How do you account for the global success of a 1980s comedy about the French Resistance? Perhaps it’s the ‘kinky Germans, randy French and stupid Englishmen’ it portrays. But there was a bit more about it than that, as the actress who created the unforgettable Yvette explains to Tony Watts.

Peter Purves has been a familiar face on our TV screens for over 40 years now – from his days battling with Daleks on Doctor Who, through to contending with elephants on Blue Peter and, latterly, as the voice of Crufts. He has a new autobiography out revealing all, but that candour has caused a few problems, as he explains to Tony Watts.

From late night chat show host to fronting the big Saturday night family spectaculars, Graham Norton’s rise has been meteoric in the last few years. Now he is taking over from Terry Wogan in presenting Eurovision. And when he talks to Tony Watts, he is just embarking on perhaps the biggest challenge of his carer: as the star of the West End musical ‘Cage Aux Folles’.

The last 50 years have seen some exceptional British writers come to the fore. But few match Fay Weldon for fierce intelligence – as well as a frequent darkness of vision – as her protagonists grapple with social issues such as dysfunctional relationships and corporate greed. So is it all doom and gloom? Not at all, she tells Tony Watts.

First there was John Curry. Then Robin Cousins burst onto the scene. 

Then Torville and Dean. For a glorious few years, it seemed as though British figure skaters ruled the world – and seemingly without raising a bead of sweat. Tony Watts talks to the man who not only brought us Olympic gold but whose athleticism and modern approach changed the face of his sport for ever – and whose artistic vision now guides the massively popular ‘Holiday on Ice’ shows.

One of the country’s most respected and outspoken broadcasters and writers has been appointed by the Government to act as a ‘Voice of Older People’. Tony Watts talks to Joan Bakewell about the task she has taken on and what she hopes to bring to the new role.

From Bond girl to osteoporosis victim… as Ursula Andress reminds Tony Watts, it’s 45 years since she memorably walked out of the sea in Doctor No. But she still has the old Hollywood charisma, and now she has a cause to champion.