Brian Walden

Political satire As a well known public figure, Walden appeared in cameo as an interviewer for political comedy shows such as The New Statesman. He was the subject of parody in Spitting Image as a puppet with a slight speech impediment, voiced by impressionist Steve Nallon.

Personal life and death Walden lived in Guernsey in retirement. He was married three times; to Sybil Blackstone, Jane McKerron, then Hazel Downes (for 43 years). He had four sons, including the actor Ben Walden. He opposed the ban on fox-hunting, and was a strong supporter of Brexit.

Following his death, colleagues paid tribute. Andrew Neil wrote: "A wonderful interrogator of politicians, especially on Weekend World. With Robin Day, he invented the British political interview style. Emulated but not matched to this day."

In popular culture Walden's 1989 interview with Thatcher, and the years leading up to it, were dramatised in James Graham's 2025 Channel 4 series Brian and Maggie, with Steve Coogan portraying Walden.