An Interview with Shane Warne

 James with his childhood hero, Shane 

 A message, the charming, Shane wrote for 

 my school friend, Peter Holmes 

During his playing days, Shane Warne was without doubt a special cricketer. He was the finest spin bowler of them all with many going as far as declaring him the greatest cricketer to ever play the game. That assessment would accommodate not only his skill as a bowler, but also his gift as an entertainer.

From the moment the spin star bemused Mike Gatting just over sixteen years ago with that fizzing first delivery, Warne has dominated the game and frustrated many of those standing at the other end of the wicket with, not only his mesmeric talents as a cricketer but also with his barbaric competitive streak, which has helped him, throughout his career, ruthlessly tear sides apart.

Although the charismatic legend made his name from a number of different turning deliveries, the affable Warne, who has 708 Test wickets to his name, doesn't spin off the field. The straight talking Aussie, who has a very physical presence, spoke frankly and was reluctant to pad a way any questions preferring, instead, to hit them for six, saying, "ask whatever you want mate."

Now retired from the international game, you are more likely to catch the leg spinning legend around a poker table than you are on a cricket pitch, as he tries his hand in the professional game.

The tanned Aussie explains, "I’ve played poker my whole life. I probably started as a 12 or 13-year-old with matchsticks. But I've only really been playing tournaments in the last three years, but I've really developed a passion for it."

Throughout his illustrious cricketing career, Shane was very good at playing mind games against his opposition, but has he ever tried dropping a few choice insults at the table? "Well, a few of the Yanks at the World Series all thought they were 'Eddie the Expert'. They thought they knew exactly everything about every hand, so occasionally there was a bit of sledging going on, but most of the time it was all pretty relaxed and I'd just go about my business and keep my mouth shut. I don’t really say much."

Adding with his mischievous school boy look, "Give me another year or so…"

Shane, who was born in Ferntree Gully, Australia, begins to talk about his childhood, making the room come alive. He says, with no sense of regret, "I used to get the cane a lot for misbehaving. At school, I wasn't the sharpest tool in the box so if I didn’t understand, I would act the fool. I would then have to go down and see the principle who would practise his golf swing with six of the finest."

Jokily adding, "I must have enjoyed it because I kept on going back."

'Warney', as he is known affectionately by his thousands of loyal fans, has basked in the glory of no fewer than seven Ashes series wins, taking an incredible 195 wickets in 36 Ashes tests, leaving many of England’s batsman bamboozled on more than one occasion. Not only have his outstanding achievements on the field revitalised the art of leg-spin, but they have made it sexy. Without knowing it, Warne has played a major role in the development of the game.

So what is the secret to facing the world's most successful leg spinner? Shane revealed, "Just watch the hand and how the ball comes out of the hand and you'll know exactly what's happening."

When Warne, the cigarette-smoking, beer-swilling sportsman, packed in the jet-set life style of an international cricketer two years ago, many found it incomprehensible that he actually even thought about leaving the sport when there was clearly so much more there for us to enjoy. A smiling, Shane explains, "A lot of people said you’ll get to an age when you’ll know when it’s time to retire, but I didn’t get that. But then I did and I knew it was my time. It’s better they say to you why did you, then why didn’t you?"

The legend, however, really began in England during that famous Test match of 1993 when he bowled Mike Gatting with the 'ball of the century'. A moment of cricketing history was born, changing his life forever. Shane humbly says, "It was a fluke. To do that on your first ball when you’re nervous and you haven’t been playing for long and you’re playing against England and Mike Gatting, who’s a superb player, to just land it was a fluke."

Shane made spin bowling sexy with that one bowl, and single-handedly transcended the sport. Soon fast bowlers were shoved to one side with leg-spinners coming to the fore.

But what struck me most about this loveable rogue was that he didn’t actually ever dream about being a top class cricketer.

Stretched out in his seat, Warne explains, "Being a Victorian it’s all about Aussie Rules Football and I wanted to play Aussie Rules when I was growing up, but I wasn’t good enough."

Astonishingly confessing, "I just played cricket in the summer because most of my buddies did, but I was a batsman not a bowler."

With his blond hair, sparkling blue eyes and general Aussie beach-bum appearance he explains, "The bowling didn’t really interest me because I was being whacked around and I wasn't very good. It's tough being a spinner when you’re not that good and it's quite embarrassing as a youngster when you're bowling double bouncers or the ball goes over the fence and they can’t find it."

He explains, "My success has been down to hours and hours of practise. I could always spin the ball, but the accuracy came a lot later."

So were those rumours true that Warne, the man who had been at the forefront of England's downfall on so many occasions, was really going to come and coach the three lions? With a wry smile and a brief chuckle Shane says teasingly, "I wouldn’t rule anything out."

Although Warne's life has been plagued by scandal and controversy both on and off the field, that is all part of the legend, and he will forever be remembered for torturing batsmen with his flight, guile, spin and mystery, all factors which mean England can breathe a sigh of relief that they do not have to face him in this summer's Ashes.

An Interview with Lord Sebastian Coe

 Lord Coe with James 

Seb Coe interview by jamesdaviesmedia

Lord Sebastian Coe will forever be remembered as one of the finest athletes to represent Great Britain, after winning four Olympic medals and setting an astounding eight world records, in middle-distance running.

Coe who studied economics and social history at Loughborough University, began his running career at the tender age of 12 after joining Sheffield's Hallamshire Harriers, and it was here, between studies, a teenage Coe trained and began to win county and school championships at 3,000m, 1,500m and cross country.

His father Peter, who was also his coach, cleverly built on his son’s potential with a lot of technical and weights work. It paid off, with Coe winning his first race in 1977, during an 800 metre event at the European Indoor Championships, in the aptly named, San Sebastian, Spain, setting the pace for the rest of his career.

Now, as chairman of the 2012 organising committee, Lord Coe is once again the man at the centre of the world's greatest sporting event.

As the press began to tuck into the vast array of biscuits, and cakes on offer, as part of the mini buffet put on for the launch of John Keddie's book Running the Race, Lord Coe took his opportunity to swiftly slip into the press conference before the hoards of reporters, who had gathered, had time to notice his arrival. Dressed in a smart blue suit, with his hair neatly arranged, there was a certain film star quality about the two times Olympic gold medallist. It is not just the way he presents himself that projects this image, but the way he assertively holds his lean 5'9" frame too.

On entering the room he quietly made his way to the front, scanning the several rows of seats, as he anxiously looked for somewhere to sit. After spotting his designated place, he hurriedly sat down, picked up a copy of the book he was promoting from the pile that he and the author were to sign later, and began to read the foreword he had written.

The buffet had proved a fine and welcome distraction for Coe who for, some reason, seemed to want to keep a low profile, enabling him to sit alone. Although this was the first time I had been in Lord Coe's presence, it was immediately clear what type of man this celebrated Olympian was. Despite his willingness to keep himself to himself, there was a certain air of authority and unquestionable confidence that only the most successful athletes possess.

After introducing myself, Lord Coe rather charmingly moved his belongings that were stacked up on the seat next to him, and invited me to sit down. Before I could begin the interview, Lord Coe, or Seb as he wished to be called, insisted on getting us both a cup of tea. As he went to fetch the drinks, I wondered where I should start the interview. Not only has he had a fascinating career, but he has had an enthralling life too.

Back in his running days he was one of athletics' greatest middle distance runners. Not only has he won two Olympic gold's but, in 1979, he was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year after breaking three world records, in just forty-one days. With an engaging enthusiasm, he said, "I trained and raced for 12 years before I made an Olympic Games, so for me winning an Olympic gold was the culmination of hundreds of thousands of miles of running, weight sessions and coaching paying off. But I suppose the first thing you feel finishing an event with a great result is relief, because you don’t feel you’ve let down all the people who’ve been helping you along the way. You’re also glad it’s over for the moment, although you soon get back into the mindset of wanting to be a better runner next time round."

But it is not just on the track that Lord Coe has excelled. In 1992 he became a Conservative MP, working alongside William Hague, and now holds the prestigious position of Chairman of the 2012 organising committee, where, arguably, he won his greatest ever race by bringing the Olympic games to London.

The London bid was initially way off the pace and when the five candidate cities were shortlisted, London was rated third behind Madrid and favourites Paris. But with the timing that he showed so often in his illustrious running career, Coe helped London produce the late charge that was required to pip their French rivals. His combination of world record-holding pedigree, political experience, and his general affability played an undeniable part in the bid’s success, giving it an air of authority that was hard to ignore.

It seemed somewhat fitting that he played such a pivotal role in persuading the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to award London the 2012 Games as he has a wonderful history with them. "The Olympics are the greatest sporting event there is."

Eliciting each question with a short speech, he continued, "They transcend sport. There is no other non political gathering that brings people together in such profusion and with such a wonderful vision. It’s not the panacea for all human ills, but it sure goes a long way to driving all sorts of values. Just look at the values of both the Olympics and Paralympics. The values of respect, friendship, courage, determination and sheer will to overcome adversity. This is something only sport can manage."

Despite Beijing's meteoric success Lord Coe, who once ran an astonishing seventeen miles one Christmas morning, assures me he is not suffering sleepless nights over the awesome responsibility. "I’ve broken 13 world records in my time. I don’t intend to break a fourteenth and be the first organiser of an Olympics to bring them in late. Of course we will have a fantastic Games. We have a wonderful propensity in this country to doubt our ability. We have fantastic examples of excellence at every level, whether it’s in the arts, sciences, in the quality of our policing or armed services. And yet we sometimes enter a tunnel of despair about it, which few other countries actually do."

The newspaper headlines were inevitable after Britain’s Olympic success. 'It’s great to be British!'; 'Britannia rules the Games!' And who can blame them? It was, after all, a terrific summer full of success for Team G.B, with Great Britain firmly sat in fourth place in the medals table.

Lord Coe proudly boasts, "We’ve got a very good funding programme at elite level now with more money going into elite level sport than ever before. Although money is important it’s not the sole part of the story. You need athletes with hunger and commitment, as well as world class coaching and great administration to win gold medals. Excellence costs."

Despite his obvious confidence about success both in the medals table and in the running of the 2012 games, Lord Coe certainly has a lot of work to do over the next three years as Chairman of the organizing committee. However considering the achievements of his career to date, he seems like the perfect man for the job.

The National Student March 2009

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Don't Stop He's Not Had Enough!

Michael Jackson is back and set to perform his famous moonwalk and back catalogue of hits once again. Hold on to your Fedora hats, it's set to be one hell of a tour!

After a 12-year wait, pop legend, Michael Jackson, has announced he will be performing a series of comeback concerts, at the 20,000 seater, O2 arena, in London, this summer, declaring, "I will be performing the songs my fans want to hear."

This Is It, is the latest in a long line of tours the pop icon has performed in during the past 40-years and, according to Mike, it will be the last time he will showcase his incredible talents in the UK.

In an official statement from his website, the singer of classics such as Billie Jean, Thriller and Bad said, "The time has come. It is now I see and feel that calling once again, to be part of music."

Although the former child star and one time lead singer of the Jackson 5, has not toured since 1997 he made a rare appearance at a scheduled press conference, in South London, to make, what was billed, on his official website, a 'special announcement'.
With that 'Jacko-mania' began, creating an immediate media frenzy with the world's press descending on the capital, and thousands more fans congregating on North Greenwich to get a glimpse of their hero, with some even camping out for as along two nights, in the arctic conditions.

Adam Foot, a 20-year old, student at Liverpool University said, "I have been here, at the front of the queue, in my sleeping bag for two nights. It’s been cold but it’s definitely worth it to be at the front and to see him for real. I can’t wait."

Jackson, who celebrated his 50th birthday, last August, announced, in the freezing auditorium, that he is returning to the stage to perform a historic 10 shows in the UK this summer defiantly declaring, "These will be my final show performances in London. This will be it."

He added, with what seemed a hint of sadness, but no regret, "when I say this is it, this really will be it. I mean it. This is the final curtain call."

Unsurprisingly, the multi award winning superstar's statement was met with a chorus of cries from his legions of fans who had trekked to the arena from all corners of the globe, pleading with the style-setting singer to reconsider. The announcement follows months of speculation about a string of shows, which included a proposed return in Las Vegas, but nothing ever materialised, which I'm sure many of his British fans are only too pleased about.

The tour, which is scheduled to open on July 8th, is certainly one of the most eagerly awaited show returns of all time, particularly as Jackson, winner of 13 Grammy Awards, has not played a series of concerts since 1997, when he last toured, with his last live performance coming in 2006, at the World Music Awards, also in London, where he performed Heal the World. Before Michael left the stage through an elaborate red satin curtain, the megastar, declared to his legions of fans, "I love you. I really do. From the bottom of my heart."

Rob Hallett, AEG's President of International Touring said, "We are delighted to facilitate the return of The King of Pop, long may he reign!"

He added, "Michael at The O2 this summer will be the highlight of the musical year. When Michael Jackson performs, the eyes of the World will be watching. This will be his only concerts in the WORLD this year!"

Since Michael's 'special announcement', a further 40 shows have been booked, running from July - February 2010, due to the high demand. Randy Phillips, President of AEG Live, commented, "The last week has been the most astonishing. I have seen in my career in the entertainment business. I, for one, am counting the days, minutes and seconds until that first show. I just cannot wait."

The news of Michael Jackson's return caused tickets to sell at an average rate of 40,000 an hour, which works out at an astonishing 11 per second! Fans from as far a field as Japan, Belgium and Dubai queued to purchase their tickets but, first in line was Ayesha Obi from Lewisham, in South East London. Holding her front row tickets, Ayesha, 19, started crying with emotion and excitement and said, "I queued for two whole days, it was well worth the wait. I am ecstatic!"

So there we have it. 'The King of Pop' is set to perform his greatest hits for the event of the summer and the concerts of the decade. This really is 'It'! Michael Jackson is once again set to 'THRILL YA!'

An interview with Father Christmas

 Santa with James 

First of all Mr Claus, I wanted to thank you for inviting me to your home, here in Lapland. It’s incredible!

Yes, it's not bad is it? We're looking to extend the work room but, both myself and Mrs Claus, are pretty pleased. I just hope you'll excuse the mess. Living with the Elves is like having teenagers again. They really are frightfully untidy.

 

That's surprising. They always look so smart.

 

That's because they know what will happen if I catch them!!!

 

If you don't mind me asking, what will happen if you catch them?

 

Well if I find any elf with either their shirt un-tucked or their top button undone, it'll be extra sprouts at dinner time!

 

I'm curious to know, how long have you been doing this job, and what persuaded you to become Father Christmas in the first place?

 

That'll give away my age dear boy, so I'm not going to reveal that I'm afraid (hohoho). Being Santa Claus is not something you choose to do, although I have seen it advertised in the window of the Job Centre (laughs). It's just something that chooses you.

 

So when you were growing up, what did you want to be?

 

I always wanted to be a pop star. I fancied myself as the next David Bowie.

 

Have you ever found a house you can't get into?

 

To be honest with you James, it does get progressively more difficult to squeeze down some of the chimneys throughout the night. It just depends how many mice pies I've eaten on route. But some of the chimneys I’m expected to fit down are ridiculous. They really are.

 

As someone who has brought joy to millions, you must be delighted with the way things have gone?

 

Yes that's right, I am delighted. It really has taken off. Saying that, neither I nor my bank manager expected it to cost this much!

 

What's the hardest thing about your job, and what do you enjoy the most?

 

I'm constantly worrying about the speed cameras. They're everywhere! So the hardest thing for me is getting everything delivered on time. The thing I enjoy the most has to be getting in my hot tub afterwards. That really is something special.

 

How do you feel when people say they don't believe in you?

 

I'm not surprised. Who would? My Mum and Dad are still waiting for me to get a proper job!

 

With the economic crisis, has this year been more difficult than most?

 

Yes, it hasn't been easy, but there have been lots of sales I've been able to go to. Got a few bargains.

 

What’s it like being you, and doing the job you do? It can't be easy?

 

It's great being me. I only really work one or two days a year! It’s the elves who have it the hardest really. When I'm here in Lapland, I hold all my meetings in the hot tub. Doesn’t feel like work then.

 

Other than Lapland, do you have a second home where you like to relax?

 

Yes I've got a little beach hut in Trinidad and Tobago. Both Mrs Claus and I like to go there for six months of the year. Then I return to Liverpool for a month or two, before heading back to Lapland.

 

Liverpool or Everton?

 

Neither actually. I support Accrington Stanley. They are a fantastic team. Such spirit.

 

When you were a little boy, what sorts of presents did you like to receive?

 

All sorts of things really. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a favourite at one stage. But I used to enjoy the Christmas meal more. I have always been into food.

 

May I ask, how did Rudolf get that very red shiney nose?

 

It’s shiney because he's constantly applying Vaseline to it. Apparently it stops it drying up in this bitterly cold weather. The redness. That’s another story. To be truthful, it’s caused by the amount he drinks. He’s a big drinker. Loves a glass of Sherry does Rudolph.

 

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Merry Christmas

jamesdaviesmedia.com

Saint Nicholas

This years Christmas list was a little different to my usual one, as all I wanted was an interview with Santa. To be honest, I was not hopeful I would be successful in my quest to question the world's busiest man, but it was worth a try.

On the 12th December, twelve days before his sleigh would frantically dart from chimney to chimney, my request was posted, alongside my two sisters Christmas list. All I could do now was sit and wait for a bit of Christmas magic.

Days past, and my dream of speaking to Saint Nicholas looked as likely as snow on Christmas Day. Nevertheless I remained upbeat. Although I had received no post, I thought I should check my emails, just in case. Still nothing. To my surprise, however, I had been left a voicemail from a mysterious caller. It was him. I knew it.

After listening to the message Santa explained, "Dear James, I'm sorry I have not been in touch sooner but, as I am sure you are aware, I have been rather busy. Nevertheless, I would like to invite you to my home, in Lapland, on Tuesday, 23rd December, for a quick chat and a mince pie. Please arrive at 4pm. Yours, Santa Claus."

It felt as though all my Christmases had come at once, after offering me the chance to do a world exclusive, a full and frank sit down interview at his home in Lapland.

But would he, Rudolf, and his Elves live up to my expectation?


jamesdaviesmedia.com

An interview with Ricky Hatton

 James and Ricky 

When Ricky Hatton was beaten on points by Floyd Mayweather Jnr, in Las Vegas, last December, many critics said it was time to throw in the towel and retire. Hatton said no. When he scraped a win on points over Juan Lazcano in May of this year, many said he was past his best. Hatton, unsurprisingly disagreed.

Then, having hired Floyd Mayweather Snr as his trainer, 'The Hitman' returned to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and wowed spectators and pundits alike with a thrilling eleventh round victory over Paul Malignaggi. This win proved the doubters wrong and has led many to state that Hatton is back to his best.

As I peered over the hoards of people who had assembled, to get a glimpse of Ricky Hatton, at the launch of his autobiography, I wondered what the man at the centre of all the fuss thought of the attention.

After all this isn’t something your average lad from the Hattersley council estate, in Hyde, or any other lad, from any other place, for that matter, is likely to experience. The signing was only supposed to last an hour, but Ricky was adamant he would sign for every fan that had come to see him.

People of all ages, races, backgrounds and sexes had congregated from all around the country for a squiggle that apparently read Ricky Hatton ‘Hitman’. Two long hours past and the crowds of people who had come to see their hero were finally ushered out of the busy book store on London’s Oxford Street, by the burly security men.

But instead of going home, many opted to stay, singing a catalogue of songs, including ‘Blue Moon’ and ‘Hatton Wonderland’ that are synonymous with the pint-sized boxer, on fight night, outside the front of the building, on the busy shopping street. This was something ‘The Hitman’ clearly enjoyed, and took enormous pride from. With his baseball cap pulled over his thick eyebrows, covering much of his face, he began to jump around, firing jabs into the air. He evidently worships his fans, as much as they worship him.

As I made my way over to the man who is as well known for his hard-drinking lifestyle out of the ring, as his boxing in it, he put out his cut and bruised drinking hand saying, “Your hands are soft. Can’t be a boxer.” To which we shared a mutual grin. Despite his publicist wanting the interview to be conducted in one of the many back rooms, Rick, as he wanted to be called, decided he would rather wonder around the cd section as we chatted. As soon as the shop floor was cleared we made our way passed the menacing security, towards the music section. “Can you see any Oasis?”, he asked.

Reflecting on what he had seen, and heard, during the course of the afternoon, the people’s champion looked up and smiled. The steely glare that is so prominent during his weigh-ins was replaced by a look of almost childlike excitement, that made his face come alive. He explains, “I feel no different to the man in the crowd, but it’s nice to reward them. I don’t think there’s ever been a British boxer with a fan-base like mine.”

There is no question, he is a talented fighter, but it is his character as much as his skill that has made him one of the most loved of all the British boxers, followed by Hollywood stars and adored by the likes of David Beckham and the Gallagher brothers. “A lot of fighters shut themselves away. I’m not like that,” he said. “As long as they’re not getting in the way of my training, anybody, who wants, can come to the gym, especially those from my local area. I like to think I’ve done the area proud, and people shouldn’t be excluded, especially kids.”

Despite his fame, wealth, and superstar status he still likes to drink a pint, or two, of Guinness and play darts at the New Inn, the pub his parents once owned, on a Thursday night, with his legion of fans, who he now refers to as “my friends”.

This part of his lifestyle, however, is often criticised. In between fights, Ricky has seen his weight balloon to an astonishing 180lb, 40 over what it should be. Often only making the weight he needs to weeks before the fight. This has resulted in his fans jokingly renaming him ‘Ricky Fatton’, which the affable boxer likes to play along to, opting to wear a fat suit into the ring. “I’ll still go down the pub with the lads, and eat my fry ups. That will never, ever change. That’s me, and that’s what makes me who I am. I like to let my hair down. I know I do it a bit more and a bit heavier than most, but if I only had to lose 3lb before a fight I’d probably go out drinking the week before anyway.”

Still wondering through the music section, Ricks attention is drawn to a C.D called ‘Footie Anthems’, which immediately brings us on to his love of Manchester City, the club for which his father and grandfather both played, and the team he supported as boy. He, too, might have been a footballer, as he was on City’s books as a teenager, but he was a better boxer. “A lot of people like watching football, but I’m a die-hard. When City get beat on a Saturday, that’s my weekend ruined,” he said. “When we play United, I’m just as much up for that as for my fights.”

‘The Hitman’, who has come from the heart of working-class England and represented his community with intelligence, humour and decency continued, “I go to as many away games as possible. It’s nice at away games because I stand in the queue, buy a ticket and then sit with the rest of the City fans. People find it strange, you know. I will be in the queue for a pie and Bovril at half-time and fellows will ask, ‘What are you doing here, Ricky?’ But if they knew me personally, they would know I don’t see myself as any different to them.”

This said it all. Success, fame and wealth have not turned his head, nor have they diluted the straightforwardness that has always been his way. It is this sort of attitude which has undoubtedly assisted Hatton in his comeback after the Mayweather defeat and has now, after beating Malignaggi, helped him to restore his reputation as one of the greatest British boxers of all time.

The Natioal Student - December 2008

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James Davies welcomes actor Jeremy Irons and pop star Craig David to Southampton

 Click here for BBC Article 

James Davies' first televised appearance, interviewing Oscar winning actor, Jeremy Irons, on receiving his Honorary Doctorate, shown on BBC South Today.

 James interviewing pop star Craig David, in his home city of Southampton 

From one interviewer, to another

 An interview with Sir Michael Parkinson, ‘The King of Chat’ 

 My interview with 'Parky', as it appeared in 

 Cardiff University's Gair Rhydd newspaper in 2009 

Interviewing Sir Michael Parkinson, as a humble trainee journalist, I imagine feels incredibly similar to the feelings felt by a school teacher waiting for an inspector during the first day of Ofsted.

As my stomach churned at the prospect of speaking to the ‘crème de la crème’ of journalism, there was a firm knock at the door. After a brief pause the door swiftly swung open. It was ‘Parky’. Well Sir Michael minus that theme tune, ‘Dat-diddly-da-da-da!’, his big-band intro and jaunty descent down the stairs that were synonymous with his long running hit television chat show, aptly named, ‘Parkinson’.

Entering the room with a certain air of authority, Sir Michael settled any early nerves I'd had with a simple smile and a firm handshake, saying jokily in true ‘Parkinson’ fashion, “It makes a change doesn’t it, to sit here and just wait for the other poor bugger to ask the questions.”  At which I nodded and shared a mutual grin.

As we sat down to start the interview, with both seats facing each other as he always so famously did, I felt compelled to ask what had happened to those black swivel chairs that he, and pretty much everyone who was anyone, had sat on while he conducted his interviews.

“I actually bought two of the chairs that we used on the set, for £2,000, after we had finished the last show”, he said, shuffling in his seat as he tried to get comfortable. “I bought the interviewing chair, which I sat in, and the one I call David Beckham’s chair”, explaining, “His bum was on there.”

The thing that is so refreshing and charming about Sir Michael, the son of a Barnsley miner born in 1935, is that he is so perfectly human. As we begin to talk about his childhood, the room comes alive. He has a fascinating story to tell, and one that is just as enthralling as any of the celebrity guests he has questioned during his 36 years as ‘The King of Chat’.

But for all the names, anecdotes and unrivalled insights into the world of celebrity, he humbly attributes his success to the efforts of his parents, who made him promise he would never go down the pit for a living.

Despite his Headmaster telling him he would ‘never amount to much’, he defied those who said he wouldn’t be anything other than a miner, by listening to his mother, and not only reaching for the stars, but talking to them too. His mother was, according to Sir Michael, “the engine” of his ambition. As he said, “She channelled all that ambition into me.”
Sitting back in his chair, he explains, “When you educate the working classes, stand back. Things will change."

Adding, “It was our generation that produced the 60’s, that wonderful explosion of working-class talent that overtook the arts and changed things. I couldn't have got a job at the BBC as a doorman, with my accent, for God's sake. But because of what happened, after a while you had to have an accent like mine to become a journalist at the BBC. That was transformation.”

Sir Michael, however, wasn’t the only one of his childhood friends to make a name for himself. It is no secret Sir Michael is a huge cricket fan and spent most of his youth playing in the same team as Geoffrey Boycott and Dickie Bird. “We were all at Barnsley together. It’s extraordinary now to look back on those days and to think we all had all the same ambition of playing cricket for Yorkshire and England, and to see how those two achieved their ambition and I didn’t.”

Flicking through his autobiography, the most eagerly awaited showbiz memoir of the year, it is difficult to ignore the beautiful photographs, featuring those he has interviewed over the years. It gets me thinking whether there are ever situations where, for all the research he’s done, he’s met a guest and they’re completely different from the person he expected to meet.

After a short pause, Sir Michael leans back, shuffling around in his chair once again, and says, “I thought I'd fancy Meg Ryan more than I did. And vice versa (laughs). There was just a total lack of sympathy between the two of us.”
So what is it, I wondered, that separates those in the limelight from the rest of us, mere mortals in the background of life, rather than the forefront? “They have an indefinable quality that I describe as will power. If you look at Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Billy Connolly, there’s something that separates them from the rest of the human race. Although they are, of course, human, like the rest of us, they are special people, with an overwhelming drive to achieve something. I never had that drive. I just always wanted to be a good writer, a good journalist. That has been my motivation throughout my life.”
Despite being known as ‘the man who has met everyone’, there are a few, believe it or not, who escaped his charm. “I would have loved to have interviewed Sinatra. And, of course, the Queen! Just imagine what an interview she is. Think about all the people she has met and the circumstances she has met them in.”

So now that the ‘Parkinson’ set has been put away for the last time, never to return, I was curious as to how he feels looking back on his time in front of the camera, laughing with Billy Connolly, grappling with ‘that bird’ Emu and sparring with Muhammad Ali, as well as all the other captivating moments that were created by the man who turned the practice of two people sitting in chairs, chatting, into something quite magical?

“My father, being a miner and a Yorkshire man, once said to me he didn’t really understand what I was doing. He was waiting for the time I had a proper job. He always wanted me to play cricket for Yorkshire and because I didn’t, he thought I was a failure.

“Just before he died, he said to me, ‘you've had a good life haven't you? You've interviewed some beautiful women and you've made a bit of money. Well done. But think on, it’s not like playing Yorkshire cricket is it?’

“And what he was defining was the difference between fame and immortality. I mean if you play cricket for Yorkshire you’re immortal. But if you're merely famous it doesn't matter.”

‘Parky’ My Autobiography, by Michael Parkinson, Published by Hodder & Stoughton.

An interview with Justin Langer

 Justin with James 

Looking out over the County ground, from the Sir Ian Botham stand, in Somerset, I start to lose count of the number of times Justin Langer has run around the edge of the boundary.

The domestic match, in which he had been playing against Lancashire finished over an hour ago, but instead of packing his kit bag and leaving like the rest of the team, the Somerset skipper was out on the pitch, as he always is after a day’s play, circling the lush playing field in the beautiful surroundings of Somerset’s idyllic ground, in Taunton.

“I like to finish a game with twenty laps” he panted. “I believe if you have a healthy body you’ll have a healthy mind.”

Adding with some gusto, “When I finish cricket, I’m defiantly going to run a marathon.”

This, perhaps, is one of the reasons why the man once called ‘the best batsman in the world’, by Mark Waugh, has frustrated many of those on the opposing team. His focus, determination, passion and desire is paramount, and clear from the minute you look into his steel blue eyes. This man means business.

First to practice every morning and the last to leave, Langer who has a black belt in Taekwondo, explains, “The pain of discipline is nothing like the pain of disappointment. I don’t see enough of it really. If you really want to be the best at something, you’ve got to be disciplined in your choices for what you want to achieve.”

He continues, “I’ve always been fascinated by boxers. They train so hard and get so switched on, you can actually see the focus and all the hard work they’ve put in. I’ve always found that interesting because that’s how you’ve got to be when you walk out to bat. It’s not rainbows and butterflies. You’re going out to fight. Unless you’re aggressive as an opening batsman you’re going to get injured or even worse, out.”

But walking around the edge of the pitch with the man himself, as he warms down, I fail to understand what it is about this gritty player that has enraged England’s cricketers over the years. Far from being an ominous figure and someone Nasser Hussain, openly, said he could have strangled, the Aussie legend is rather genteel and softly spoken.

When we’re not discussing his illustrious cricketing career the pocket sized philosopher chats longingly about his family, his garden, which he calls his “sanctuary”, and his love of writing. “In my rose garden”, he explains. “I’ve got an apple tree, a peach tree, a nectarine tree, a big olive tree and my herb garden.”
Like a philosopher, the man who is small in stature but tall in enthusiasm asks me, “Do you know how good it is to pick your own herbs, from your own garden, for your own cooking?"

He continues, “We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle and the business and the stress of everyday life, that we don’t make time for the things that really matter. It’s a cliché, ‘wake up and smell the roses’, but it’s true.”
He assures me, “When you smell a rose it really gets you back living in the mould.”

Although the proud father of four is always in his garden, back home in Perth, he assures me it isn’t always to inspect the roses, or pick herbs for his tea, as it is here, at the bottom of his backyard that he has his own, custom-built gymnasium, that he claims won back the Ashes. “I use it for training”, he says with a huge smile. “It’s a great place to meditate and just escape from everything. It’s like my own little world.”


Although his wife, Sue, was aware he intended to build a place to train, she visualised something small. A place that could house a treadmill, a couple of weights and perhaps a stretching mat. He failed to mention the punch bag, the custom-built boxing ring and how a former SAS soldier, covered in tattoos, would arrive every morning to supervise his work-outs. It is here that he prepared meticulously for the last series in which England were white-washed.

Langer, who is a huge boxing fan, explains, “The fight is won before you get in the ring, so I trained like a heavyweight fighter. Losing the Ashes was a big kick up the backside and the catalyst behind us regaining that little urn. It gave us determination and a new lease of life.”

The gym is a shrine to his all-time sporting hero, Muhammad Ali.
“I love him”, Langer says with a smile. “He was such a brilliant, beautiful athlete.”
With a certain amount of vigour he says, “The walls are covered in scribbles from a black felt marker.”

“I’ve got quotes everywhere. Quotes about courage and discipline. When I walk in there and look up they keep me going in the right direction. Sometimes I’ll read something and think to myself, ‘I’ve got to have that on my wall’.”

Although the left handed batsman recognises his hard work has helped him achieve what he set out to accomplish, he also regards his close bond with, fellow opening batsman, Matthew Hayden as a key factor that helped him turn from yesteryear’s ugly duckling into a stroke-playing swan.

The duo who “missed each other” when they were apart would openly exchange bear hugs in the middle, and always gave the impression of two boys living out a dream. “Matthew Hayden’s my best mate, and I think that’s why we formed such a successful partnership at the top order for so long. How many people can say they go to work with their best friend? It’s always going to motivate you.”

As we get towards the end of our second lap around the boundary, Justin, ever the philosopher, turns leaving me with this, “Remember James, twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.”

The National Student February 09

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