The Profile

The singer, TV presenter and actress (EastEnders, Fame: The Musical) Mica Paris chats to Premier's Ibe about her brand new album, simply entitled  Gospel . The two also discuss her career in music, including her platinum selling 1988 album  So Good , and Mica reveals why prayer is so important to her. "But don't go telling people I'm going to be a pastor," she laughs.    The Profile is brought to...

On this week's episode, we're talking to two of the biggest names in Gospel music. Deitrick Haddon talks with Muyiwa about being in the inauguration of Mr Biden, how he feels about Trumps 'reckless' leadership, false prophets and whether he decided to purchase a gun. In part two, Giantkiller Ibe speaks to The Voice finalist Michelle John about her new inspiring album, what life was like growing up...

In this in-depth interview, the Scottish singer-songwriter and worship leader Steph Macleod speaks to Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes about overcoming drug and alcohol dependency. Steph was homeless when he found Christ, but that decision to surrender everything to Jesus marked an important turning point in his life story. That's not to say the singer gives the impression that his life is all ro...

He may have a science student (studying one enzyme in the broad bean plant), but even as a relatively young Christian, Eddie Arthur always sensed that God wanted him to be a missionary in a French-speaking nation. He'd assumed that meant somewhere in Europe. But it turned out God had something very different in mind. In this in-depth interview, Eddie explains how God called him and his wife to Ivo...

It is a double bill this week as Rev Cindy Kent interviews music legend Sir Cliff Richard about why, despite everything, his faith has never been stronger, and how he's learned to forgive both his accuser and the BBC. In part two, Cara Bentley meets the Down's Syndrome campaigner Heidi Crowther who is taking the government to court, in an attempt to change the law around abortion.    You can also...

Award–winning conservation expert Dr Simon Stuart is the newly-appointed Executive Director of the leading Christian conservation charity Arocha International. He talks to Justin Brierley about the tragic death of leading members of Arocha in a road accident in South Africa in 2019, and his own life as a Christian at the cutting edge of researching wildlife conservation. For Arocha International: ...

Skip Heitzig, pastor of Calvary Church in Albuquerque and author of the new book ‘Biography of God’ joins Justin Brierley.  They chat about Skip’s journey of faith, pastoring a megachurch through a pandemic, and his new book which aims to show sceptics, saints and seekers the true character of the biblical God. The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscr...

The poet and podcaster Joshua Luke Smith tells Sam Hailes about his upbringing in Croydon and Pakistan, how he overcame the "triple threat" childhood diagnosis of dyspraxia, ADHD and dyslexia and why he wants to be "a merchant of mystery". The son of missionary parents, Joshua is now based in Bath and releases music with Orphan No More. While admitting he no longer resonates with the 'charismatic...

Two of the worship leaders behind the hugely popular worship song 'The Blessing' talk to the  Premier Christianity magazine team about the story behind the song. Kari Jobe co-wrote 'The Blessing' with her husband, while Tim Hughes organised the popular UK cover version of the song, which went viral in May and has subsequently had millions more views on YouTube. In part one, Megan Cornwell hears Ka...

Robert Glover OBE and his wife, Liz, have spent several decades working in China to establish its first ever adoption programme, in which they've seen over 1 million children taken out of State-run orphanages and placed within loving families, many of them Christian. In this in-depth interview the couple share remarkable stories of the children whose lives have been changed thanks to their work, a...

Paul Cowley was behind bars at the age of 15. In the years since then, he's served in the army, become a Christian and has even been awarded an MBE for his services to ex-offenders. He's also pioneered the Alpha course in prisons. No wonder his autobiography is entitled  Thief, Prisoner, Soldier, Priest . In this in depth interview, Rachel Matthews finds out more about Paul's fascinating and varie...

It was a prophetic word given at Soul Survivor which inspired Gemma Hunt to pursue a career in the media. In this in depth interview with Premier's Ruth Jackson, Gemma opens up about her fascinating career, how a poor relationship choice affected her faith and why 'being silly' is the key to working well with children. In part two, Premier's Simon Tuck sits down with the MOBO award winning artist...

The Big Daddy Weave frontman Mike Weaver speaks to Premier's Simon Tuck about his life and faith, and how God has sustained him and the rest of the band through hard times and illness. Mike's brother Jay who plays bass in the band nearly died in 2016, and had to be rushed to hospital where he had both feet amputated. The band are one of the most popular Christian groups in the world right now. And...

Following the news that Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has passed away at the age of 72, we are re-airing this interview with him. The former chief rabbi and winner of the 2016 Templeton Prize spoke to Justin Brierley about Jewishness, Jesus and Richard Dawkins. 

Jonathan Viera has performed across the globe in a variety of roles and musical styles from Mozart through to John Adams. He's also well known in the Christian community for his Christian and gospel albums. In this interview with Premier's Simon Tuck, Jonathan chats about his upbringing in the Plymouth Brethren, how his faith has developed over time and his recent health struggles. Speaking from e...

It's a double bill of The Profile this week as Premier's Simon Tuck sits down with two Christian music stars. Chris Eaton has written many classic songs including Sir Cliff Richard's 'Saviour Day' and Amy Grant's 'Breath of Heaven'. In part two, Simon meets the Gospel star Jekalyn Carr to find out more about her early rise to prominence, at just the age of 11, and the story behind her songs, inclu...

The legendary guitarist and Christian singer-songwriter Bryn Haworth has released over 20 albums and toured the length and breadth of the UK over the course of his four-decade-long career. In this interview with Premier's Simon Tuck, Bryn tells the story of how he and his wife Sally were saved out of a classic 1960s 'sex, drugs and rock and roll' lifestyle and into what became known as the 'Jesus...

It could be argued X Factor launched his career, but Jahmene doesn't share that perspective. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, the singer explains why he wouldn't recommend the show to upcoming singers. He also opens up about the horrific abuse he received as a child, and how God revealed himself in the midst of his pain. He also talks about his determination to st...

He might be one of America’s biggest entertainers, but life hasn’t always been rosy for the larger-than-life celebrity. Steve Harvey says his rags to riches story is entirely down to the grace of God. In this exclusive interview with Premier's Muyiwa, Harvey describes quitting his job in pursuit of a career in stand-up comedy as a “leap of faith”. It landed him homeless for three years, living in...

Northern Irish worship leader Robin Mark is the writer of much-loved worship songs 'Days of Elijah', 'Revival' and 'Take us to the river'. In this look back on his career with  Premier Christianity 's Sam Hailes, Robin explains his songwriting process and reflects on whether or not his longing for revival in Belfast has been fulfilled. The pair also discuss the remarkable moment we're living in, w...

Iona has represented Great Britain in speed skiing and holds the title of Ladies British Overseas Champion and New Zealand Ladies Champion. She successfully represented Ireland in the World Equestrian Games and the World Championships. But despite medals and acclaim she always felt something was missing, In this in-depth interview, Iona shares some of her greatest challenges - including a horrific...

Leroy Logan is a Christian, a black man and a police officer. And he sees no contradiction between any of these aspects of his identity. The former superintendent played a significant role in the Metropolitan police, which he served in for 30 years. He is a former chair of the Black Police Association and was involved in the investigation of the murder of Damilola Taylor. In this interview with  P...

Ari Sorko-Ram has had a varied life and career which has included working as a professional Rugby player in France, an actor in Hollywood and a church leader in Israel. In this in depth interview with  Premier Christianity ’s Sam Hailes, Ari explains the theology behind Messianic Judaism and takes on popular and sometimes controversial misconceptions about Israel and the Bible. The founder of char...

In this week's double bill, Rachel Matthew meets the prolific Christian author Max Lucado and Claire Musters interviews well known leadership coach and popular speaker Jo Saxton.   You can also read the interviews with  Max Lucado  and  Jo Saxton on the Premier Christianity website.   The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christ...

Damian Stayne is a healing minister in the Catholic Church. He is the founder and the leader of Cor et Lumen Christi, which aims to equip fellow Catholics in supernatural ministry. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's Megan Cornwell, Damian shares his remarkable testimony, comments on deliverance ministry, healing and other miraculous and supernatural events he's personally witne...