20 Questions With

Sir John Curtice, Britain's most famous polling expert and stalwart of BBC election nights, is at risk of becoming a national treasure. Here he offers his insights into the fragmentation of British politics; the rise of Reform under Farage and of the Greens under Polanksi; the challenges facing Labour and the Tories; the unpopularity of Sir Keir Starmer and British political leaders in general; the key requirements of leadership; the impact of culture wars on voting trends; the role of social media in shaping voters' priorities, and the effect of polling on the political landscape. Plus, Sir John reveals what he loves to do when he isn't analysing politics and polls. 

* You can find the full list of candidates in the Gorton and Denton by-election on the BBC News website.

Guardian columnist Zoe Williams pushes back against Reform UK, addresses questions of a split on the left of British politics, wishes that Starmer would improve, suggests an humane approach to asylum seekers, offers her view of national identity, charts the shifting of the Overton window rightwards in British politics, and reveals what most makes her tick as a writer.

Julia Bradbury shares her story of recovering from cancer, and the journey she's been on since her diagnosis, as she explores alternative approaches to health and wellbeing. Along the way she explores the longevity of her career as a television presenter, her commitment to nature, her experience of travel, including to Antarctica, and her determination to be there for her children. This is a deeply personal conversation with one of Britain's most successful TV personalities.

One of the greatest directors of his generation, Sir Richard Eyre shares his insights from a life in theatre and film. From Judy Dench and Ian Holm to Anthony Hopkins and David Harewood, from Olivier to Brando, Eyre offers glimpses into a world of acting stardom and genius. What makes a great actor? What makes a great director? How did Eyre himself rise from being, in his view, an inadequate actor to become Artistic Director at the National Theatre? Eyre, who directed Iris and whose mother suffered from dementia, reveals his wife's diagnosis and the strain that has put on his life. This is a rare conversation that moves from personal tragedy to the heights of success and takes in the importance of love and kindness along the way.

Superstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor brings joy and her unique giggle - as well as serious reflection on serious issues - to the 20 Questions With podcast. From her eBay habit to a career renaissance, a billboard hit, kitchen discos, the thrill of performing live, the energy of music, worldwide travel, working with her husband, raising five boys, making money, philately, the impact of her parents' divorce, her experience of preeclampsia, running a business, reflecting on her school days, and much more, this is an unusual conversation that reveals the extraordinary life of the woman behind 'Groovejet', 'Murder on the Dancefloor', 'As Long As I Belong', 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie' and 'Take Me Home'.