For two decades, Big Issue’s Letter To My Younger Self has given readers a unique insight into the past lives, hopes and dreams of famous faces. We’ve asked a host of big names to reflect on the advice they would give to their younger self – would they be surprised at how things have turned out?
Now the Letter To My Younger Self Extra newsletter is going beyond the interviews to offer extra behind the scenes content direct to your inbox.
Since 2007, we’ve talked to hundreds of big names from stage, screen and sport, pop culture and politics. Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, Michael Palin, Olivia Colman, Julie Walters, Cynthia Erivo, David Cameron, Buzz Aldrin, Kae Tempest, Mo Farah, Paula Radcliffe, Tony Adams and Alex Scott – we’ve had them all.
Our long-running profile interview asks big stars what were their ambitions and circumstances growing? And what would that teenager feel about what lies ahead – which future accomplishments would most excite them, and what advice do they wish they could pop back in time to whisper in their younger self’s ear?
The answers are often surprising. Our recent Letter To My Younger Self saw Sadiq Khan reignite his long-running war of words with Donald Trump and reveal how his childhood experiences were the driving force for giving more kids free school meals as London mayor.
The interviews are often agenda setting or offer a different side to household names. Earlier this year, TV presenter Guy Martin sparked furious debate when he let slip that he’d never voted in an election. Beatles legend McCartney reflected on what his younger self would think about fame and how his teenage self dealt with the loss of his mother.
