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LIFITV Episode 1: Harriet Rose on interviewing Louis Theroux

Field notes
October 19, 2026

There’s a particular kind of pressure that comes with interviewing Louis Theroux. For four decades he’s been the one asking the questions, waiting a little too long in the silences and getting people to say more than they meant to. Turning that around in front of a packed Quarry Theatre is no small ask.

On Tuesday 6 October, Harriet Rose did exactly that, opening Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2026 with an intimate fireside conversation with Louis at Leeds Playhouse. It was one of the fastest-selling events in the festival’s history, with tickets gone within minutes of going on sale.

Minutes after she walked off stage, we grabbed her for the first episode of LIFITV.

What is LIFITV?

LIFITV is our behind-the-scenes series from LIFI26. Throughout the festival, our team ran a pop-up studio at Leeds Playhouse, catching speakers, hosts and audiences in the moments either side of the main event. The result is a run of short, unpolished conversations you won’t have seen anywhere else.

Episode 1 is out now on the LIFI YouTube channel, with more episodes rolling out over the coming weeks. Subscribe so you don’t miss them.

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