Jonathan Dean

Jonathan Dean has, once again, secured a rush of exclusives with the biggest A-Listers on the planet — and got them to say things that they’ve never said before, bringing new insight to very familiar names. Interviews are his usual beat, then, but above that, this year, was his global exclusive that the Gallaghers had buried the hatchet — that Liam was back with Noel and Oasis were reforming.

Running in The Sunday Times four days before the band’s official announcement, a story that was gathered through well-placed, long-worked-on sources would dominate the global media for a week, becoming the envy of showbiz journalists throughout the country. It is no exaggeration to say the article led to days of headlines and nostalgia, and a rare rush of optimistic good news.

As such, Jonathan had started a talking point, which is what his interviews tend to do as well. Indeed, he treats his pieces as less like an interview, more the kickstart to a topic. One such example was his interview with Ridley Scott for his film, Napoleon — a historical epic that Scott admitted paid no respect whatsoever to historians. It was a line that spread very far and caused considerable consternation, even appearing as a gag on Have I Got News For You. Such was the furore it caused that Scott is barred by the studio from doing print interviews for his forthcoming Gladiator 2 — Jonathan unleashed a line from him that the studio was not delighted with, and do not want to happen again.

Third in the entry is his interview with Olly Alexander, British’s hapless entry to Eurovision. The interview was hectic to organise — Alexander had been crushed by a pressure group calling for him to boycott Eurovision due to Israel’s inclusion in the line-up. Alexander refused and told Jonathan, through tears, of the toll the build-up had on him. He was crushed, having a breakdown, but he opened up and told his side of the story. It told the public more about the impact the boycott pressure was having on Alexander and made them rethink how public calling out and bullying can affect a star. This — and the Oasis example in particular — show the unique position that Jonathan holds. That is what his showbiz journalism does. It sheds a different angle on his subjects and treats pop culture with the seriousness — and, of course, lightness — it deserves.

He is trusted by the biggest names in the business, not to deliver puff pieces but a level of spikiness and understanding and unparalleled access. But, no, he cannot get you an Oasis tickets.