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National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Bishop John Inge Show more

Charlotte Smith quizzes The Archers agricultural story advisor, Sarah Swadling, and visits some of the farms that have inspired the stories. Show more

Alison Steadman provides a seasonal offering from Tweet of the Day for the Christmas period. Show more

News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day. Spoken word artist George the Poet guest edits the programme.

The Victorian splendour of many of Britain’s seaside towns has long faded. Southend-born writer Farrah Jarral goes in search of a brighter future for neglected coastal communities. Show more

Chester Williams was the only black player in the South African team that won the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Under the apartheid system the game had been seen as a 'white' sport. Show more

Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan on mixed sex civil partnerships. Cyprus rape verdict. DJ Lucy Edwards. Second mums. Show more

Charlotte puts aside ego to help Lillian clear out her garage, until she spots a vintage treasure. With Helen Monks. From 2017. Show more

Dr Kat Arney examines why some people repeatedly click pens, doodle and knee jiggle. More than a distraction, it turns out fidgeting has potential benefits for both body and mind. Show more

Michael Palin asks James Peak to write him some limericks - the simplest of verse forms with only five lines and some rhyming. It should be child's play, but it isn’t! Show more

In Prague, a stranger with a familiar name asks Lyra for her help. A Book at Bedtime read by Simon Russell Beale. Show more

Call You & Yours: Why is cutting down on alcohol so tough? Email youandyours@bbc.co.uk with what you find hardest and we'll have tips to keep you motivated. Show more

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Mon-Thurs: Analysis of news and current affairs, presented by Sarah Montague. Fri: Analysis of news and current affairs, presented by Mark Mardell.

Comedian and classicist Jon Harvey explores how ancient democrats in classical Athens played the political lottery. Could it be our lucky charm too? Show more

Lee feels awkward and Justin offers some words of wisdom. Show more

Sheila Hancock, Penelope Wilton and Geoffrey Palmer are amongst the stars of a final outing for this comedy drama. It's New Year's Eve and one this group of friends won't forget. Show more

Jay Rayner and his culinary panel are in Ludlow. Show more

Tom Holland and Iszi Lawrence explore past visions of the future in this New Year's Eve programme. Show more

Stories of love, loss and joy associated with Auld Lang Syne and the origins of the famous Robert Burns ballad. From 2016. Show more

Comedian Bill Bailey on his love for the great Victorian naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace Show more

Afternoon news and current affairs programme, reporting on breaking stories and summing up the day's headlines.

Thousands flee to coast as aircraft and ships are sent to New South Wales and Victoria

On a biting December night, Jim Lloyd enthrals Ambridge residents with the story of a young boy who arrives at the house of his generous benefactor to find all is not as it seems. Show more

Incompetent private detectives Max and Ivan infiltrate a New Year’s Eve party to investigate fearsome crime family matriarch Mama Shanks. With special guest Katherine Parkinson. Show more

It’s New Year’s Eve at The Bull and Helen’s dressed to impress. Show more

How much were you paying attention to arts and culture in 2019? Show more

It’s 1975: Jill is preparing to marry John. But when David turns up, Jill's plans are thrown into turmoil. Stars Hannah Daniel. Show more

Why do we hold our opponents in contempt? Former politician Douglas Alexander believes that disagreement is good, but only when done well. So, what are the steps to getting there? Show more

This is the second episode in which a flautist, a singer, a composer and multi-instrumentalist swap stories about making it in their chosen profession. Show more

A mix of poetry, music and conversation exploring what rap can teach us about education, from the BBC's own Radio Theatre. Show more

A selection of highlights from the past year on BBC radio Show more

In Prague, a stranger with a familiar name asks Lyra for her help. A Book at Bedtime read by Simon Russell Beale. Show more

Clive Anderson with a choice selection of music performed live in the Loose Ends studio this year. Show more

National and international news from BBC Radio 4

Looking to the future in the company of some of Britain's nearly 15,000 centenarians. Show more

Clive James reads his autobiography. The pleasure of terrorising the neighbourhood in a homemade cape and mask. From 2001. Show more

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping.

BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.