Gyles Brandreth

A profile of the actress from a strict Quaker upbringing in Yorkshire, through her staunch determination to make it as a thespian. There's also a look at her work in TV favourites such as A Fine Romance and As Time Goes By, where Judi's performances won her four BAFTA awards, and her tenure in the James Bond franchise.

Over 2½ hours of the award-winning topical news quiz, featuring previously unseen footage. Team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are joined by a different guest presenter each week.

This new special reveals the secrets of the long-running sitcom's extraordinary success. Helped by former cast and crew members, families of the stars no longer with us, and celebrity fans, we learn the secrets of this comedy classic and get to see previously unseen interviews and rare behind-the-scenes archive footage.

Documentary in which the late impressionist's daughters get to the truth about their father's rise to fame and record-breaking success, and his sudden exit from public life. Features Mike Yarwood, Claire Yarwood, Charlotte Yarwood, Michael Crawford, Rory Bremner and more.

A look at Dame Maggie Smith's life from a two-up two-down in Essex to Broadway and Hollywood. Starring in more than 60 films and 70 plays across her 70-year career, Maggie's incredible determination and talent landed her among the elite.

Richard E. Grant looks at the history of Sherlock Holmes, including the many movie and TV adaptations.

A celebration of the much-loved holiday camp sitcom, featuring classic scenes and interviews with members of cast and crew including Su Pollard, Ruth Madoc, Jeffrey Holland, Paul Shane and Jimmy Perry. The programme reveals that Butlin's, the real-life inspiration for the series, were not impressed with the show, and there are backstage secrets, such as the day several cast members nearly drowned in the swimming pool

Margaret Thatcher - The Iron Lady is the first major documentary to look back on the development and impact of this remarkable woman, whom commentators of both the political left and right agree changed the face of 20th Century politics forever. Featuring many excerpts from her powerful speeches and insightful contributions from her political supporters and detractors, a portrait emerges of a woman whose strength of conviction eventually becomes the weakness of intransigence.

A feature-length special retrospective of one of Britain's most beloved sitcoms, with new and archival interviews and footage examining the production and enduring cultural impact of the BBC's 'To the Manor Born'.

Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth travels to the West Yorkshire moors, known as "Bronte Country". It is an area that shaped the Bronte sisters, and they have, in turn, helped shape it. He explores some of the influences on their writing.

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. While her service to her country is legendary, she has become a figure of strength, endurance, and dignity the world over and indeed we all feel connected to her. Through triumph, loss, scandal, and celebration, witness the story of how a young Princess became Queen to the people of the world.

A look back at the life and work of one of Britain's greatest comediennes, featuring interviews with those who worked alongside Victoria.

Born in Corfu in 1921, Prince Philip has lived on the national stage through Britain’s move from Empire to Commonwealth amid all the extraordinary political and social changes that have taken place since he married Princess Elizabeth in 1947.

Kirsty Young celebrates the 70th wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip by examining the longest royal marriage in British history through key moments. She looks at how every step of their life together has been played out in the glare of publicity and in service of the nation, while steering it through decades of change.

The story of how the introduction of breakfast television to the UK in 1983 led to a fierce battle for viewers between the BBC and ITV.

On stage – in person – for one special performance the great Dame Judi Dench and Gyles Brandreth bring their West End sell-out show to Edinburgh. Quite simply, it’s the story of her life!

Outstanding raconteur Kenneth Williams regales his spellbound audience in typical fashion with a long look back at his career - from his time entertaining troops in the army, his radio work (including the Hancock shows), his work in theatre and - of course - the highly successful series of Carry On films. Playing wonderfully to his audience of celebrities (which include Michael Parkinson, Ned Sherrin, Gordon Jackson and Carry On cohorts Joan Sims and Bernard Bresslaw) he even finds time to answer a few of their questions.

Kenneth Williams's comedy career highlights are celebrated in a documentary narrated by his friend and fellow wordsmith, Gyles Brandreth. Showcasing Kenneth's very best bits and greatest hits, it is a journey through the life of a veritable British comedy genius - stopping at all of the comedy milestones of his career. The documentary features exclusive access to Kenneth's never-before-seen photograph albums and exclusive correspondence from the star and his family.

Gyles Brandreth explores the landscape that influenced Thomas Hardy. The author spent most of his life in the south-west of England, and set his most famous novels - Tess of the D'Urbervilles, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Jude the Obscure and his breakthrough novel Far from the Madding Crowd - in the fictional county of Wessex. By inviting input from experts and celebrity fans, Gyles discovers that, although Wessex may be fictional, the locations Hardy describes are influenced by real places.

Gyles Brandreth travels to the places that inspired one of Britain's most famous storytellers.

Panto-aficionado Gyles will immerse himself in every aspect of the genre, from its roots in commedia dell’arte and Victorian music hall to scene painting, slapstick and the making of a pantomime dame. He’ll be joined on his merry way (oh yes he will!) by pantomime experts including Julian Clary and Gary Wilmot, celebrating the panto in all its vibrant, joyful glory.