Brian Walden, the subject of a new Channel 4 drama, is best known for his pivotal interview with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The show, titled Brian and Maggie, explores how this single television encounter, conducted by ex-Labour MP Brian Walden (Steve Coogan), precipitated the downfall of Margaret Thatcher (Harriet Walter).
Many political pundits attribute this interview as the final nail in the coffin for her leadership, following the resignation of Chancellor Nigel Lawson. The two-part drama will air on Channel 4 on Wednesday, January 29 at 9pm, with the second episode broadcast the following night on Thursday, January 30.
Penned by RTS award-winner James Graham, the series draws inspiration from political editor Rob Burley’s book Why is This Lying B****** Lying to Me?: Searching for the Truth on Political TV.
Brian Walden was not only a fervent politician but also a tenacious journalist who held politicians accountable. But what became of him after his notorious interview with Margaret Thatcher?,
Who was Brian Walden?
Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher on Weekend World TV show (Image: REX)
Brian Walden was a Labour MP who served the Birmingham All Saints constituency for a decade starting in 1964. When the seat was dissolved, he represented Birmingham Ladywood.
Known for his impassioned speeches in Parliament, often delivered from the back benches, Walden grew disenchanted with the party and even contemplated defecting after Thatcher was elected Conservative leader in 1975. In June 1977, Walden left parliament to pursue a career in journalism and broadcasting.
Brian Walden, renowned for his hard-hitting political interviews, took over from Peter Jay as the host of London Weekend Television’s Weekend World politics show, a role he held for nine years.
During this period, he conducted numerous interviews with Margaret Thatcher, from her tenure as Leader of the Opposition to Prime Minister, and the two developed a close friendship.
However, by 1989, Thatcher’s grip on her party was slipping, highlighted by the resignation of her chancellor, Nigel Lawson, allegedly due to her refusal to dismiss her economics advisor, Sir Alan Walters.
Lawson’s departure came just three days before a scheduled interview with Walden, who sought advice on what questions to pose.
Pictured: Steve Coogan as BRIAN WALDEN. (Image: Jonathan Ford / Baby Cow / Channel 4)
The interview proved disastrous for Thatcher, casting a harsh spotlight on her faltering government. Despite repeated questioning by Walden about Lawson’s resignation, Thatcher claimed ignorance of his reasons for leaving.
Walden was subsequently replaced on Weekend World by recently resigned Conservative MP, Matthew Parris.
What happened to Brian Walden after the Margaret Thatcher interview in 1989?
Brian Walden TV presenter of Walden on Villains 1999 (Image: BBC)
Reports suggest that Walden and Thatcher never spoke again following the interview.
His show, The Walden Interview, was rebranded as Walden and aired from 1990 to 1994 in the same time slot. Walden’s broadcasting work earned him several accolades, including the Bafta’s Richard Dimbleby Award for television in 1986 and ITV Personality of the Year in 1991.
In 2005, Walden took on the role of presenter for A Point of View on Radio 4, a programme that tackled various issues in a concise 10-minute format. He also created a series of shows titled Walden on Heroes, which focused on different politicians and notable figures.
After retiring, Walden maintained his interest in current affairs and politics. Tragically, on May 9, 2019, Brian Walden passed away at his Guernsey home due to complications related to emphysema.