We'll admit to glazing over during most telly interviews with politicians or celebs, but sometimes, just sometimes, the thin veneer of platitudes and media training is broken by the dazzling sunlight of a very tasty argument. From tirades to tantrums, here's our guide to 10 of the best.
10: Jeremy Paxman vs George Galloway
When George Galloway ousted Oona King from her seat in the 2005 General Election, Jeremy Paxman wasted no time in getting medieval on his ass. "Are you proud of having got rid of one of the very few black women in Parliament?" he snarled. George's smug and chuckling response ("Even by your standards, Jeremy...") didn't improve things, and he eventually walked out of the interview. Pure porn for political junkies.
9: Simon Amstell vs Preston
When Ordinary Boys frontman Preston appeared on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, he was appalled to discover that people on the show have a habit of telling what are commonly referred to as "jokes". Amstell's mickey-take of his then-wife Chantelle was enough to make Preston walk out the show like a scowling, striding Terminator of pure rage. Still, it did provide literally 15 minutes of fame for the audience member who was randomly plucked to replace him.
8: Chris Morris vs Martin Amis
A refined, intellectual 2007 ICA debate with Martin Amis became suddenly unusual when the acclaimed novelist found himself being heckled from the audience by none other than Chris Morris. Who, instead of being his usual satirical self, was as blunt as an angry anvil, accusing Mart of being a massive Islamophobe because of his defence of racial profiling. The novelist kept his cool, Morris most assuredly didn't, and ultimately it was a bit like Pokemon for people who watch The Late Review.
7: Parkinson vs Meg Ryan
In the annals of Parky's favourite guests Meg is now below Emu. Coming across as possessing the charm of a broken fax machine, Meg mono-syllabled Parky into submission until, when he asked despairingly what she'd do in his position, she replied "wrap it up". In Meg's defence, Mike didn't help matters by implying she was too old to be taking her top off on film.
6: Gore Vidal vs William Buckley
In the left corner, author and liberal Gore Vidal. In the extreme right Buckley, a fellow smarty pants with very different views. This dry political debate in 1968 suddenly became very funny indeed when the pair decided to become the real-life equivalent of the Mary Whitehouse Experience's History Today. Buckley's "I'll sock you on the nose and you'll stay plastered" may sound classy but it's still the posh East Coast version of 'your mum'.
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5: Roy Keane vs Mick McCarthy
Comments
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Did the person who wrote the blurb for the Meg Ryan interview actually watch the clip? Does he understand what "mono-syllabled" means? I'll give you a clue; it doesn't mean use of sentences comprising mono syllabled words sprinkled amongst multi-syllable words. Watch it again and count the "mono-syllabled" answers. I'll give you another clue; you probably won't need more than 1 finger. Horrible, aggressive interview from Parkinson!