The latest shipping forecast.

The latest news from BBC Radio 4.

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with the Rev Dr Janet Wootton. Show more

Charlotte Smith discusses the new order at DEFRA and what it might mean for rural Britain. The RSPB, NFU and CLA are invited to comment on their views, for and against. Show more

The eXtraordinary story of the 24th letter of the alphabet, from adult movies to mathematics. With Stephen Fry. From September 2012. Show more

We always assume that twins have a special bond that goes beyond brother or sister. But is that always a happy relationship? Edi Stark explores the darker side of being a twin. Show more

Women from the Muslim community in Rochdale, Emma Thompson on Beatrix Potter, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall makes the perfect granita, and what is 'butch'? Presented by Jenni Murray. Show more

The investigation is further complicated by Whelplay's revelation of an earlier, undiscovered murder. Starring Sam Alexander. Show more

Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jews have been exempt from conscription, but now that could change. Linda Pressly investigates how the issue is exposing deep faultlines in Israeli society. Show more

Writer, poet and former mountaineer Andrew Greig discovers the unexpected connections between the visual arts and the act of climbing. Show more

James Naughtie profiles Simon Cowell, the man who made his name and fortune on talent shows. Show more

The latest weather forecast.

National and international news with Shaun Ley. Listeners can share their views via email: wato@bbc.co.uk or on twitter: #wato.

Five programmes exploring the ways in which people reveal their true selves to the world. A mother whose son grew up apart from her emerges from 37 years of denial. Show more

Brenda offers reassurance. Meanwhile Darrell looks further afield. Show more

War hero Bernard Bottomly's three children expect to inherit his millions. But they are soon to discover that there are strings attached. Show more

Helen Mark goes 'doon the watter' to explore the Isle of Bute off the west coast of Scotland. Show more

Journalist and satirist Ian Hislop appeals on behalf of the charity Railway Children. Show more

Victoria Hislop talks to James Naughtie about her debut novel The Island, a fictional account of a real life leper colony on the island of Spinalonga, just off the coast of Crete. Show more

Francine Stock speaks to Joe Wright about Anna Karenina, adapted for the screen by Tom Stoppard and starring Keira Knightly, Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Show more

Quentin Cooper features some of the highlights of the British Science Festival in Aberdeen, including research into foods that could make us feel full for longer. Show more

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

Nicholas Parsons travels to India to explore how Just a Minute inspired 'Jamming' tournaments in Indian colleges. From 2012. Show more

Pawel makes a surprising move. Meanwhile Lynda puts her foot in it. Show more

Ballerina Darcey Bussell looks back at her career, reviews of Bob Dylan's latest album and the documentary The Queen of Versailles, and a report on the refurbished Bristol Old Vic. Show more

The investigation is further complicated by Whelplay's revelation of an earlier, undiscovered murder. Starring Sam Alexander. Show more

Following the PIP breast implants scandal, has the cosmetic surgery industry cleaned up its act? Melanie Abbott investigates.

Series about the world of work, from vast corporations to the modest volunteer.

Brett Westwood returns for more on wildlife conservation, beginning with a look back at the summer of 2012. How has one of the wettest summers on record affected our wildlife? Show more

The eXtraordinary story of the 24th letter of the alphabet, from adult movies to mathematics. With Stephen Fry. From September 2012. Show more

The latest weather forecast.

National and international news and analysis.

Serena is given her first real mission for the service, but just as she is promoted, her friend Shirley is sacked and tells her she is being watched. Read by Amelia Bullmore. Show more

Rapunzel gets a haircut and what spiders do for entertainment. Surreal humour with Diane Morgan. From September 2012. Show more

The week's ministerial comings and goings have produced plenty of comment in the House of Commons. Rachel Byrne reports on what MPs have had to say. Show more

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.

On the eve of his 64th birthday, Paul Auster examines life through the history of his body. When his mother suddenly dies, Paul examines her life with the hindsight of adulthood. Show more

The latest shipping forecast.

BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.