Front Row Folgen

Steve Coogan on his new spoof documentary series. in which his alter ego Alan Partridge returns from some time in Saudia Arabia to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: mental health. In the first of our interviews with writers shortlisted for this year's Booker Prize, American novelist Katie Kitamura discusses her book Audition, a story told through the first person voice of an unnamed actor, which explores the roles we play in public and private. As Black History Month begins, and as a blue plaque is unveiled to Winifred Atwell, the first ever black artist to top the UK singles chart, journalist and broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald and musician and researcher Uchenna Ngwe reflect on the life and career of this remarkable musician whose achievements have been largely forgotten. Presenter: Kirsty Wark Producer: Mark Crossan

Tom Sutcliffe hosts the ceremony for the 2025 BBC National Short Story Award and Young Writers Award live from BBC Broadcasting House. Judges William Boyd, Lucy Caldwell, Ross Raisin and Joseph Coehlo discuss what makes a great short story. This is the 20th anniversary of the BBC National Short Story Award and you can hear all the shortlisted stories on BBC Sounds. Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Harry Graham

Actor Matthew McConaughey talks with Samira about The Lost Bus; a nerve shredding film based on a true story about a school bus driver who rescued 22 children and their teacher from raging wildfires in California Rising British actor Harris Dickinson talks about his debut film as a director; Urchin. It explores homelessness on London’s streets, being in the running to play James Bond and his up-coming role as John Lennon in Sam Mendes' new Beatles biopic out next year. Author of The Rachel Incident and host of Sentimental Garbage podcast Caroline O'Donoghue discusses her new YA novel Skipshock, and why women are turning to time travel fiction. Joining her is the author of The Principle of Moments and numerous Doctor Who novelizations, Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson. Poet Laureate Simon Armitage pays tribute to Leeds-born, poet, playwright and translator Tony HarrisonPresenter: Samira Ahmed