Lynn Barber: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – A Celebrity Interviewer’s Stark Realization

Celebrity interviewer Lynn Barber has decided to hang up her hat after a sticky encounter with Joan Collins and her “dragon” PR. In a recent interview with Sky News, Barber revealed that she is no longer interested in conducting celebrity interviews.

Barber, who has been in the business for over six decades, recounted the tense conversation with Collins and her PR, where she was told what she could and couldn’t ask. Frustrated by the restrictions and feeling like she couldn’t do her job properly, Barber made the decision to step away from celebrity interviews.

Known for her no-nonsense approach and ability to get to the heart of a story, Barber has interviewed a wide range of celebrities over the years. From Marianne Faithful to Martin Clunes to Jimmy Savile, Barber has never shied away from asking the tough questions.

Despite her impressive career and numerous awards, Barber admits that the world of celebrity interviews has changed, with shorter time slots, strict rules, and ever-present PRs making it more difficult to get a real story.

Now, at 80 years old, Barber is focusing on her love of art and has released a new book, A Little Art Education. Reflecting on her career, Barber acknowledges the challenges she faced as a female journalist in a male-dominated industry, but remains proud of the work she has done.

While she may be stepping away from celebrity interviews, Barber’s legacy as a trailblazing journalist and interviewer will undoubtedly live on.