steered the careers of The Dubliners, The Bachelors and many other stars of the 1960s and 70s. Sharon Osbourne pays tribute.Derek Kelly, the Essex farmer who revived the fortunes of the Bronze turkey - with a little help from Delia Smith.Interviewee: Tom Hooper Interviewee: Suannah Young Interviewee: Giles Alston Interviewee: Sharon Osbourne Interviewee: Dec Cluskey Interviewee: Paul KellyProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used: Meredith Hooper interview, Woman's Hour, BBC Radio 4, 20/08/2007; Meredith Hooper interview, Excess Baggage, BBC Radio 4,

Matthew Bannister onSir Nicholas White, whose research on tropical diseases saved millions of lives.Lord Wallace, the Liberal Democrat who served in the Scottish and Westminster parliaments and was Deputy to three First Ministers.Professor Deborah Cameron who studied the use of language from a feminist perspective.Sly Dunbar, the Jamaican drummer who played on hundreds of hit records and teamed up with bass player Robbie Shakespeare to form “The Riddim Twins”.Interviewee: Professor Nicholas Day Interviewee: Lord McConnell Interviewee: Professor Miriam Meyerhoff Interviewee: Jazzie B Interviewee: Kevin Le GendreProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used:Nick White: Improving the treatment of infectious diseases, Mahidol Oxford Research Unit (MORU) in Bangkok, Thailand, Tropical Medicine Oxford YouTube Channel, uploaded 08/03/2024; Professor Nick White: malaria, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) interview, U

Matthew Bannister on Sir Mark Tully who reported on India for the BBC for decades, covering some of the most significant events in the country’s recent history. Dame Gillian Wagner who campaigned to raise the standards of residential care in the UK.Dr. Gladys West, the mathematician whose work paved the way for the development of GPS.Richard Larn OBE, the diver who was one of the UK’s leading experts on shipwrecks.Interviewee: Sarah Tully Interviewee: Qurban Ali Interviewee: Lucy McCarraher Interviewee: Carolyn West Oglesby Interviewee: Steve RoueProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Colin PatersonArchive used: Mark Tully interview with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Outlook, BBC World Service, 1975; Mark Tully interview, Desert Islands Discs, BBC Radio 4, 15/06/2003; Mark Tully news analysis, BBC World Report, 12/07/1971; Mark Tully report from Bhopal, BBC News, 04/12/1984; Mark Tully report from Ayodhya, BBC News, 06/12/1992; Mark Tully prese

Matthew Bannister onMolly Burkett, who devoted her life - and her home - to rescuing thousands of injured birds and animals. At times these included a killer whale, a pigmy hippopotamus and a beer drinking crow. Sir James Munby, the respected judge who was President of the Family Division and was instrumental in opening it up to greater public scrutiny.Edith Flanigen, the chemist who invented molecular sieves or zeolites which have made a critical impact on the petroleum refining industry.Aldrich Ames, who was one of the United States’ most damaging double agents. We hear from the CIA officer who unmasked him. Producer: Ed Prendeville Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive: Torrey Canyon: The Toxic Tide, BBC Radio 4, 28/02/2007; Superpets – That’s Life!, BBC One, 24/12/1977; The Saturday Picture Show, BBC One, 17/08/1985; BBC Look North, BBC One, 16/02/1988; BBC Look North, BBC One, 12/06/2001; Match of the Day (Theme Tune), BBC TV; Our Dementia Choir Sings

Matthew Bannister on Claudette Colvin the American civil rights campaigner who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus, nine months before Rosa Parks’ celebrated protest.Ian Balding, the racehorse trainer who saddled many winners for Queen Elizabeth II.Gerry Gable, the anti-fascist activist and co-founder of Searchlight magazine, who wasn’t afraid to break the law in his relentless pursuit of the far right.Juliet Robertson, the Scottish educationalist who was a passionate advocate for outdoor teaching. And a tribute to Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir from Don Felder of The Eagles.Interviewee: Brough Scott Interviewee: Andy Bell Interviewee: Don Felder Interviewee: David CameronProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jazz George Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used: Claudette Colvin interview, Outlook, BBC World Service, 23/02/2018; The Epsom Derby, Commentary, BBC One, 02/06/1971; Ian Balding interview, A View from the Boundary, BBC Radio 4, 26/07/2003; Gerry Ga

Matthew Bannister onThe colourful life of artist, fashion editor, sex columnist and bonkbuster author Molly Parkin. Her daughter shares the highs and lows of living with Molly.Kristina Gjerde, the maritime lawyer who fought to protect the high seas.Michael Barton, the BBC executive who oversaw the expansion of English local radioEva Schloss, the holocaust survivor who became Anne Frank’s stepsister.Producer: Ed Prendeville Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used Breakfast Time, BBC 1, 12/02/1986; Outlook, BBC World Service,27/01/2022; BBC Sound Archive, Murrow, Edward R, CBS Recording, 13/03/1938; BBC Sound Archive, Sinclair W.A.,19/05/1940; Learning about the Past to Make a Better Future, YouTube Upload, Anne Frank Trust UK, 24/03/2021; News – Gulf War special, BBC 1, 20/01/1991; Neighbours Shall Speak, BBC Archives; Archive on 4 : Close to Home - The Story of Local Radio, BBC Radio 4, 12/11/2017; The Time of your life – Molly Parkin, BBC 1, 08/06/1984; M

Jon Kay on The French actor Brigitte Bardot who starred in over 40 films in the 1950s and 60s before a career-change saw her give up the big screen to campaign for animal welfareSir Alec Reed who founded the UKs most successful recruitment agency and, through his philanthropy, raised millions for charityAlwyn Crawshaw, the artist who encouraged millions to paint landscapes through his how-to books and TV programmes Dame Shan Legge-Bourke who transformed the Glanusk estate in the Black Mountains and was for many years lady in waiting to Princess AnneProducer: Ed Prendeville Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Josie Hardy Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive The Lady of Glanusk: Winter, BBC Two Wales, 28/09/2006​; The Lady of Glanusk: Summer, BBC Two Wales, 14/09/2006​; The Lady of Glanusk: Autumn, BBC Two Wales, 21/09/2006​; The Lady of Glanusk: Spring, BBC Two Wales, 07/09/2006​; Reed Podcast, Sir Alec Reed at 91: A British Business Legend, Permission granted by James Reed; The Fast Show: The Last Fast Show

Jon Kay on Fashion designer Antony Price who fused together the worlds of fashion and music in the 70s and 80sSister Stan Kennedy, the nun who founded one of Ireland’s largest homelessness charitiesEna Collymore Woodstock, the Jamaican barrister and magistrate who throughout her career broke many barriers for women John Carey, the academic and former chief literary critic for The Times who took no prisoners with his reviews.Producer: Ed Prendeville Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive Midweek: Professor John Carey, Benny Lewis, Eduardo Niebla, Lynn Ruth Miller, BBC Radio 4, 19/03/2014; The Verb (Week 10), BBC Radio 3, 13/03/2015; Meet the Author, BBC News, 20/03/2014; SAL Night 2020 – A Message From Sister Stan, Founder and President, Focus Ireland, YouTube, 16/10/2020; Redlight – Sr Stan Kennedy, YouTube (Immigration Council), 20/08/2018; Everyman: Ireland’s Hidden People, BBC One, 24/04/1988; Mary H.R.H. Princess Royal, BBC Archive, 26/06/1940; Mortimer &am

Matthew Bannister onRob Reiner, the film director, screenwriter and actor behind pictures like “This Is Spinal Tap”, “Stand By Me” and “When Harry Met Sally”.Stanley Baxter, the Scottish comedian best known for his impersonations of Hollywood stars and royalty. The actor Bill Paterson pays tribute. And Joanna Trollope and Sophie Kinsella, two best-selling novelists who, in their different ways, told stories of modern life and relationships.Interviewee: Hadley Freeman Interviewee: Linda Evans Interviewee: Bill Paterson Interviewee: Brian Beacom Interviewee: Bill Scott-KerrProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyCORRECTION: In this episode we mistakenly refer to Stanley Baxter being born in 1928. He was born in 1926.Archive used: Rob Reiner interview, HardTalk, BBC News, 06/05/1998; All In The Family trailer, Tandem Productions, 1975; This is Spinal Tap, Sony Pictures Entrainment, uploaded to YouTube 31/07/2025; Stand By Me, Film Traile

Matthew Bannister onIain Douglas-Hamilton, the zoologist who devoted his life to the study and conservation of African elephants.Vera Weisfeld, the businesswoman whose chain of What Every Woman Wants stores offered fashion designs at bargain prices.Frank Gehry, the architect best known for his flamboyant designs for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los AngelesMartin Parr whose celebrated colourful photographs showed the messy details of British life.Producer: Ed Prendeville Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used The Late Show, BBC Two, 11/11/1992; Imagine… Frank Gehry: The Architect Says "Why Can't I?", BBC Two, 25/08/2015​; The John Tusa Interview, BBC Three, 09/01/2005;​ The Simpsons – "The Seven-Beer Snitch", Created by Matt Groening, Directors: Matthew Nastuk, David Silverman; Writers: Bill Odenkirk, Daniel Chun; Production companies: Gracie Films, 20th Century Fox Television; 8/05/2025; This Cultural Life: Martin Par

Matthew Bannister has a star-studded cast on this week’s Last Word: Sir David Hare pays tribute to his friend and fellow playwright Sir Tom Stoppard.Boy George recalls the flamboyant fashion designer Pam Hogg.Sir Mark Rylance gives an insight into the many talents of the actor, director and writer Jack Shepherd.We also remember Yanxin He, one of the last surviving speakers in a village that spoke a secret language that helped women to share their suffering in a patriarchal society.Interviewee: Sir David Hare Interviewee: Boy George Interviewee: Dr Tessa Hartmann Interviewee: Yehong Wei Interviewee: Sir Mark Rylance Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Catherine Powell Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used: Tom Stoppard, Desert Island Discs, BBC Radio 4, 12/01/1985; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Hamlet), Official Promo, Director: Tom Stoppard; MGM Studios, 1990; Tom Stoppard interview, BBC One 29/05/1977; Shakespeare In Love, Official Trailer, MiraMax pictures 199

Kirsty Lang on: Jimmy Cliff, who took reggae music onto the global stage. His former record producer and founder of Island Records, Chris Blackwell pays tribute. Charlotte Bingham, the writer who mined the experience of her upbringing and relationships to pen dozens of novels and screenplays.Skye Gyngell, the Australian born chef whose devotion to fresh seasonal produce made a lasting impact on modern British cooking.David Bellos, the award-winning literary translator who revelled in linguistic challenges.Interviewee: Chris Blackwell Interviewee: Lloyd Bradley Interviewee: Candida Brady Interviewee: Thomasina Miers Interviewee: Rory O'Connell Interviewee: Alex BellosProducer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producer: Ribika Moktan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive used: Jimmy Cliff interview, The First Time, BBC Radio 6, 26/08/2012; The Harder They Come, Official Film Promo 1972, Director: Perry Henzell, International Films Inc; Charlotte Bingham, If I had A Million, BBC Television, 23/