Drew Barrymore given warning over controversial interview style

Drew Barrymore’s interview style has become a viral topic of conversation, and it sounds like she’s now making a huge life change.

The Charlie’s Angels actor, 49, has interviewed countless stars on The Drew Barrymore Show, including Oprah Winfrey, Austin Butler, Brooke Shields, Martha Stewart, presidential candidate Kamala Harris and more.

Eyebrows have often been raised by how up close and personal Barrymore is with her guests. Barrymore’s interviews often have a relaxed, intimate vibe and she tends to sit quite close to her guests on a sofa.

During a recent chat with Wicked actor Cynthia Erivo, 37, the pair spoke about the latter’s close friendship with her co-star, Ariana Grande, 31.

Both Erivo and Grande — who have received acclaim for their roles as Elphaba and Glinda — have gone viral for holding hands during their interviews for the film.

“Is it true that she is as touchy?” Barry quizzed Erivo, before discussing her own habits. “I’m so touchy!”

Drew Barrymore and Cynthia Erivo (The Drew Barrymore Show)

Barrymore added: “People have to warn me. They’re like, ‘Back off a little bit.’ I’m like, ‘Why?’"

During the episode, which aired on Tuesday (10 December), the Tony-award winning star shared: “We walk hand in hand very often. Like, if we’re not walking hand in hand, we’ll find each other somewhere.

“I think we assume that physical connection can only be romantic,” Erivo added, to which Barrymore agreed.

Grande famously held Erivo’s finger as they were left confused by a question about ‘holding space’. The moment birthed new memes, some of which poked fun at their physical touch as well as the meaning of the phrase (which people are still very confused about). The pair later admitted they had no idea what the term meant.

Erivo told Barrymore how physical touch can be a way of communicating with another person.

Drew Barrymore and Oprah (The Drew Barrymore Show)

“Sometimes you can’t say anything and you’re in a room and you’re like, it’s just a squeeze of a hand. And that sometimes is how she and I communicate,” Erivo said. “We might be talking to someone, or I might need to communicate something to her and it’s just a squeeze of a hand or a pinch of the finger. Or a hug.”

In the past Barrymore has promised to work on practicing ‘physical distance’ between herself and her guests ahead of the current season of her talk show.

“I’ll try to practice physical distance, which is not my strong point,” she told Entertainment Tonight.

"Do you know how hard the pandemic was for me? I was alone in a studio by myself! I like to be around people!”