Sam McKnight (16:45)

Famed hairstylist Sam McKnight spent seven years working with Princess Diana until her death. He encouraged her to modernise her look by shortening her hair and she in turn, realising the impact of her new look, gave full credit to Sam.

So how did a boy born into a working-class family in New Cumnock, whose father was a miner and whose mother worked in the local Co-op, make his way to become hairstylist to the stars including Jodie Comer, Madonna, Tilda Swinton and Lady Gaga; to the supermodels Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista and to the designers Chanel, Vivienne Westwood and Balmain, along the way being responsible for 190 Vogue covers.

In 2016 his outstanding artistry and importance as an image maker earned him a major retrospective in London accompanied by a richly illustrated book Hair. Sam appeared on Celebrity Mastermind and was awarded an MBE in 2023. He is also a keen gardener.

In conversation with Gabriella Bennett

Click to buy book