Inheritance Tracks

This week’s Inheritance Tracks come from Presenter and Journalist, Nick Robinson. Nick is the BBC’s and ITV former political editor and he started as a presenter on Today (Radio 4) in November 2015.Here are the two tracks most dear to him:Inherited: The Carpet Crawlers by Genesis taken from the album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. Pass On: Beethoven's Fidelio quartet - Mir ist so wunderbar Producers: Lowri Morgan and Jesse Edwards.

The Inheritance Tracks featured on this week's Saturday Live with Adrian Chiles, come from the skincare entrepreneur Liz Earle whose eponymous beauty brand has been going strong for more than thirty years. Liz has no fewer than 35 books to her name and her latest, How to Age, is out now. Inherited: These Boots Are Made for Walking by Nancy Sinatra Passing on: One Love by David Guetta featuring EstelleProducer: Anna Bailey

Our Inheritance Tracks this week come from the singer-songwriter Laura Mvula.From hits such as Green Garden, to Sing To The Moon, and to live stage performances at the BBC Promos, Laura’s music is a mix of jazz, classical and Rhythm and Blues. Growing up in Birmingham, Laura went on to study composition at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, before releasing her Mercury Prize-nominated debut album 'Sing to the Moon' in 2013. She has been nominated for the prestigious award three timesInherited: Golden Brown by Omar Passing on: The World Is Yours by Nas Producer: Anna Bailey

From Shameless to X-Men, Atonement and His Dark Materials…James McAvoy seems to have mastered his craft in-front of the camera - so has decided to try his hand at calling the shots.His directorial debut, California Schemin', sees two chaps from Dundee in Scotland pretend to be American rappers to land a record deal.A story that sounds stranger than fiction - but is true.So now seemed like the perfect time to hear about the music that inspires him.Inherited: Maggie May by Rod Stewart Passing on: Ally Bally Bee sung by Mary Anne PatersonProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

Our Inheritance Tracks this week come from the actor Noah Wyle.From ER to The Pitt, Noah’s career on screen echoes that of his mother who worked as a nurse.But music was always a familial pastime. Inherited: We Belong Together by Rickie Lee Jones Passing on: Peter and the Wolf composed by Sergei Prokofiev and performed by the New York PhilharmonicProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

This edition of Inheritance Tracks come from an actress with a strong claim for national treasure status – Lesley Joseph.With a career spanning over sixty years, she has entertained us as on the small screen in the likes of Birds of a Feather and on stage as Mother Superior in the Sister Act musical.Inherited: Marche Militaire composed by Franz Schubert and performed by the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra Passing on: What About Us by P!nkProducers: Lowri Morgan and Ben Mitchell

Our inheritance tracks this week come from Lisa Kudrow, no less. The Emmy Award-winning star from Friends returns to our screens in the latest series of The Comeback.As Phoebe Buffay her attempts at music-making were famously harrowing – but her Inheritance Tracks, predictably enough, are a real joy.Inherited: Downtown by Petula Clark Passing on: Wonderful Baby by Don McLeanProducers: Ben Mitchell and Anna Bailey

Dr Sian Williams is a chartered counselling psychologist working in the NHS. Sian presented BBC Breakfast for over a decade, as well as Saturday Live between 2012 and 2014. Radio 4 listeners will know her from her series Life Changing which returns in April. Her book on living well with anxiety called ‘The Power of Anxiety: How to Ride the Worry Wave’ is out now. Inherited: Calon Lan by Cerys Matthews and The Fron Male Voice Choir Pass on: Better Together by Jack Johnson Producer: Catherine Powell

Adam Fleming is a familiar voice and face to many across the BBC. He is now the presenter on the daily news podcast, Newscast and also hosts AntiSocial on BBC Radio 4.Adam spends much of his time explaining the twists and turns of politics to the public. But, away from the world of breaking news, music has played its own part in his life.Inherited: Jump by Girls Aloud Passed on: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons: Spring 1, recomposed by Max RichterProducer: Ben Mitchell

Mike Wozniak is a comedian and writer who is perhaps best known for Man Down and as co-host of Junior Taskmaster. Along with his trusted trademark moustache he is returning to the comedy circuit with his new tour The Bench.But it was a childhood of bad violin and faking it with a guitar that sparked his love of music.Inherited: Minor Swing by Django Reinhardt and Quintette du Hot Club de France Passing on: Corpus Christi Carol by Jeff BuckleyProducer: Ben Mitchell

When the cricket loving comedian Andy Zaltzman is not dotting balls and crossing fours off the Test Match Special stats sheet he can be found hosting The News Quiz on Radio 4 and on stage with his new stand-up tour Zaltgeist.But it was his father's love of blues that sparked his love of music...and bad trumpet playing. Inherited: Got My Mojo Working by Muddy Waters Passing on: My Very Best by The Big MoonProducer: Ben Mitchell

The Irish writer, Marian Keyes, has sold 35 million novels in 33 languages, and a new BBC series "The Walsh Sisters" is inspired by some of her most famous work.From her debut novel over 30 years ago to last year's "My Favourite Mistake", she’s championed women's stories and never shied away from discussing her own life and addiction to alcohol.Her Inheritance Tracks are both enjoyable and moving in equal measure.Inherited: Only Our Rivers Run Free by Christy Moore Passing on: The Bottle by Gil Scott-HeronProducers: Ben Mitchell and Jesse Edwards

Radio 1 DJ Matt Edmondson has two passions...music and games.He is the creator of the much played game Obama Lama and co-founded the boardgame company Format Games.Both music and games are important loves that he shares with his daughters…Inherited: I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys Passing on: Green Light by LordeProducer: Ben Mitchell

The Oscar winning actor Riz Ahmed, whose new film sees him star alongside Timothy Spall as the tragic Prince of Denmark in a modern retelling of Hamlet, is a passionate music aficionado. His most critically acclaimed role perhaps came in the film a Sound of Metal where he played a drummer coming to terms with going deaf, a role which saw him become the first Muslim performer to be nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards.But the music that runs deepest brings with it memories of his childhood and Pakistani heritage.Inherited: Aap Jaisa Koi by Nazia Hassan Passing on: Gabriel by Roy Davis Jr.Producers: Ben Mitchell and Anna Bailey

Our inheritance tracks this week come from the musician and broadcaster Mika, who is back out on tour with his latest album Hyperlove. Mika was born in Lebanon, and raised in Cyprus, Paris and London, all of which feed into his intriguing new album and makes for a fascinating edition of Inheritance Tracks. Inherited: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana Passing on: Pata Pata by Miriam MakebaProducer: Ben Mitchell

Claire Foy is an actor who’s enjoyed great success playing two queens, one of whom enjoyed a significantly longer reign than the other, as Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth II. Before going to see her in her new film, an adaptation of Helen Macdonald’s fabulous memoir, H is for Hawk - what better way to understand the woman behind the camera lens that hearing the music most important to her.Inherited: When You Were Sweet 16 by Perry Como Passing on: Blóðberg by Sigur RósProducers: Ben Mitchell and Anna Bailey

Mark Heap is one of the funniest actors on television - from Green Wing to Friday Night Dinner and his new series opposite Dawn French - Can You Keep a Secret.Born in India to the son of a Methodist minister Mark's early life featured eclectic and majestic music.Inherited: Were You There? by Tennessee Ernie FordPassing on: L'Ascension: IV Prière du Christ montant vers son père, composed by Olivier Messiaen, performed by Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris Producer: Ben Mitchell

Justin Hawkins founded The Darkness, alongside his brother, bursting onto the scene in 2003 with their debut album Permission To Land.He found fame for his massive five octave vocal range, and the "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" singer now hosts his own online series "Justin Hawkins Rides Again" where he shares his love and passion for music.What then will he share as his Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: There Are More Questions Than Answers by Johnny Nash Passing on: Pancho and Lefty by Townes Van ZandProducer: Ben Mitchell

Our Inheritance Tracks this week are the choice of an actor with an astonishing list of theatre, film and television credits to her name, and an array of awards and nominations to match.Here are the Inheritance tracks of Emily Watson. Inherited: Puccini's La Boheme sung by Luciano Pavarotti Passing on: Ghost Town by The Specials Producer: Anna Bailey

You will recognise the BAFTA nominated actor Paul Bettany best as the superhero Vision, the trudging Geoffrey Chaucer in A Knight’s Tale, or maybe as the long suffering surgeon opposite Russell Crow in Master and Commander…a role which saw him learn to play a period accurate cello.But, his familial lineage is full of musical stars and Paul himself was even a busker on the London Underground for a time.What then will he choose for his Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: The Eton Rifles by The Jam Passing on: Hollow Ponds by Damon AlbarnProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

Jacinda Ardern, became the Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 at the age of 37, she was the youngest female head of government in the world.Since her resignation from the role, she has shared her learnings on how to integrate empathy into leadership, written an autobiography and is part of a new documentary film, 'Prime Minister', charting her time in office.But what will she choose as her Inheritance Tracks?Inherited: Under the Boardwalk by The Drifters Passing on: Hope by Fat Freddy's DropProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

The identical twins and broadcasting doctors, Chris and Xand van Tulleken, have been helping guide us through the world of medicine for years.From mums and dads on Radio 4's "What's Up Docs?" to children on their hugely popular "Operation Ouch!"What then will they prescribe us to listen to with their Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Sabre Dance composed by Aram Khachaturian Xand - Passing on: Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses Chris - Escape (The Piña Colada Song) by Rupert HolmesProducer: Ben Mitchell

Jason Donovan first captured hearts our hearts in Neighbours, becoming a household name worldwide, before breaking into the charts and onto the West End stage.What then will he choose as his Inheritance tracks?Inherited: It's Still Rock and Roll to Me by Billy Joel Passing on: Life’s What You Make It by Talk TalkProducers: Ben Mitchell and Lowri Morgan

Richard E. Grant is an the academy award nominated actor and Barbra Streisand obsessive.Growing up in Southern Africa, he harboured a desire to become and actor having seen a resemblance of himself in Donald Sutherland... ...that is until he first saw Barbra in a cinema in Rome - and she changed his life.Inherited: Who Will Buy performed by Barbra Streisand Passing on: Don't Rain on My Parade by Barbra StreisandProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

Two wonderful broadcasters - the Snows, Peter and Dan. Peter's peerless work on general election nights popularised the infamous swingometer, and Dan's infectious fascination with history has inspired countless others...and together they’ve enjoyed many an adventure. What then will they choose as their shared Inheritance Tracks?Peter: Remember the Alamo by Tex Ritter Dan: Finlandia composed by Jean Sibelius performed by Chineke! OrchestraProducers: Lowri Morgan and Josie Hardy

Miranda Hart has kept us entertained for several decades, from her hit sitcom Miranda to Call the Midwife.Her new book, "The Christmas Tree that Loved to Dance", tells the story of a Christmas tree that refuses to be discarded and forgotten.In her Inheritance Tracks, Miranda reveals the song that kept her going during one of the lowest points of her life.Inherited: Never Tear us Apart by INXS Passing on: That I Would be Good by Alanis MorissetteProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

Clare Balding is a broadcaster, author...and Faithful! From her early career on Grandstand to hosting Olympic and Wimbledon coverage, Clare has been a fixture of our sporting screens for many years.But in her debut fiction novel Clare is experiencing "Pastures New".Sport is in her blood, and one of her choices goes back a long way - long before it became the sporting anthem it is today. Inherited: Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond Passing on: Vienna by Billy JoelProducer: Ben Mitchell

Philippa Gregory is the bestselling historical fiction who, amongst other things, has been bringing the Tudor period back to life; through the eyes of the women oft forgotten by the textbooks.In her latest book, The Boleyn Traitor, Philippa tells the story of how Jane Boleyn ​survived watching from the shadows of the Tudor court, using the only weapon she has; her voice.If you’re listening to this in a half-snooze state...you won’t be for much longer, because Philippa's first choices are stirring stuff indeed.Inherited: Coppélia, Act I, Mazurka performed by the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra Passing on: Swing Low Sweet Chariot performed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo ft. China Black Producer: Ben Mitchell

You may know her best as the icons — Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, Purdey in The New Avengers, or Hester Frump in Wednesday...but away from the stage and screen, Joanna Lumley's life is surrounded by music.Inherited: In the Mood by Glenn Miller Passing on: Pata Pata by Miriam MakebaProducer: Ben Mitchell

Davina McCall is a hugely successful TV presenter who’s hosted some of the biggest shows with the biggest stars. She’s also made her mark, as a broadcaster and writer, in the field of women’s health - all whilst battling a brain tumour.Rarely has anyone talked about their Inheritance Tracks with such passion, eloquence, and sheer raw emotion. Inherited: State of Independence by Donna Summer Passed on: You Can Do It by CaribouProducers: Anna Bailey and Ben Mitchell

From Swansea to Barry Island Joanna Page has been a friendly face in millions of houses for almost two decades.But by her own admission, despite her Welsh roots, music is not her forte...although it clear plays an important part in her life.Inherited: Northern Sky by Nick Drake Passed on: Chic Mystique by ChicProducer: Ben Mitchell

Mark Kermode is a brilliant Film critic, writer, broadcaster and co-host of podcasts Kermode and Mayo's Take - and Screenshot.In his book, Surround Sound: The Stories of Movie Music, Mark and fellow author Jenny Nelson, discuss the power that music has on screen.With that in mind, what music will he choose as the soundtrack to his life?Inherited: 2002 Zarathustrevisited by Stan Kenton & His Orchestra Passed on: Top of the World by Shonen KnifeProducer: Ben Mitchell

The chances of writing a novel which sells more than 80 million copies are about as remote as a lad from Stockport making it to the NBA, but Dan Brown pulled it off with The Da Vinci Code. That book, like his new novel, delves into literature, symbology, secret societies and so on. None of which were his first passion. Dan Brown’s first passion was music - as he reveals in his Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Todo a Pulmón by Miguel Ríos Passed on: Morning Mood by Edvard GriegProducer: Ben Mitchell

Oti Mabuse was the first professional dancer to win the Strictly Glitterball two years in a row with her partners Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.But prior to her success on the Stricktly ballroom Oti had already become South African Latin American Champion no fewer than eight times. Music remains massively important to her, both professionally and personally, as she tells us in her Inheritance Tracks.Inherited: Modimo by Sowetto Gospel Choir Pass on: I was here by BeyoncéProducers: Ben Mitchell and Catherine Powell

Broadcaster Janet Street-Porter with the ‘Mad Scene’ from Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor and ‘Enjoy Yourself’ by Prince Buster.

TV presenter, and Paralympian, Ade Adepitan chooses ‘One Drop’ by Bob Marley and ‘Optimistic’ by Sounds of Blackness.

Presenter Rick Edwards chooses 'Sweet Child O' Mine' by Guns N' Roses and 'Witness (1 Hope)' by Roots Manuva.

BBC 6's presenter Nick Grimshaw chooses 'She's Lost Control’ by Joy Division and 'Subterraneans’ by David Bowie.

Actor and singer Limahl chooses ‘Move Over Darling’ by Doris Day and ‘Four Brothers’ by Manhattan Transfer.After a short spell as a punk rocker, Limahl found fame with the band Kajagoogoo after responding to an advert in a music magazine in 1982, where the then named Art Noveau were looking for a new lead singer.The following year he left the band – but quickly went onto find his own success as a solo artist with his hit “The Never Ending Story”. His early ambitions, growing up in Wigan, were for a career as an actor and he even toured in production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.Inherited: Move Over Darling by Doris Day Passed on: Four Brothers by Manhattan TransferProducers: Catherine Powell and Anna BaileyFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2025.

Broadcaster Fearne Cotton chooses ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac and ‘Campfire Day Four’ by Ludovico Einaudi.

Actor, writer and stand-up Suzi Ruffell chooses ‘You Can't Hurry Love’ by The Supremes and ‘Heart's Content’ by Brandi Carlile.

Broadcaster Georgia Mann chooses Gabriel Fauré’s ‘Pie Jesu’ and ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ by Bonnie Tyler.

Comedian and writer Ivo Graham chooses ‘Glastonbury Song’ by The Waterboys and ‘Funky Town’ by Lipps Inc.

Nature writer Robert Macfarlane chooses River Man by Nick Drake and Monkey Gone to Heaven by Pixies.

The actor Rory Kinnear has won two Olivier Awards, played Bill Tanner (M’s chief of staff) in four Bond Movies and his wide acting range has also seen him play Frankenstein’s monster and a fictional British Prime Minister. Born in London, educated at Oxford and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, if there is such a thing as an inherited performer’s gene, Rory got it. Both his parents were actors…his father was Roy Kinnear and his mother is Carmel Cryan. With that kind of lineage - what then will he have chosen as his Inheritance Tracks? Inherited: Little Green Apples by Roger Miller Pass on: I Will (Take You Forever) by Christopher CrossProducers: Ben Mitchell and Minnie Harrop

Comedian, actor, screen-writer, voice-artist, podcaster - Jason Mantzoukas can do it all. He’s gone from improvised stand-up to starring in films and shows including Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The League. Born into a family of Greek-Americans in the early 1970s, he studied religion at college, drummed in a marching band, riffed in jazz clubs and moved to Morrocco to immerse himself in local rhythms. So, what will this self-confessed music obsessive select as his Inheritance Tracks....Inherited: When Problems Arise by Fishbone Passed on: Vocalise My Love by Florence Adooni Producer: Ben Mitchell

The actor and presenter Nigel Havers was born in Middlesex in 1951 to a barrister father and an author mother. His screen roles have been varied, from His portrayal of Lord Andrew Lindsay in the film Chariots of Fire in 1981 which earned him a BAFTA nomination, to Lewis Archer in Coronation Street for over a decade and a guest spot in Downton Abbey amongst other. He was the face of Nescafe for many years, and is now seen presenting The Bidding Room on BBC television. With such a varied life and career – what then will he choose for his Inheritance Tracks? Inherited: I've Got You Under My Skin by Mel Tormé Pass on: Still Crazy After All These Years by Paul Simon Producers: Ben Mitchell and Anna BaileyThis programme has been changed for music rights reasons.

Archers actor Charles Collingwood chooses ‘My Blue Heaven’ by Frank Sinatra and ‘The Hungry Years’ by Neil Sedaka.

Actor Dame Penelope Wilton chooses ‘Que Reste-t-il de nos Amours? by Charles Trenet and ‘I'll Remember April’ by Erroll Garner.

The stand-up comedian and writer Sophie Duker has appeared in venues around the UK and she’s also been seen on TV, popping up on the likes of 'Taskmaster', ‘Live at the Apollo’ and 'Celebrity Mastermind'. She has also hosted programmes for BBC Sounds including the ‘Obsessed’ strands – which accompany hit television shows – ‘I May Destroy You’ and ‘Everything I Know About Love.’ And there’s still a chance to see Sophie on her current stand up tour “But Daddy I Love Her” - including a date at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre in May 2025. Born in London, her foray in comedy began during her time as an undergraduate studying French and English at university. Following her love of language and laughter – we wondered what her musical inspirations would be in this week’s Inheritance Tracks?Inherited: Nelson Mandela by The Specials Pass on: Gansta by Kojey Radical Producers: Ribika Moktan and Gareth Nelson-Davies