William Hague at the urinals in a welsh hotel (so to speak) – surprised to find him to be an OK guy
I interviewed a number of MPs and ministers in my newspaper days and the big majority were very charming and pleasant, even the Tories. That’s how they got where they were.
The other famous folks that stick in my memory…
Charlotte Church – When she was 12 or 13. So precocious, funny and charismatic – as well as being a talented singer obvs.
Phill Jupitus – Not the most famous, but hands down the nicest celeb I ever had to deal with. Could hardly get off the phone to him when doing an interview for a 400-word pre-piece for his live show. Really chatty and genuine.
Beryl Bainbridge – A writer I now consider one of Britain’s best novelists, but wasn’t really aware of when I was sent to interview her. She was almost apologetic for my embarrassing lack of preparation.
Harry Hill – Nice enough, but he wasn’t that impressed with my comparison of his TV show (of which I was a big fan) with The Muppet Show.
John Craven – Bit grumpy.
Douglas Hurd – Very grumpy.