20 Questions With

20 Questions With Paul Johnson

As Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Paul Johnson was one of the most influential figures in British economics. Now Provost of Queen's College, Oxford, (as well as a Times columnist) having stepped down from the IFS this summer after a decade and a half of leading the independent think tank, Johnson offers his verdict on the British economy, what he makes of some of the choices facing Starmer's Labour government (including the possibility of a change to property taxes), his views on some of the decisions they've made so far (including Chancellor Rachel Reeves's raising of employer National Insurance contributions), how much credibility he gives to fears of an IMF bailout, the levels of taxation in the country, the financial policies of Reform UK and the Greens, comparisons between the cost of borrowing under Reevs and Liz Truss, and what he'd do if he were a benign dictator. 

20 Questions With Freddie de Tommaso

Opera singer Freddie de Tommaso is only 32 but he's already a star and about to play a lead role in Tosca at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. From there he travels to New York to sing in La bohème at The Met before his role debut in Verdi's Luisa Miller in Valencia. In this episode of 20 Questions, Freddie takes us behind the scenes of his success, explains how he sprang to fame, speaks of his days playing rugby, explains why body-building helps his voice, reveals how much he can bench press, reflects on the role of looks in modern day productions and the greater power of the director, and remembers a childhood growing up in Tunbridge Wells where his late father ran a fine dining Italian restaurant. 

20 Questions With Tim Wigmore

Why is Test cricket loved so much? What makes it so special? Telegraph cricket writer, and author of 'Test Cricket A History', Tim Wigmore takes a deep dive into what many insist is the greatest game on earth. Whether you're a lifelong fan or merely tempted to dip your toes into a sport that grips hundreds of millions around the world, this is a passionate guide to the thrills and spills of an unique contest that began almost 150 years ago. 

20 Questions With Rachel Johnson

Author, writer, broadcaster and podcaster Rache Johnson talks about self-doubt, hard work, hustling, what it was like being the Prime Minister's sister, a challenging childhood, her love of learning new skills, juggling parenthood with her career, "difficult women", mortality, declining opportunities for younger generations, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and the responsibility of owning a dog. 

20 Questions With Simon Calder

Simon Calder is a household name in Britain, popping up on our TV screens and radio stations when a big travel story hits the headlines. Here he tells us the story of how he fell in love with traveling, names some of his favourite destinations in the UK and beyond, explains why travel has become easier since he started out as a journalist, and gives his verdict on the ethical questions facing travellers. 

20 Questions With Sir Jeremy Hunt

Sir Jeremy Hunt was the Chancellor of the Exchequer tasked with fixing the crisis created by the Mini Budget under Prime Minister Liz Truss. Before that he was Foreign Secretary, the longest serving Health Secretary in British history, and the Secretary of State in charge of the 2012 London Olympics. Here he reflects on his time as Chancellor and the decisions he made, the pressures of the job, his dispute with doctors when in charge of the NHS, and gives his views of Rachel Reeves' handling of the economy, the importance of welfare reform, the cost of pensions, his commitment to lower taxes, the need to control migration to the UK, Starmer's chances of reforming the ECHR, the chances of a Tory recovery, and explains his love of running. Hunt's book, Can We Be Great Again? Why a Dangerous World Needs Britain, is out now. 

20 Questions With Dame Maureen Lipman

Dame Maureen Lipman reflects on her career on stage, in film and on our TV screens. From Shakespeare to Coronation Street, from her role as Beattie in the iconic BT ads to sitting on stage alone in Rose, Lipman's versatility as an actress has spanned decades in the limelight. A household name, she discusses laughter, marriage, motherhood, Jewishness, childhood and ambition. With vignettes and anecdotes from a life surrounded by acting royalty, this is a rare insight into one of Britain's leading actresses of her generation. 

20 Questions With Sir John Redwood

An MP for almost four decades before he stepped down at last year's General Election, Sir John Redwood gives his insights into the politics and policies of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Taking in Thatcher, Blair, Cameron and Starmer, Redwood sets out his vision for a more prosperous Britain. 

20 Questions With Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

One of the best known politicians of his generation, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg divides opinion. Here he discusses the impact of his Catholicism on his political views, offers his vision for a more prosperous Britain, reflects on his public image, and reveals his passions outside of politics. 

20 Questions With Henry Blofeld

One of the most iconic voices in sport, indeed one of the most iconic voices in the history of radio, Henry Blofeld shares his reflections on a career behind the mic during which he bore witness to some of the greatest feats in cricketing history. Now 85 and retired from the BBC's Test Match Special commentary team, he recalls the day the legendary John Arlott described the game's first streaker at Lord's (complete with impressions of Arlott and Brian Johnston), remembers some of his favourite players and their top innings, gives his verdict on Ben Stokes and Bazball, and makes his predictions for England's series against India and this winter's Ashes in Australia. Congratulating the multi-racial South African side recently crowned Test champions, Blowers extols the unrivalled virtues of the longest form of the game, and calls for matches to remain five day affairs. With his idiosyncratic charm and good humour, the Old Etonian, whose surname was the inspiration behind one of Ian Fleming's most notorious Bond villains, and who once almost played cricket for England himself by mistake, shares stories and offers his analysis on the sport he loves.