Author Andrew Morton made millions thanks to his worldwide best-selling biography Diana: Her True Story. He's subsequently written tomes about Monica Lewinsky and Madonna and is currently working on a biography of Tom Cruise. An updated and revised version of his 2000 book, The Beckhams, is out now.
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What have you added to the new version of the book?
Everything that’s happened to the Beckhams, from 2000 until now, which has kept me busy. I’ve had no time to watch the soccer although I saw England play Brazil at Wembley. It was fascinating to see the charisma that David has. There was a ripple of excitement that went around the crowd when he came on to the pitch and he got a standing ovation when he left. I wonder if Steve McClaren hadn’t dropped him from the England squad whether he’d still be going to America.
Is moving to Los Angeles a bad move for them?
No, it’s just a season too soon – although, in many ways, David’s always been an LA guy. He was into Tupac Shakur before the mainstream. Victoria has recognised that she’s no singer or dancer but she’s a good fashion stylist with a European sensibility that will do well in California.
The Beckhams tried to get the first book banned. Have you had any problems since?
No, that was the main one. We’ve seen Victoria has a very itchy legal trigger finger. She sued Peterborough United for daring to call themselves Posh. It’s interesting she spent thousands suing them and now she’s desperate for everyone to call her Victoria. The London Underground had better watch out.
Was anyone reluctant to talk to you?
No of course not. They’re not reluctant to chat. With the benefit of hindsight, I think they’ve realised it was a mistake because, as soon as that case finished, they brought their own books out.
Were there any stories that surprised you when you were doing the books?
I was astonished they took legal action and tried to get the book banned. Here’s a woman who tells the world when she goes to the loo. No one was more flabbergasted than me.
There’s no doubt that Scientology will make a play for the Beckhams – they’re friends with Tom Cruise
Do you think Tom Cruise will be trying to recruit them into Scientology?
There’s no question Scientology will make a play for them. Scientology doesn’t have a great following in Europe and they target celebrities who have standing in their communities – such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith. There’s no doubt they’ll go for the Beckhams. They’re friends with Tom Cruise and there’s no such thing as a free lunch in LA. It’s just another thing for unwary celebrities to guard against.
How is the Tom Cruise book going? Are you encountering any problems?
Not especially. I was telling my New York editor some stories about Scientology when up loomed John Sweeney [who recently made a Panorama documentary on Scientology], who’d been at another table and proceeded to recount his tale of woe. So far, I haven’t been harassed but I’m sure that will come.
You’ve said Posh turns dramas into crises. What are your favourite examples?
She’s had a few crises, hasn’t she? She didn’t manage to reign in Spain. She’s a more centred person now that she’s gone into fashion but there are more problems ahead. I don’t think they’ve realised the move will mean they’ll be living separate lives. As soon as he lands, David will embark on a 38,000mile roadshow selling soccer around America. Meanwhile, Victoria’s got the Spice Girls reunion. It will be a tough time for them.
Are you excited about the Spice Girls reunion?
I think it will be a lot of fun. It will be interesting to see how they perform and get on together. You can see the litany of stories now.
What’s Posh got in common with Princess Diana?
A love of high heels. That’s about it.
You made a fortune from the Diana book. Why don’t you put your feet up?
Because we all pay taxes and don’t live on fresh air. I didn’t blow the cash on anything; I’m not a flash git. I bought a new bike and that was it.
Do you feel responsible for helping to start the Diana industry?
No, Diana was the one responsible for the Diana industry. She was a charismatic human being who had a profound effect on the world and the British psyche. It’s entirely appropriate that people write about it and try to understand her life. She has been irreplaceable. They don’t come along very often.
What’s been the most difficult book to write?
The Diana one. It was like playing chess on three levels. I had to keep it a secret at the same time as asking for information while making sure Diana was kept in the background. That was a difficult juggling act.
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