Netflix's Scoop: Who is Emily Maitlis and why did she interview Prince Andrew

Emily Maitlis shot to new levels of fame when she fronted a now-infamous world exclusive interview with Prince Andrew.

The former BBC journalist quizzed the disgraced Duke of York for the first time over his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during a 50-minute Newsnight special. The interview has been viewed more than eight million times since it was uploaded to the BBC's official YouTube channel four years ago.

Its aftermath saw Prince Andrew step back from public duties with Queen Elizabeth II also stripping him of his military titles and patronages. The interview is now the subject of new Netflix film, Scoop.

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Based on a book by former Newsnight producer Sam McAlister, it tells the story of what went into securing the interview. Scoop, which stars Gillian Anderson and Billie Piper as Maitlis and McAlister, was released on Friday April 5.

Maitlis joked about Anderson being cast for her role with GQ Magazine, quipping: "I have teenage sons, so that was hormonally complicated." She added: “But I’ve stayed right away from the project, actually. I haven’t seen the script. She could be playing me as a dipsomaniac, for all I know.”

The podcaster is, however, the executive producer of a three-part Amazon Prime Video drama on the same subject. Variety reported in November that production was underway on A Very Royal Scandal, starring Michael Sheen as Prince Andrew and Ruth Wilson as Maitlis.

We take a look at Maitlis' impressive journalism career and life with her husband, two teenage sons and pet whippet Moody.

Maitlis, now 53, was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to British Jewish parents, but was raised across the pond in Sheffield. She