EXCLUSIVE: Margaret Thatcher’s first radio imterview happened due to a Corrie star.
Coronation Avenue star Nigel Havers has revealed his expertise coping with Margaret Thatcher (Picture: ITV) This text comprises affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Study extra
Former Coronation Avenue star Nigel Havers, who performed conman Lewis Archer within the long-running ITV cleaning soap on and off for a decade till his character was killed off in 2019, has opened up about his encounter with Margaret Thatcher whereas working as a researcher on the Jimmy Younger present. Previous to discovering fame as an actor, the now 74-year-old star labored for the BBC for 9 years, serving beneath the legendary radio persona. Throughout his tenure there, he scored a scoop by securing Margaret Thatcher’s first radio interview, which gave him the possibility to get to know the Iron Girl earlier than the chat.
Talking solely to Specific.co.uk he mirrored on that interval. “It wasn’t my concept. It was my dad’s concept (his father is Sir Michael Havers, a barrister who served because the Lawyer Normal for England and Wales), as Margaret Thatcher had simply been made head of the Conservative Celebration, due to this fact head of the opposition. So one manufacturing assembly, I stated, ‘Would not it’s a good suggestion if we had Margaret Thatcher?’ And I inform you, and all people shot me down, so I assumed, I will not say that once more.”
Margaret Thatcher’s first radio interview was orchestrated by Nigel Havers (Picture: Getty)
Nevertheless, persuaded by his father, he continued to press the difficulty, they usually finally stated sure to the suggestion. This then required Nigel to truly put the proposal to Margaret herself.
“I went to see Margaret Thatcher within the Home of Commons, and I learn out all of the questions,” he recalled. “I wrote out 30 questions with Jimmy to ask her. She checked out them and after a pause, she stated, I am going to reply questions 2, 7, 15, 26 and 29 after which off you go!” he laughed.
“It got here to the morning of doing the present, and Jimmy was so hacked off with me, he was saying, ‘Oh my God, I want I had by no means agreed’.
“he finally arrived with only one bodyguard, and Jimmy Younger received up, wanting like thunder, checked out her, and I swear to God, he fell in love together with her there after which. And so they sat down for a 15-minute interview that went on for almost 58 minutes.
“It was a sensational interview, and he was simply sensible. I’ve by no means seen him be so good. And he simply fell in love together with her, and he or she with him, and he or she then got here again yearly, for years,” Nigel revealed.
In fact, Nigel’s radio analysis days are a good distance behind him now, and his newest job sees him take his one-man present on a tour of the UK all through this 12 months. Requested what individuals can count on, he merely says: “Me!”
Evaluate, gossip and upcoming present releases plus chosen affords and competitors Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may increasingly embrace adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Elaborating, he stated: “I’m 74, and folks stored saying, ‘You need to do your one-man present’ and I assumed, ‘No, no, I’m far too younger’.” He erupts into laughter. “Then I realised that I wasn’t.”
Nigel Havers Speaking B*ll**** runs nationwide all through 2026; go to ticketmaster.co.uk for dates and extra info
Leave a Reply