Great Lives

The Finnish Prime Minster and banker is profiled by Sir Mervyn King

Journalist Eve Pollard chooses the life of the stage and screenplay writer Nora Ephrom, famous for writing When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle

Michael Dobbs champions the life of Guy Burgess - journalist, diplomat and spy. Matthew Parris chairs and Burgess’s biographer Stewart Purvis contributes to the debate.

Matthew Parris talks to Philippa Langley, who led the search for the remains of Richard III in Leicester, to find out why for her his was a Great Life.

Professor Tom Solomon proposes Roald Dahl for Great Life status.

The musician Brian Eno nominates Michael Young

Journalist Laura Bates tells Matthew Parris why her nomination for a Great Life is Louisa M. Alcott, author of Little Women.

Comedian Arthur Smith on Czech runner Emil Zatopek

Matthew Parris asks Professor Edith Hall about the life and work of Lucille Ball, whom she nominates as a Great Life. Producer: Christine Hall

Matthew Parris talks to Lord Adonis about the life of Sir Joseph Bazalgette and is joined by his great-great-grandson Peter. Producer: Christine Hall

Dame Stella Rimington talks to Matthew Parris about her fascination with the life and writing of Dorothy L Sayers. With expert witness Seona Ford.

Singer-songwriter and poet Labi Siffre chooses the life of children's author Arthur Ransome whose work he says has taught him more about moral responsibility than any holy book.

Dr Tom Shakespeare tells Matthew Parris why Antonio Gramsci's is a Great Life.

Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel, for a time Hitler's favourite general is nominated by Ray Mears. Matthew Parris hears why this German soldier was a "great life".

Matthew Parris leads a discussion on Ida B. Wells an African American civil rights and women's rights activist who was a political trailblazer and the choice of Baroness Oona King.