a full bulletin of news for you at 10pm _ now on bbc news. lives well lived the national portrait gallery in london, where there are thousands upon thousands of faces from the past and present. for centuries, we've immortalised them in pencil, paint, and through the lens of a camera. and, each year, we mark the passing of people we may never have met but have meant so much to many of us. there was an energy here that brought something out in me, that excited me. in 2023, we lost legendary singers and composers... cheering.

..sporting greats, political trailblazers. .. order, order! order. ..and household names on both the big and small screens. all men are fools. and what makes them so is having beauty like what i have got. they've been part of our shared experience, woven into the storylines and soundtracks of our lives. good evening and thank you forjoining us. welcome to the new series... what made their lives so extraordinary? the lasting legacies of lives well lived.

elizabeth i has been played by some movie greats, from bette davis tojudi dench to cate blanchett. but for millions of television viewers in the 1970s, the role was defined by one actor — glenda jackson. she played a queen, a king, and a real part in politics. i am not only a queen, walsingham, i am a tanner and a tinsmith, a collier and a shepherd. how will my trades prosper if you have your war with spain? bailey. ma'am. the fleet is to be dismissed. madam, i must warn you that... no, sir, you must not. you must guard your rattling tongue, lest i have my hangman pluck it out. if i was to close my eyes and think about glenda jackson,

i think of a woman of small stature with incredible power. how cruel. how can you say that? don't i live? everyone thinks they can do as they like with me... ..even you! i loved her strength, really. that passionate intensity. every muscle was taut and her face was a... i was an amazing picture of strength. ladies and gentlemen, glenda jackson. applause. you came from a very ordinary background, didn't you? mm, yes. your dad was a bricklayer, wasn't he? that's right, yes. in those early days, what did you want to be? i left school without wanting to do anything in particular and no qualifications for anything. so, i worked in boots cash chemists for two years,

and while i was there, ijoined an amateur dramatic company at home and someone said, as someone always does, "you should do this "professionally." so, i wrote off to the only drama school i'd ever heard of which was rada, and i got a scholarship and there i was for two years. yes. what kind of parts did you get when you were at rada? well, we didn't really have parts until our last term, but they told me, you know, "don't expect to work until you're 60, "because you're basically a character actress." how wrong her drama teachers were. she became a major movie star with women in love in 1969. how much do you love me? how much do you think i love you? i don't know. but what's your opinion? very little indeed. why don't i love you? well, i didn't know why you don't. i've been good to you. when you first came to me in that fearful state, i had to take pity on you, but...

it was never love. and she followed that success in the romantic comedy a touch of class. and may i point out, as you have so obviously never noticed, women are a little different from men. they require time, a little sensitivity... english women. all women! anybody but a superannuated boy scout would know that. it's got my name on it. yes. she won oscars for both, but didn't go to hollywood to collect either. there she is. she looks extraordinary there, doesn't she? oh, yes. gorgeous. she always sort of held her hand like that, i remember. and this is not quite as glamorous a shot. there's a young celia imrie in here. she laughs. yes, now you see, she always joined in with us. this is at niagara falls. she laughs. you look like you're members of some sort of cult. yes, i know. it was a world tour of hedda gabler, directed by trevor nunn for the royal shakespeare company.

it was a very starry cast, actually. patrick stewart, timothy west. i was the tea girl and the assistant stage manager. i was nervous because she was such an icon. but she was very un—grand. all the time that i worked with her in 1975, she always looked after the underlings. she found out when my birthday was and there was champagne and a cake, you know, from her. she was fierce, actually. like a lioness on our behalf. did you believe i would sacrifice my reputation on your behalf? it is not enough, madam, to speak one�*s mind in season and out as you do. that is not the conduct of a queen. it is the outpouring of a pampered woman demanding that all indulge her. but wasn't she stunning there? you know, that marvellous scene in women in love when she's dancing with the highland cattle.

particularly in morecambe and wise, actually, i thought she looked absolutely gorgeous. all men are fools and what makes them so is having beauty like what i have got. laughter. you have a plan? leave me alone. leave me alone with him for five minutes. five minutes? five minutes. but her strong political beliefs began to come to the fore. where an actress has strong political opinions, is she justified — or even wise — in parading them before her public? totally, yes. totally. i cannot see why one�*s profession should preclude one having political beliefs. will you welcome, please, the man

who's made our dreams come true. the next prime minister of the united kingdom — neil kinnock! applause. you tried to dissuade her from entering the house of commons? yes, i said to her, actually, "look, in the end, you can do "more good for the cause by being the oscar winner "glenda jackson descending from on high to bless us poor plebeians with your presence." and she said, "that's bloody rubbish." so, i had to accept that it was bloody rubbish. glenda mayjackson — _ the labour party candidate —19,193. cheering and applause. glenda jackson adds the words "mp" to the two 0scars - she won as an actress. glenda jackson was an mp for 23 years. rising to the position of transport minister, she had to travel to europe,

where she found the detail of one eu debate rather tedious. during the coffee break, i said, "hey, glenda, are you all right?" and she said, "fine." and i said, "because you keep popping out." "i'm going for a fag," she said. "right you are," i said. "yeah, i understand that." "in any case..." she said, "..it is so bloody boring." "the whole thing is boring." glenda jackson. thank you, mr speaker. it's hardly a surprise that baroness thatcher... that speech that she made... ..after margaret thatcher's death... ..was... ..pure glenda. everything i had been taught to regard as a vice — and i still regard them as vices — under thatcherism, was in fact, a virtue. greed. selfishness. no care for the weaker. sharp elbows. sharp knees.

they were the way forward. we heard much... it's an amazing speech and kind of only really an actor could have done that speech in the way that she did it. and then to go back into acting... rumble thy bellyful! spit, fire! spout, rain! ..to take on the role of king lear, which is one of the biggest roles in shakespeare — in fact, it probably is the biggest — and at the age of 80. she really did exude power and she ruled that stage. do you find the process of acting i is getting easier as you get older? are you kidding me? every performance now is a life—and—death situation and that doesn't get any easier. it's like standing on the top of a very, very high diving board and you don't know if there's any water in the pool. and you do that every night. there was a lot of

vulnerability there. and i think once she got the opening night out of the way and she realised she could do it, then she relaxed. and i think she just needed that confidence again to... you know, for an audience to say, "you're back, we're welcoming you "and you're still as fantastic." celia imrie: after king lear, we met for lunch. _ jane horrocks and i were king lear's daughters. and as we sat down for lunch, she said, "well, i don't have any daughters to leave anything to," and presented me with this beautiful necklace. wow. isn't it beautiful? it really is. isn't it gorgeous? it looks elizabethan. it probably was, actually. so, i wear it for good luck. she's been a light in my life. a marvellous mixture, actually, of fragility and toughness... ..and courage.

and i must go. no. let me go alone. sir michael parkinson brought many lives well—lived into our living rooms. good evening and welcome. growing up, i would have always watched obviously match of the day on the saturday night and the precursor to that was... was always the parky show. # hello, parky #. 0h, hello, parky #. it's so nice... a proud yorkshireman, his love of cinema and sport shone brightly throughout his years as the nation's most watched chat show host.

# because it's absurd, parky. we used to watch that show together, you know, in the good old days when families used to watch shows together. that was one of them. parkinson was famous people times 100. - and, of course, it - was rare to see them. they weren't always - there to sell something. so, it was an opportunity to hear and to get to- know hollywood legends. he interviewed, youl know, orson welles. a lot of directors and actors like to run their movies. you know, their idea of a happy night at home is to turn on the projector and see one of their pictures again, you know? and i can't think of anything more horrifying, you know, because you can't change it. what can you do about it? yes. there it is. forever. there was going to be| someone on television who was never on television. james cagney, for heaven's sake. you decided to retire during the making of that film, one, two, three, didn't you? mm—hm.

what was the moment you decided? 0h, they said, "we're ready, mr cagney." and i said, "well, right with you." and i turned around, walked in, and i said, "this is it." "no more." so, i called it a day then. he really understood who they were. you can't be frank and you can't be stevie wonder and you can't be marvin gaye. you can't be those people. be the best sammy davis that you know how to be. the grandeur of the old hollywood star bette davis coming on. - "wow, she's in england, let alone... "she's not onlyjust in england, she's in my room, she's- there and she's telling i stories and it's amazing." if you look back on the history of hollywood, there've been, what, i suppose three great women stars, haven't there? there's garbo, hepburn, yourself. would you... would you agree with that running order? well, i will accept the running order. yes, i will accept it. of course, i'd be happier if i got first billing, but i'll take third. so when you saw them,

it was a special thing. l he's without doubt, the most beautiful and complete athlete i've ever seen. to others, he's a political leader, a figurehead in the battle between black and white, and yet to more people who care little about sport and even less about politics, he's one of the world's great entertainers, a character, a comedian, and a sometime poet. here he is in all his splendour. ladies and gentlemen, muhammad ali. that interview between parky and muhammad ali is the slow process of getting this great man to just open up and reveal so many facets of himself. can i ask what the problem is — if it is indeed a problem to you — about being regarded as one of the world's most attractive men and the kind of fan adulation you have from women? no. fan what? fan worship. from who? women. oh, i don't pay no attention to it. i don't... i don't consider myself

as no attractive man. people like tom jones. laughter. and elvis presley. i'm not... nothing like that. well, whether you want it or not, you are. i mean, people, foryears, have been saying you're one of the most attractive men in the world. i know it, i wasjust... laughter. you witness one of the most extraordinary minds you have ever seen at play. the speed — unbelievable — of his brain explains the speed of his hands as a boxer. i'm not going to argue with you! you're not as dumb as you look. the intelligence, something which i don't know if american tv really pulled out of him. when was your first recollection as a child of being a second—class citizen? being treated like one? second class? no. more 16th class. and always asked my mother, i said, "mother, how come is everything white? " i said, "why isjesus white with blond hair and blue eyes? "why is the lord's

supper all white men? "angels are white. "pope and... "mary and every... "even the angels. " i said, "mother, when we die, do we go to heaven?" she said, "naturally we go to heaven." i said, "well, what happened to all the black angels?" "they took the pictures. " parky talked to _ muhammad ali, the man. what plans do you have for the... for the future now, apart from fighting? well, just... i'll tell you something. i don't think i've ever said this before, but i'll tell you, i really cared nothing about boxing. boxing isjust to introduce me to the struggle. like, when i speak, i draw people in the states to draw my people to teach them various things which'll give them dignity, pride, and self— help. so, boxing isjust going to be another year. but my main fight is for freedom and equality. it really did make people realise what an extraordinary— human being he was. i love your show and i like your style, but your pay is so cheap, i won't be back for a while!

laughter. and that's the thing. parkinson delivered treats. hi. how are you doing? i'm well, thanks. it's michael parkinson! hello, fozzie. me come on this show, parky, cos you is the institution. - everyone round the country love you. i mean, obviously, - apart from young people. i went to the doctor the other week. i said, "what's good for wind?" he gave me a kite. could i just ask you one i deeply personal question? of course. is that a toupee? and he made incredible relationships and one of those relationships was extraordinary because it was michael parkinson and billy connolly. billy connolly. oh-h-h-h! it was that relationship with parky and going back on the show, you know, many, many times that fixed billy connolly in the hearts

and the minds of people everywhere. you see this guy was going out| to meet his friend in the pub... the whole of britain became aware of this extraordinary scots genius. he said, "did you hear about the one... - "a guy done his wife in and that?" and i said, "no." and sure enough, there's a big mound of earth. - there was a bum sticking out of it. he says, "is that her?" he says, "aye." he says, "why'd you leave her bum sticking out for?" - he says, "i need somewhere to park my bike." _ you develop a kind of connection with michael parkinson. when he's killing himself with laughter, you are thrilled for him. i loved his show and i actually appeared on it a couple - of occasions, as well. it's quite the experience. i mean, you made this, in a sense, this kind of seamless transition, it seems, from being a footballer into the media.

hmm. well, it seems to be that way. were there problems i mean...? i think presenting on television . is something that i've had to learn and i'm still very much a novice. and in football, you're not . on your own so much either. yes. you know? and you could be found out with that camera. l it tends to look- very closely at you. he was an amazing broadcaster, a brilliant interviewer, _ and he was always a great, great host _ welcome, please, jane horrocks. i couldn't wait to tell my mum and dad. yeah, i mean, they loved michael parkinson and they came to watch it that night. # be wise #. be smart #. behave, my heart... i liked parkinson because he was a great listener and he made the person who he was interviewing the star. whenever you want, you can say, yes? we have a full and frank discussion here about any topic. we will do operations here with her sexuality, anything at all.

he sort of had a humbleness about him, which was very endearing and likeable. ladies and gentlemen, stephen fry. i was on lots. you feel that you're in perfect hands. you don't feel the conversation's going to run out. you don't feel your mouth is going to turn dry and you can't remember a story. somehow he relaxes you. i mean, was that an ambition when you were a child, to be a movie star? is that what you imagined you might be? film star, name above the title. well... if i'm deeply honest, i'm afraid, yes. little part of me. one i remember most particularly that i did was when i was on with robin williams _ you're right. edith head dolphin. you're right. you're mad, but you're right. he simply was a genius, a one—off genius of comedy who was able to do things at speed that no—one else you ever met was able to do. do the major doth becomel minor, have you not know? speak to me and run gentle moose

and i'll call your name. _ "go, oh pinch—faced one, oh, giant rat, and call me - not," said tony blair. "just say the word and george be not going into the bush, we shall." - it was an event. and now i think, you know, the people who succeeded parky are brilliant, but it's harder for it to be an event. let's do michael's . favourite song, 0k? # this day and age we're living in #. l gives cause for apprehension... if i were one of those people who writes the summation of people's lives after they've died... ladies and gentlemen, tony bennett. ..i would be so grateful to parkinson. # you must remember this #. a kiss is still a kiss #. a song is... hello! hello, possums! hello. i think i'm overdressed.

dame edna everage! you've only got to look at the crop of people who died recently. what an honour to be on this, isn't it? - to be on parky. swivel chair, it's still. warm off liam neeson. 0h. it's the closest i'm i going to get, isn't it? let's face it. ladies and gentlemen, paul o'grady. so, i was in all sorts of little drag acts. . most of them were all in sequins and they were shirley bassey - orientated, you know? it was all very glam. i went the other way with lily, sort of gave it a scare, - with the tassel and roots. she had a tattoo and a love bite. you know what i mean? you're dead, mate. ladies and gentlemen, raquel welch. do you find it difficult for people to take you seriously in the business? oh, i don't know. i'll tell you, i don't think it's- wildly important that everybody take everybody really seriously. dr henry kissinger. did you have any sort of sense of destiny? any indication that one day, you might become one of the most influential men in the world? absolutely not.

gina lollobrigida. ladies and gentlemen, mike yarwood. i'd also like to thank mike... laughter. mike yarwood. we'll see you again next week. goodbye. you want to know something about them, yes, you can read their wikipedia entries these days and things like that, but you're far better off going to their parkinson appearances where you really do get a sense of who they were. you went on the freedom marches, didn't you, with martin luther king? well, harry belafonte was... we started out together, and he told me about the problem. there's no question that dr king would have stood in history, - as other great men have stood, in terms of having dramaticallyl changed the course of all of it. how different do you think it would have been had he not been killed? do you think it would have been better for the black people in america? i'm almost positive it would've been better for the world. _ parkinson stands as a record of their lives and their way

of thinking and why we valued them. here talking turkeys is benjamin zephaniah. be nice to your turkeys this christmas because turkeys just want to have fun turkeys are cool and turkeys are wicked and every turkey has a mum. cheering and applause. you know, it's been . tough for me in london because i can't, you know... it's a lovely city - and i can't really... can't really walk around because i'm getting... i i'm getting recognised all the time. i think that may be _ because i walk outside of my flat and say, "hey everyone, i i'm chandler from friends!" we have to close down, sadly. um... one hour's gone by already? yeah, already. whoa, time flies when you're in good company. # it's still the same old story #. fight for love and glory #.

a case- of do or die #. the world will always #. welcome lovers #. as time #. as time goes by—y—y—y! applause hello there. after wet and windy weather for weeks on end, now it looks like the weather pattern could be changing through this month. now, we started the new year with some sunshine across many parts of the country. already turning chilly in scotland where we've got those clearer skies, but towards the south—west of england, the clouds been rolling in, seen some rain coming in as well. you can see what's happening here on the earlier satellite picture. all this cloud is streaming up

from the south—west, bringing yet more rain. and the winds are picking up, too, around that weather system. once that moves through, we've got another one following in behind. and those two combined could bring about two inches of rain, 50 millimetres of rain to england and wales and some flooding, too. we've got wet weather this evening across england and wales. moving clear of northern ireland heading into scotland, there may be some snow over the mountain tops here. clearer skies will follow for a while, but the rain returns into the south coast and the south—west by the end of the night, keeping temperatures up here. and by the end of the night in scotland, after an early frost in the east, temperatures will be lifting here. that wetter weather continues northwards up towards the northern isles where it will be windy. it's also going to be windy in southern parts of england, some gales, particularly along the south coast. and we've got this spell of wet weather returning from the south—west from overnight across england and wales, maybe affecting northern ireland for a while. could turn a bit drier in the south of england in the afternoon, 13 or 1a degrees in those strong winds. bit of sunshine in between those areas of rain in scotland, but here temperatures will be lower.

most of the wet weather, though, will be for england and wales. that will move away as we head into wednesday. we've still got some brisk winds in the north—east of scotland with a bit of rain. maybe the risk of some sleet and snow up towards shetland, won't be as windy across the south and generally on wednesday it's a day where we'll see some sunshine and some showers, particularly across wales and the south—west. temperatures though, looking quite healthy at eight to 12 degrees. now, things will turn colder by the end of the week. instead of low pressure that will bring wet and windy conditions, we're going to start to see high pressure building down from the north. that will leave us with a north—easterly breeze, introduce colder air and lead to some frost as well. but the weather pattern looks like changing after a few more days of this wet and windy weather, with an increased chance of high pressure really through the rest of the month, even. that will mean things are going to be drier, which is good news, but it will also turn a bit colder.

live from london, this is bbc news. a powerful earthquake strikes japan, destroying buildings and killing at least four people. thousands have fled their homes and spent the night in shelters. israel's supreme court strikes down a controversialjudicial reform that triggered nationwide protests last year. migrant boat crossings in the english channel drop by more than a third — but the figures are still some of the highest on record. and what it means for disney, as the copyright expired on the earliest versions of mickey and minnie mouse. we start injapan, where a powerful earthquake has hit the centre of the country, bringing down buildings and power lines. four people are now confirmed

to have died, but the extent