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Famous Faces Pay Tribute To Journalist, John Hannam

Famous faces, including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Sheila Hancock and Jeremy Irons, have being paying tribute to journalist and broadcaster, John Hannam, following his death, aged 80.

Actress, Dame Judi Dench, who John interviewed live on stage back in 2019, said: 

"Oh how very much missed John Hannam will be. Being interviewed by John was more like a conversation between friends.

"I feel very lucky to have known him as a friend."


Craig Sugden Photography

John had been personally selected to interview Dame Judi Dench. 

To John's delight, the Dame asked to meet him for a cup of tea and biscuits before the event and was thrilled to see John turn up in his colourful best.

John told Isle of Wight Radio earlier this year:

“I was wearing my posh purple shirt and purple shoes. She got really close and got down on her knees and looked at my shoes.”

Jeremy Irons, best known for his roles in Die Hard, The Lion King and for launching Isle of Wight Radio, said:

"I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was always such a pleasure to be with, so well informed, and always on top of his subject.

"The fact we were both born in Cowes gave us a bond, unnecessary as it turned out, since I’ve always bonded with people who are really good at their job, as he was. He will be missed.’’

John was born just across the River Medina from Jeremy, in East Cowes. They worked together on John's incredibly popular radio show, John Hannam Meets, which ran for two decades.

Dame Sheila Hancock, who was born on the Island, said:

"John was a diligent, entertaining, and above-all honest journalist. Something to value these days. He was always gentle but dedicated in his pursuit of a good story.

"He loved the Isle of Wight and led many people to share his passion. I shall miss our regular encounters."

The news of John’s passing at the end of September sparked a flood of tributes from Islanders, celebrities and John’s many colleagues in the media. Other celebrities to pay tribute were Celia Imrie, Jane McDonald, Fred Dinenage and Shaun Williamson.

Actress Celia Imrie said: 

"He was unstoppable, and brimming with the joy of life – a wonderful example to us all.

"Whenever we met, his enthusiasm during our interviews made our conversations such fun, so it never felt like work.

"His celebrated knowledge of the theatre, films, television, radio, actors and actresses was remarkable and a measure of how loved and respected he was by all of us lucky enough to have known him. I am honoured to have been one of those who admired and adored him."

Singer and television presenter, Jane McDonald said:

“I had the pleasure of being interviewed by John on many occasions over the years. He was always a joy to be around – his smile and passion for the industry were infectious. John Hannam was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.’’ 

Broadcaster, Fred Dinenage said:

“John was such a very special man – and such a talent. He managed to get THE most amazing interviews. He was a good friend of mine, and he will be greatly missed.’’

Shaun Williamson, best known for playing Barry in Eastenders, said: 

“He was a wonderful man who was such a great supporter of any act which appeared on the Isle of Wight. He’ll be greatly missed.”

You can read more about John's incredible career, which spanned almost half a century, at https://www.iwradio.co.uk/news/isle-of-wight-news/tribute-remembering-john-hannam/

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