Written byMelissa Limani
Photography by Jenny Smith
If you’ve watched Scoop on Netflix, then the name Sam McAllister will certainly ring a bell. For those who are unfamiliar, McAlister is the woman behind the exclusive 2019 Prince Andrew interview on BBC Newsnight and is now a Visiting Senior Fellow at LSE’s Law School, where she delivers expert negotiation workshops.
McAlister began her career as a criminal barrister before transitioning to become the BBC Newsnight interviews producer. It was in this role that she negotiated the interview with Prince Andrew—a triumphant moment that had the nation glued to their screens and earned the BBC a BAFTA Nomination for ‘Best News Coverage’ in 2020. Her book, Scoops, which chronicles the incredible journey of achieving the unthinkable, including gaining access to Buckingham Palace, was adapted into an Emmy-nominated Netflix film, released in 2024.
Why was this interview such a big deal? Prince Andrew had been closely associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years. In 2010, Andrew was photographed walking with him in Central Park, wavering the public’s trust in the monarchy and exacerbating calls for Andrew to step down as trade envoy. In 2014, a Florida court filing alleged that Andrew had engaged in sexual activities with Virginia Giuffre, a minor allegedly trafficked by Epstein. Until the interview, Andrew—nicknamed ‘Randy Andy’—had never publicly addressed these allegations.
Initially, Newsnight was invited to discuss Andrew’s charitable work, but through expert negotiation, Sam secured an opportunity to tackle the questions everyone was curious about. Instead of probing aggressively, Emily Maitlis, Newsnight presenter, let Andrew speak freely—a decision that proved catastrophic for Andrew’s public standing/reputation. His bizarre claims, including that he “didn’t sweat” due to a medical condition and couldn’t recall a photo with Giuffre because he was at Pizza Express in Woking that night, drew widespread ridicule. Days later, Andrew stepped back from royal duties, with the interview now regarded as a pivotal moment in his public downfall and a historic PR disaster. McAlister herself says “I started off trying to negotiate an interview, and we ended up toppling a Prince. It was surreal and overwhelming.”
“Without a doubt, securing the Prince Andrew interview was the most extraordinary moment of my career– not just for the experience itself, which was incredible, but for all the things that have come after it: a book, a Channel 4 documentary, and a Netflix movie where, as mad as it sounds, I was played by Billie Piper,” says McAlister.
She adds, “I thought [the interview] was the most incredible moment of my career, but I had no idea of all the amazing things that would follow, including, of course, working at LSE. I’m full of gratitude for all the opportunities it has given me.”
For McAlister, the experience of seeing her story come to life on screen was “absolutely mind-boggling…I was executive producer and involved all the way through—from the screenwriting to the casting, to being on set,” she said. “Obviously, I was like a kid in a toy shop. It was incredible to see myself played by Billie Piper, to meet Gillian Anderson and Keeley Hawes, and to work with the amazing cast, crew, and team. The sets, the costumes, attending the film premiere—it really is just beyond my wildest imagination. I’ve run out of superlatives to describe the incredible experience that I’ve had and continue to have.”
Following that life-changing moment, McAlister’s career continued to flourish, including her appointment as a Visiting Senior Fellow at LSE in 2024. When I asked how the opportunity was presented to her, she shared: “I was actually motivated to become a Visiting Senior Fellow because Dean David Kershaw heard me speak at an LSE event hosted by the wonderful Professor Emily Jackson. At the end, he asked what my hopes were for the future, and I mentioned that I would love to lecture in negotiation. Lo and behold, he extremely generously offered me the fellowship. It just goes to show that a bit of tenacity and cheek can sometimes get you a very long way. It’s a complete honour to have a fellowship at the LSE.”
Discussing the impact she hopes to have on LSE students during her fellowship, Sam McAlister explains: “The thing I would most like to do—and I hope it doesn’t sound too ambitious—is to, here and there, change some of the students’ lives. So many students at LSE are absolutely astonishingly brilliant and intellectually gifted, but my classes perhaps offer a moment to step back, in a more relaxed space without assessments, where we can discuss not only negotiation and communication but also a little bit about ourselves and share moments of humanity. I hope, in a sense, that the time we spend together provides both intellectual and personal benefits.”
My personal experience in the negotiation workshops was truly unique—unlike anything I’d encountered at LSE before. One of the first things I noticed about McAlister was her striking snakeskin boots and faux leather attire. At the time, I hadn’t yet seen Scoop and didn’t realise how legendary those boots were, but they immediately stood out—an unexpected, yet empowering fashion choice for an LSE fellow. Her energy was undeniably refreshing; as we settled down ready for our first session, she addressed the room, asking which of us had shaken her hand upon entering the classroom? That simple question became our first lesson.
Throughout the workshop, as she shared her story of securing the interview, McAlister combined wit and charisma with practical lessons on negotiation, highlighting how small details like eye contact and a smile can make a big difference. By the end of the 2 workshops, it’s safe to say we all walked away standing a little taller.
For students aspiring to break into competitive careers, Sam McAlister advises to “just keep on grafting and chasing your dream. Act with integrity, think of yourself as a brand, make connections, and try to find ways to meet people who are in the roles that you want.”
“Keep on dreaming, keep on believing, keep on working hard, and hopefully, the combination of hard work and, here and there, a bit of luck will mean that you can pursue your dreams.”
