1989-2009: interviewing Nelson Mandela

People often ask who I have most enjoyed interviewing. I am still in no doubt that talking to Nelson Mandela in 1994, before he even became president of South Africa, was that.

The amazing thing was that, if anything, he seemed more interested in me than even I was in him. He made eye contact. No spin doctor had got to him. He simply answered the questions you asked him. Have a look.

More highlights from the last 20 years to follow later today.

– See the whole of Jon’s first show as main presenter, on 24 April 1989, here.