In the first of a series of interviews with leading British actors, Michael Gambon discusses his life and work, including his upbringing in Dublin and the role luck has played in guiding his career. He also talks about a selection of his most notable appearances on stage and screen, including roles in the BBC's The Singing Detective, The King's Speech, Gosford Park, Lord Marchmain in the 2008 remake of Brideshead Revisited and Professor Albus Dumbledore in JK Rowling's Harry Potter movies.

An interview with actress Claire Bloom, who discusses her roles in Brideshead Revisited, The King's Speech, Limelight and Crimes and Misdemeanors. She also shares anecdotes about working with Charlie Chaplin and Woody Allen, and discusses her relationships with Richard Burton, Rod Steiger and author Philip Roth.

An interview with Diana Rigg, who soared to fame after starring as Emma Peel in 1960s TV show The Avengers, before becoming one of Britain's most popular film and theatre stars. She discusses the impact her big break had on the rest of her career, recalls her training at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and discusses her experiences of working with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Logan's Run star Michael York reflects on his career, including his work with director Franco Zeffirelli and his roles in The Three Musketeers and the Austin Powers films.

Derek Jacobi discusses the roles that have defined his career, including playing Laertes opposite Peter O'Toole's Hamlet at London's National Theatre and starring in the BBC's acclaimed 1976 drama I, Claudius. He also recalls his portrayals of historical figures including Alan Turing, Francis Bacon and Adolf Hitler, and shares lessons he has learned from his decades in the entertainment industry.

An interview with Ian McKellen, famous for his roles as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Magneto in the X-Men films and James Whale in Gods and Monsters. He discusses his early life in Burnley, Lancashire, his time at Cambridge University and successes on stage and screen, as well as how his sexuality shaped him as an actor and political activist. Last in the series.

Based on the true story of a black girl who was born to two white Afrikaner parents in South Africa during the apartheid era.