7. Emily Maitlis
The Interviewer Who Changed History
Emily Maitlis is one of Britain’s most formidable broadcasters, a journalist whose precision, poise, and courage have defined an era of public service journalism. Born in Canada in 1970 and raised in Sheffield, she studied English at Cambridge before embarking on a career that would make her one of the most recognisable and respected figures on British television.
Maitlis first made her name at the BBC, where she worked for years as a leading presenter on Newsnight. With her trademark mix of clarity, calm, and quiet steel, she guided viewers through some of the most turbulent political events of recent decades — from Brexit wranglings to general elections, from financial crises to global conflicts. Her ability to cut through noise with forensic questioning made her a trusted voice in millions of homes.
But her defining moment — the one that secured her place in the history books — came in November 2019. In an interview for Newsnight, Maitlis sat down with Prince Andrew to discuss his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Over the course of a now-legendary broadcast, she dismantled his evasions with unflinching composure, drawing out answers that shocked the world. The exchange, in which Andrew infamously denied sweating and failed to show contrition, effectively ended his public role. The interview is widely regarded as one of the most consequential in modern British broadcasting.
Beyond that singular moment, Maitlis has built a career defined by rigour and integrity. She has reported from around the globe, interviewed prime ministers and presidents, and anchored coverage of national tragedies and celebrations alike. She is admired for her ability to show empathy without losing objectivity, and for her skill in making complex stories understandable.
In 2022, Maitlis moved on from the BBC to co-found The News Agents podcast with Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall. The show quickly became one of Britain’s most popular, blending analysis, wit, and behind-the-scenes insight into politics and current affairs. Freed from the strictures of broadcast impartiality, Maitlis has flourished, speaking with new candour while maintaining her hallmark authority.
She has also written books, including Airhead, a memoir that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-stakes journalism. In it, she reveals both the glamour and the grind of the job — from frantic deadlines to extraordinary encounters with world leaders.
What sets Maitlis apart is her composure under pressure. Whether facing down royalty, politicians, or CEOs, she remains unflappable, guided by a journalist’s core mission: to seek truth. That mission has made her not just respected, but loved by audiences who value honesty in an era of spin.
Emily Maitlis is more than a broadcaster. She is an institution — a woman whose career proves the enduring power of great journalism. At #7, she stands as a reminder that questions, when asked with clarity and courage, can change the course of history.
