True Story Behind Brian and Maggie: Drama Based on Walden-Thatcher Feud

The new two-part series airing on Channel 4, titled “Brian and Maggie,” features Steve Coogan and Harriet Walter in the lead roles, portraying broadcast journalist Brian Walden and ex-UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher respectively.

This show traces the events leading to their stormy last conversation, which also happened to be their last words exchanged following years that were believed to be the blossoming of a friendship.

The interview sparked nationwide conversation, especially since it took place following the highly discussed resignation of Chancellor Nigel Lawson only a few days prior.

In their previous shows, Walden and Thatcher had an amicable chemistry. However, this last interview was expected to be problematic because Walden adopted an unusually aggressive questioning style.

Regarding the heart of the Brian and Maggie series, its writer James Graham remarked about Walter’s portrayal of Thatcher: “We witness Margaret from a unique, intimate perspective in this performance, which I believe many viewers may not have been previously aware of.

In simpler terms, the bond between this leader and the reporter was unconventional and intricate. Although the purpose was for the reporter to scrutinize the leader, lines were frequently overstepped.

However, let’s delve into the actual narrative behind the latest Channel 4 drama, “Brian and Maggie.” Here’s a breakdown of the true-life occurrences that inspired this production.

Is Brian and Maggie based on a true story?

Yes, Brian and Maggie is based on a true story.

The new Channel 4 series is dramatized from Rob Burley’s book, titled “Why Is This Deceitful Individual Lying to Me?”. In this book, Burley provides an exclusive perspective on the British political elite during a period when it seems like nobody is telling the truth, as suggested by its summary.

The show offers a glimpse into the political interview landscape of the ’80s, while Walden, the interviewer, was a distinguished broadcaster who initially served as a Labor MP and later gained fame for his thorough interviewing techniques.

Initially, he joined London Weekend Television where he later became a host for the Weekend World program, along with The Walden Interview and simply known as Walden.

A highly accomplished political talk-show host, Walden had the privilege of interviewing Margaret Thatcher on numerous occasions while she served as a Member of Parliament and as Prime Minister.

On October 29th, 1989 marked a downturn in his friendship with Thatcher. This was due to an interview with her that had been scheduled earlier, which unfortunately clashed with the resignation of her Chancellor, Nigel Lawson, on the 26th.

Despite initial leniency, Walden didn’t hold back during the interview, relentlessly questioning Thatcher about Lawson’s resignation.

Or:

Despite being previously understanding towards Thatcher, Walden did not show mercy when it came to grilling her over Lawson’s resignation during their interview.

The interview became particularly noteworthy because Margaret Thatcher responded “I am not aware” when inquired whether Nigel Lawson would have remained in his position if she had dismissed her economic adviser, Alan Walters.

The interview can be watched in full below.

In discussing the origins of the series, Steve Coogan shared with Channel 4 that he received a message from Rob Burley, former producer of The Andrew Marr Show and author of “Why Is This Man Lying to Me?” which delves into the history of political interviews.

As a movie enthusiast, in the book I recently delved into, I stumbled upon a fascinating tale – the unlikely friendship between Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher. The author found this story intriguing, and he suggested to me that it would make for an excellent TV series. Intriguingly enough, he even proposed that I take on the role of Brian Walden in the production.

Over lunch recently, my CEO Sarah from Baby Cow and I presented a range of ideas to Ian Katz from Channel 4.

Leaving the place, I mentioned, “By the way, there’s something else – it concerns Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher.” His instant reaction was, “Ah, I’m interested in that!” So, I thought to myself, “Great, let’s proceed with it right away!

As a film enthusiast, I couldn’t help but reach out to the talented James Graham, expressing my interest in collaborating with him on a project. Given my admiration for his work, I couldn’t resist inquiring if he would be intrigued by the opportunity. To my delight, he found it appealing and promptly got to work shortly thereafter.

“There were fits and starts along the way, but James took to it like a duck to water, as they say.”

Coogan commented, “To me, the tale was intriguing, presenting as it did a kind of political romance – albeit an unconventional one – between a disenchanted Labour party member and Margaret Thatcher, who was notably progressive during her era.

They were both outsiders, and this commonality was more than just their shared political beliefs that drew them together.

It seems that Brian and Margaret Thatcher both originated from humble beginnings. Brian appears to have come from a working-class family, while Thatcher hailed from the smaller tradespeople community, which is slightly above working class but still considered lower middle class.

When asked about why he believed his book could work well as a television drama, author and executive producer Burley expressed, “As I delved deeper into the intricate relationship between Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher, my confidence grew that this story would be ideal for a compelling TV drama.

As a cinephile, I must admit that particular movie I recently watched left an indelible mark on the narrative structure of a certain section in my book. This segment, you see, is intricately crafted to unfold over two captivating chapters, culminating in a resolution that will undoubtedly leave readers feeling fulfilled, much like the closing scenes of a well-written film.

Did Margaret Thatcher take electric baths, as shown in Brian and Maggie?

In one scene from Brian and Maggie, Thatcher calls her aide to set up another meeting with Veronique on the same day. Wrapped in a headscarf and wearing sunglasses, Thatcher exits a vehicle moments later and heads towards an enigmatic residence.

Upon entering, she gives the lady an envelope, seemingly containing money, and the woman subsequently pulls a medical privacy screen across some section of the room. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the supposed jacuzzi tub is in fact connected to machinery within.

Thatcher finds herself submerged in the bathtub when Veronique activates the water jets and what seems like an electric current. However, the question remains: Is this a real event or just a fictional scenario?

It seems that her methods for maintaining good health, including the use of electric baths, were quite genuine, as documented in a Vanity Fair profile from 1989.

According to The Guardian’s report, as per the Vanity Fair profile, Thatcher underwent a treatment where an Indian healer passed a small electric current, approximately 0.3 amps, through water.

Brian and Maggie suggest that a Tory backbencher described Margaret Thatcher as being “not quite in her right mind,” which may have been fueled by the increased public examination of her health habits.

2019 saw the disclosure of documents detailing that Thatcher was also recorded as using royal jelly, vitamin C, and dietary supplements provided by Dame Barbara.

According to a report by the BBC, Chris Collins from the Margaret Thatcher Foundation stated that Madam Thatcher’s curiosity about alternative treatments appeared sincere. However, he noted that some references concerning this topic in the archives seemed unclear or possibly intentionally vague.

2025-01-29 13:36

Is Brian and Maggie based on a true story?

Did Margaret Thatcher take electric baths, as shown in Brian and Maggie?

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