Woman's Hour - 23/02/2009

Presented by Jane Garvey. Connie Fisher, the telesales girl who won the BBC talent contest 'How do you solve a problem like Maria', joins Jane to talk about growing up with her mum and nan in Wales and what working with Andrew Lloyd-Webber was really like. Plus you can hear some of her music. There are only two black women in the House of Commons and we have still yet to see an Asian woman take up a seat in the House. What efforts are political parties are making to redress the balance? Jane talks to prospective parliamentary candidates Priti Patel and Rushanara Ali. Monday Panel: Jane is joined by TV presenter Sarah Beeny plus journalists Allegra Stratton and Liz Hunt. Among the subjects discussed are property values; politics and leadership; and if we need glittering award ceremonies like the Oscars. Gail Trimble is student captain of Corpus Christi's University Challenge team, tipped to win in the final tonight. Including drama: Heartburn.