A popular Seven reporter has opened up about suffering a panic attack while interviewing two of Hollywood’s biggest stars –  and showed the A-listers’ surprising reaction.

Sunrise reporter Steve Hargrave has revealed he suffered a panic attack while interviewing Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs – a deeply personal moment triggered by a family health scare.

The Channel Seven entertainment journalist, 47, became visibly emotional during the interview for The Salt Path, a new film based on Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir.

The story follows a couple grappling with devastating illness and homelessness as they embark on a life-changing walk along the rugged Cornish coastline.

Sunrise reporter Steve Hargrave became visibly emotional during the interview for The Salt Path, a new film based on Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir. Picture: Instagram @sunriseon7
Hargrave, struggling to maintain composure, placed a hand on his chest mid-interview and said candidly: “It’s so hard isn’t it sometimes when you’re just like, a little bit on the edge. Sorry, I just- I’m aware I’m a bit edgy.”

Both Anderson and Isaacs paused graciously, assuring him, “It’s alright,” as Hargrave apologised again and explained what had triggered the panic.

“Sorry, this is the worst interview I’ve ever done,” he said, holding his face in his hands.

Both Isaacs and Anderson paused graciously, assuring Hargrave “it’s alright” as he became visibly distressed. Picture: Instagram @sunriseon7
“Yesterday, my dad was in having a heart operation and I watched this (film) during that.

“But there was this spirit of the film that makes you think about that idea of what matters in life, and I love that you can watch a film like that at a time like that.”

Isaacs gently responded: “Movies are an engine for empathy, and I think that’s exactly what this is.”

Anderson agreed, adding that the film speaks to “what’s really important” in life.

“Is it possessions? Is it attachment to things? Or is it other human beings and connection? And you have that experience when somebody that you care about is ill and maybe facing mortality.”

Despite his efforts to continue, Hargrave struggled to hold back his emotions: “I’ll see if I can try to edit that out,” he joked.

But Isaacs stepped in warmly, saying: “Don’t edit out your humanity. It’s alright.”

The White Lotus actor, 61, also revealed his own personal connection to the subject matter: “My dad has had two quadruple heart bypasses and a pacemaker,” he shared.

“And he’s still kicking at 92.’”

Thankfully, the kindness and understanding of the actors seemed to help Hargrave regain his composure.

“My dad came out well from the operation,” he said, before lightening the mood with a cheeky comment.

“I was going to say, Gillian, he’s a big fan… I was going to say ‘Send him a message’ but it was a heart op and that might send him a bit over the edge.”

The 56-year-old actress laughed: “Well we don’t want to do that.”

Hargrave at the 2025 Brit Awards. Picture Instagram @mrstevehargrave
On Wednesday, Sunrise shared the unedited clip on social media, with a heartfelt caption: “Deep breaths….deep breaths… It’s a film about being brave in the face of adversity and illness, so it’s no wonder The Salt Path struck a bit of a nerve for Sunrise reporter @mrstevehargrave when he sat down with stars @therealjasonisaacs and @gilliana.

“Steve’s dad had been in a ten-hour heart operation the day before, which meant things got rather emotional during the chat, as a tiny bit of a lovely panic attack attempted to rear its head-  turns out what you need, as well as deep breaths, is lovely folk like Jason and Gillian to guide you through and let you know everything will be OK.

“What a pair of legends!”

Fans praised the trio’s candid chat, with one commenting: “You are brilliant Steve, and Jason and Gillian were a safe pair of hands to be vulnerable with.”

Another added: “I love this! Thank you for being brave enough to share this!”

The Salt Path will hit Australian cinemas on May 25.