Don't get us wrong, we love Dara O'Briain, but this seems like a rather random interview. How in the hell did this Irish comedian get to sit down with groundbreaking theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking??
It's all for a new BBC documentary it seems, entitled 'Dara Ó Briain Meets Stephen Hawking' and according to a statement will see the Dara "gain a unique and personal insight into the man behind the bright lights and the equations". While Dara also meets Hawking's two children, Lucy and Tim, as well as his friends and colleagues.
As bizarre an interview combo this might seem, many may not know that O'Briain himself also has a degree in theoretical physics..... a natural starting point for a comic. Obvs.
It seems the pair have quite the deep and meaningful too, with Hawking giving O'Briain his views on assisted suicide; "To keep someone alive against their wishes is the ultimate indignity. I would consider assisted suicide only if I were in great pain or felt I had nothing more to contribute but was just a burden to those around me."
Hawking also admitted the ways he struggles with his condition; "At times I get very lonely because people are afraid to talk to me or don’t wait for me to write a response,” he said. “I’m shy and tired at times. I find it difficult to talk to people I don’t know.”
BBC One Commissioning Editor Craig Hunter said: "It's a delight to watch Dara and Stephen's friendship develop with honesty and insight - especially as Dara is fulfilling a childhood dream meeting his hero."
Aww, a childhood dream?! We've changed our mind, this is the most perfect interviewing combo that could ever be.
Sounds like it will make for great TV too. You can catch 'Dara O’Briain meets Stephen Hawking', on BBC1 on 16 June.
