HE’S the shy teenager who overcame severe anxiety to interview some of the biggest stars in showbiz.

Journalist and broadcaster John Hannam is publishing his second book this month, telling the story behind more of his 4,000 interviews in 44 years.

The second volume of the John Hannam Showbiz Interviews includes Hollywood legends Charlton Heston, Donald Pleasence and Sir John Mills, as well as British stars like Sheridan Smith, Liz Dawn and Barbara Windsor. He even got an audience with Southampton’s own Benny Hill, who was notoriously wary of the media and rarely gave interviews.

The first volume, featuring Isle of Wight resident John’s chats with some of the biggest pop stars of the 50s, 60s and 70s, including Cilla Black, Adam Faith and Vera Lynn, was a roaring success following its release a year ago.

He said: “Looking back on my life I am still amazed at how I have managed to meet so many famous people, including many real idols of mine. “

John is writing his next book and a fourth is planned. See Amazon or local bookstores.