The Weakest Links Anne Robinson to speak at Literary Leicester event honouring the life of revered editor Alexander Chancellor

A panel of esteemed writers and journalists will commemorate the life and work of Spectator editor Alexander Chancellor CBE on Wednesday 15 November at 4.00 pm. The free public event kicks off this year’s Literary Leicester Festival- the University of Leicester’s annual celebration of the written and spoken word.

It will take place in the University of Leicester’s Peter Williams Lecture Theatre, in the Fielding Johnson Building, from 4.00 pm-5:30 pm.

Chaired by Alexander Waugh, a panel of guest speakers comprising Watchdog and The Weakest Link’s Anne Robinson, Geoffrey Wheatcroft, Ferdinand Mount and Craig Brown will discuss the impact that Alexander Chancellor had on their lives and the memories they share.

Chancellor's journalistic and editorial career spanned over four decades and numerous publications, with long-running columns in the Guardian and SpectatorHe was editor of the Spectator from 1975 to 1984, of Time and Tide, the Independent Magazine, the Sunday Telegraph Magazine, the Oldie and the New Yorker’s “Talk of the Town” section.

Director of the Literary Leicester Festival Professor Martin Stannard, from the University of Leicester’s School of Arts, said: “Alexander Chancellor was a legendary editor and columnist. This is an event not to be missed by anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes, and especially anyone interested in journalism as a career.

“Our panellists, famous in their own right as columnists, humourists, radio and TV presenters, were all good friends of Chancellor. Expect a lively and amusing discussion!”