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In the summer of 1962, during a break in filming Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were caught in a series of candid photographs on a yacht in a compromising embrace. This image, it’s argued, marks the birth of modern celebrity – a new contract between those in the spotlight and those who are consumers of celebrity.

This series seeks a closer understanding of our relationship with fame through facets of one iconic screen goddess’s life - that of Elizabeth Taylor. With photojournalist Danny Hayward, sociologist Ellis Cashmore (author of Elizabeth Taylor: A Private Life for Public Consumption) and philosopher Professor Angie Hobbs.

With Louise Gallagher. And including sound from klankbeeld
Additional research by Hannah Dean.

Produced by Alan Hall with music by Jeremy Warmsley

A Falling Tree production for Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 4