November 2020
Andrew Billen, Journalist, Feature Writer, TV Critic and Author
In episode four we had the pleasure, and pressure, of chatting to Andrew Billen about his illustrious 40-year career as part of Britain’s journalistic elite. We say pressure, as Andrew ‘has carved out a career as one of Britain’s most feared interviewers’, spending much of his career interviewing celebrities and high society; thankfully, the shoe was on the other foot!
From humble beginnings at the Sheffield Star, the Christ Church, University of Oxford alumni, scooped a role as a writer for The Times which set the footings for their long-term partnership spanning 23 years and counting. During his years away from The Times he honed his skills as an interviewer at The Observer and Evening Standard, returning to The Times for ‘The Andrew Billen Interview’. He has interviewed everyone from Tony Blair to Mel Gibson to Jane Fonda.
He has won Press Gazette’s reviewer of the year award and received multiple nominations for UK Press Awards interviewer of the year. A career spent interviewing those in the spotlight can sometimes rustle a few feathers and Andrew skills have unearthed quite a few insights into what happens behind closed doors. Famously, Noel Gallagher spoke to him about past relationships and the ups and downs of a modern Rockstar. Today he continues to interview a wide array of interviewee from different walks of life and continues to deliver quality for his audience.
A charming chap, Andrew is an elegant wordsmith with a passion crafting amusing and accurate pieces that educate and provide insight. Listen in to the show as he offers highlights of his fascinating career, provides tips for future generations of journalist, and opens up about Oxford, the place he calls home.
If you aren’t a regular reader of The Times, you can find Andrew’s great work HERE.
How can you help?
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Links & Resources
Andrew’s Recommendations
Click here to see Andrew’s favourite places to visit in Oxfordshire.
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