Martin Bashir claimed racism and professional jealousy were behind accusations that he used forged documents to help secure his 1995 Panorama interview with.
In previously unseen internal messages, senior figures appeared to quip that the bombshell 1995 Panorama interview (pictured) with Diana, Princess of Wales, would cost them knighthoods.
The newly revealed documents show Bashir claimed jealousy and discrimination fuelled allegations that he used deceit to secure an interview with Princess Diana.