In a country obsessed with gossip, the great and the good fear one thing more than any other - scandal.
British scandals change the course of history. They bring down governments, overthrow the rich and cause the mighty to fall. Some are about sex, others about money. In the end, they’re all about power.
But often at the heart of a scandal, there are ordinary human stories. Stories of those caught up in the swirl of outrage.
Who was really to blame for what happened? Why did they do it? And when all is said and done, did anything really change?
From the creators of Business Wars, American Scandal and Ghost Story, comes British Scandal. Each week, hosts Alice Levine and Matt Forde delve into the murkier side of the British elite, from Phone Hacking to Profumo to the short-lived premiership of Liz Truss. Because sometimes the truth doesn’t set everyone free…
Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of British Scandal ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Jade Goody storms into the Big Brother house, all cocky confidence and East London charm. She fights, laughs and screams her way through the first few days, but behind the loudmouth antics, there’s more than meets the eye. By eviction night, the nation can’t get enough. But will they love her… or love to hate her? For non-judgmental information and support on domestic abuse, women can visit https://refuge.org.uk/ or call the free National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 day or night. Me...
Is what’s happening on OnlyFans real? Or is it only a fantasy? In this provocative investigation into OnlyFans—the adult platform where subscribers around the world spent more than $7 billion in 2024—journalist Leon Neyfakh teams up with comedian and OnlyFans creator Gracie Canaan for a one-of-a-kind exploration into the current state of human connection. Throughout, they discover that the site originally built for spicy adult content has quietly and surprisingly become something more complicate...
Historian Kate Williams joins Alice and Matt to make the case for Mary, Queen of Scots - and why history's been getting her all wrong. Professor Williams unpicks centuries of blame placed on Mary for her own downfall, and reveals how looking at her life through a modern lens changes everything. And what about Elizabeth I? Kate says their rivalry wasn't just politics - it was personal, petty, and shaped by the impossible position of being two women trying to rule in a world that just didn't want ...
Mary arrives in England expecting rescue, but instead finds herself trapped under her cousin Elizabeth’s watch. As the years drag on, plots swirl, loyalties shift, and even her own son turns against her. Backed into a corner, Mary makes one final, desperate gamble to reclaim her crown… with consequences that will prove fatal. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@audible.com Se...
Determined to strengthen her claim to England’s throne, Mary's desperate to get hitched. But while Mary gains an heir, her disastrous choice of suitor sets off a calamitous chain of events. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@audible.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Mary Queen of Scots has everything: beauty, charm, royal blood and a claim to the most powerful throne in the world. There's just one tiny problem... Her cousin Elizabeth I. This is the story of two queens, one throne, and a decades-long struggle. Protestant against Catholic, cousin against cousin. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@audible.com See Privacy Policy at https://...
We're going on the road! If you're based in England, come and see British Scandal live at Crossed Wires Festival on July 3rd. And if you're not... Well, we hear flights are very reasonably priced this time of year. Find tickets here: https://crossedwires.live/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Historian Hallie Rubenhold has spent years dissecting the case of Hawley Harvey Crippen and she's here to clear a few things up. Hallie tells Alice and Matt why she believes there's no real doubt about his guilt, the twisted reason why his victim, Belle Elmore ended up cast as a villain, and why true crime fans are still buying into the myth. And his mistress, Ethel Le Neve? Hallie says her role in the crime deserves a closer look. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cove...
In the Old Bailey, evidence piles up, tempers flare, and Hawley Crippen discovers that pyjamas can tell a damning story. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@audible.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
A murder, a lover, and a desperate flight across the Atlantic. As Inspector Dew closes in, Hawley Crippen must outrun a frenzy of journalists in the world’s first media manhunt. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@audible.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Hawley Crippen is trapped. Married to a woman he cannot stand, in love with his young typist and desperate to escape a life that is closing in around him. So when his wife disappears, the whispers begin. And the police are listening. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@audible.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.c...
Grant Harrold served King Charles and Princes William and Harry for years. He saw the formalities, the wedding days, the pranks played behind palace doors. Now he's talking. From the surprising way he first met a young Harry, to what Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was really like - this is royal life with the filter off. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@audible.com See Privacy...
Hear comedian Roisin Conaty and guests, Natalie Cassidy and Joe Wilkinson dissect all the action and backstage gossip from the new series of the smash-hit TV show, Last One Laughing UK, on Audible’s official companion podcast. Laughing allowed! Search for The Last One Laughing Official Podcast wherever you're listening to this. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
This episode chronicles Harry and Meghan's turbulent journey to step back as senior royals, beginning with Harry's internal struggle before their Oprah interview amidst family health concerns. It details the tense "Sandringham Summit," where the couple's desire for financial independence and reduced duties clashes with the Firm's rigid protocols, leading to an imposed "Option Five" and public accusations of bullying and racism. The narrative culminates in a poignant confrontation between Harry and William at Prince Philip's funeral, ultimately solidifying their estranged paths.
The episode follows Prince Harry's personal struggles after his mother's death and his eventual meeting with Meghan Markle, from their romantic first date to their time in Botswana, where their bond deepened. It charts the initial optimism of the "Fab Four" as Meghan is introduced to the royal family, quickly giving way to intense media scrutiny, particularly racist attacks, and a widening chasm between Harry and William. Ultimately, escalating disagreements over media handling, royal duties, and Meghan's treatment culminate in a physical confrontation and Harry's resolute decision to prioritize his new family over the institution.
Two young princes, one impossible family. When their mother dies, William and Harry promise to stick together. But growing up royal isn’t exactly normal. There are posh schools, questionable fancy dress parties, and a divisive step-mum. As Wills trains for the crown and Harry rebels against it, their bond is tested. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@audible.com See Privacy ...
Music journalist Mick Wall shares decades of behind-the-scenes stories about Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, from Ozzy's early struggles to Sharon's masterful management. He reveals Sharon's strategic genius in molding Ozzy's career, her commercial astuteness, and the tumultuous yet unbreakable nature of their marriage. The discussion also covers the unexpected success of 'The Osbournes' reality show and Ozzy's health journey, highlighting Sharon's unwavering dedication and control.
This episode explores Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne's tumultuous relationship and their journey into reality television. Following Ozzy's domestic violence arrest and Sharon's life-altering decision, the couple navigates financial struggles and an industry that's written them off. Sharon's pitch for a reality TV show, "The Osbournes," becomes a global phenomenon, but success brings unexpected challenges, including health scares and the blurred lines of edited reality.
This episode explores the turbulent life of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne following Randy Rhoads' tragic death, as Ozzy grapples with addiction and the pressures of touring with a young family. Their relationship descends into a destructive cycle, marked by domestic violence and the manipulative interference of Sharon's father, Don Arden, who exploits their chaos for financial gain. The narrative culminates in a harrowing attack by Ozzy on Sharon, leading her to a pivotal decision about their future.
After being kicked out of Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne's life spirals, but Sharon Arden, a driven manager, steps in to resurrect his career. Their partnership proves volatile, leading to notorious incidents like the infamous dove biting and a dramatic split with guitarist Randy Rhoads. This episode charts their chaotic journey, from Ozzy's post-Sabbath struggles to the formation of his solo career and the profound impact of a tragic loss.
Alice and Matt sit down with Paul Marshall, the barrister who helped reveal the truth behind the Horizon scandal - and nearly paid the price for it himself. He tells us how he uncovered an explosive legal opinion that exposed misleading evidence, discredited a key witness and helped overturn dozens of wrongful convictions. This episode contains reference to a suicide. If you're going through a tough time, please call Samaritans from within the UK on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.com See Privacy...
Jo joins forces with Alan Bates to expose decades of lies and a criminal cover-up. But when sub-postmasters’ convictions are overturned, the two face a bittersweet victory. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Branded a thief, Jo is losing everything. Then, a forensic investigator starts asking questions and uncovers evidence that could clear her name. But revealing it will pit Jo and hundreds of other sub-postmasters against one of Britain's most powerful institutions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
This episode explores the devastating Post Office Horizon scandal through the story of Jo Hamilton, a sub-postmistress falsely accused of theft due to a flawed computer system. After facing mounting debt, a biased audit, and the threat of imprisonment, Jo receives unexpected support from her village. Despite being forced to plead guilty to false accounting and repay a substantial sum, she resolves to fight for justice and expose the truth behind the largest miscarriage of justice in British history.
British Scandal returns on 19th January. This year, Alice and Matt are taking you on a journey from the Post Office, to drug dens in Wales, inside the Big Brother house, and into Buckingham Palace itself. Follow this feed to make sure you don’t miss an episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Professor Lucy Bland delves into the Russell v. Russell scandal, using it as a lens to explore interwar sexual ignorance, the surprising impact of WW1 on women's confidence and bodies, and the enduring public fascination with sex scandals. The discussion also covers the changing roles of marriage, persistent British sexual repression, and crucial milestones and modern challenges in the fight for sexual equality and consent.
Decades after a scandalous trial, Christabel's son, Geoffrey, faces a renewed challenge to his legitimacy and claim to the Amphil peerage, instigated by a bitter relative. The episode details Christabel's unwavering fight to secure her son's future and reputation, leading to a dramatic movie premiere, a confrontation with his father, and a final, brutal court battle that tests Geoffrey's resolve after her death. Ultimately, Geoffrey carries on his mother's legacy, securing his rightful place and impacting British law.
The episode, "The Other Virgin's Baby | Hunnish Scenes | 2," continues Christabel and John Russell's dramatic story. After Christabel reveals her pregnancy, John's initial acceptance is shattered by his mother, Lady Amphill, who believes the baby is illegitimate and pushes for a divorce. The narrative follows Christabel's struggle against a biased legal system and Lady Amphill's relentless efforts to discredit her, ultimately leading to a sensational trial that uncovers unexpected personal secrets and tests the limits of their reputations.
This episode delves into the scandalous true story of Christabel Russell, a modern woman in 1920s London who married into a stuffy aristocratic family. Despite her strong aversion to sex and traditional domestic roles, her in-laws desperately demand an heir. The situation escalates into intense marital pressure, a shocking confrontation, and culminates in a perplexing medical mystery: Christabel is pregnant, but claims to be a virgin.
David Conn was a character at the heart of our original series, and now he's giving Matt and Alice an update on the Michelle Mone scandal in light of major developments. From dramatic court rulings to luxury flats and ongoing criminal investigations, Conn pulls back the curtain on how a pandemic procurement deal spiralled into one of the most explosive British scandals of the decade. Plus: what did he make of Matt's impression of him in the original series? Do you have a suggestion for a scandal...
