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…
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The stories around the diaries and their authenticity begin to unravel. Streams of people have their reputations and their livelihoods on the line. Who will survive this humiliating scandal? And who, when the dust settles, will still come out on top? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Excited by the prospect of the diaries being real, Rupert Murdoch sends famed historian Hugh Trevor-Roper to verify them. Everything is riding on his assessment. What will Trevor-Roper tell the world? Real or fake? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Journalist Gerd Heidemann is searching for his next story for Stern magazine when the scoop of the century lands in his lap. But is it too good to be true? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Alastair Campbell - the spin doctor-turned-podcaster - tells Matt and Alice speak why he thinks Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng were a “lethal combination” and describes the moment he felt Truss was really losing the plot. Plus comedian and activist Joe Lycett takes listeners inside his infamous appearance on the Laura Kuenssberg show and tells Matt and Alice why he’s trying (and quite clearly failing) to stop talking about the former leader a year after her tumultuous turn in Number 10. See Privac...
Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng hit the ground running, scheming ways to revolutionise the government and the economy. But after they announce their shake up, the Truss premiership is on a collision course with an iceberg (lettuce). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Liz Truss’ star is rising in the Conservative party after both Theresa May and Boris Johnson place her at the heart of their cabinets. And when things start to unravel for Boris, Liz sees her chance. It’s time for her to take the lead and unleash the radical revolution she's sure the country desperately needs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
For as long as she can remember, Mary Elizabeth Truss has been determined to make her mark on British politics. And now it's finally within reach. She’s been handpicked to stand for Parliament in South West Norfolk. But when a story from the past comes to light, her career could be over before it’s even started. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
John Darwin decides to come back from the dead and journalists begin to investigate his mysterious disappearance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
The Darwins trick the police into thinking John’s dead and decide they need to flee the country. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Prison officer John Darwin finds himself in debt and makes a drastic decision to fake his own death. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Prince Charles no longer has to live a lie. His divorce with Diana is finalised and his relationship with Camilla is out in the open. But there’s a problem: Camilla remains deeply unpopular with the public and the press. He knows that turning this around will be an uphill battle, so he enlists the help of a wily spin doctor and sets to work. Charles remains adamant that Camilla is his Queen-in-waiting...but can he convince everyone else? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...
Diana isn’t happy, and she refuses to stay quiet about it any longer. Putting on a brave face for her royal duties is pushing her to the very brink. She begins by confronting the woman she blames for her failing marriage, Camilla Parker-Bowles. But Camilla won’t listen. So Diana goes further with a blistering, tell-all BBC interview, and the Palace is shaken to the core. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-m...
As England’s future king, Prince Charles knows all too well what’s expected of him: find a virgin bride and fulfil the duties assigned to him at birth. But then he meets Camilla Shand. She’s confident, honest and unlike any woman he’s ever met before. But she’s also deemed wholly unsuitable by the Firm. They would prefer shy, young aristocrat Diana Spencer. So Charles faces an impossible choice: duty or desire? For eating disorder support, call Beat on 0808 801 0677 or email help@beateatingdisor...
Matt and Alice sit down with close friend of Brian Jones, Prince Stash Klossowski de Rola. A fellow musician and socialite at the centre of London’s Swinging Sixties scene, Prince Stash takes us inside the wild nights they spent together in Parisian clubs, and his memories of watching the Stones make magic in the studio. Plus, he tells us what really happened the night he was arrested alongside Brian Jones in a drugs bust that would see Jones found guilty. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com...
After a difficult few years, things are looking up for Brian Jones. A trip to Morocco opens a whole new world of musical inspiration, and then there’s his collaborations with the likes of Jimi Hendrix. He’s ready to hit the studio and make music he knows the fans will love. But the other band members don’t want Brian to take the lead. In fact, they don’t want him in the band at all. And when they say goodbye, they don’t realise that it’s the last time they’ll ever see the man who made them The R...
The Rolling Stones are riding high, topping charts and playing stadiums across the world. But backstage, the relationship between Keith Richards and Brian Jones is rockier than ever. And when an intrepid News of the World journalist stumbles upon the scoop of his career, the Stones need to unite - or their latest single could be their last. For confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law, call Frank on 0300-123-660 or visit talktofrank.com See Privacy Policy at htt...
Brian Jones wants to be a famous blues musician. The only problem is, he hasn’t got a band. When he meets talented upstarts Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, he knows he’s onto something good. Onstage, they’re electric, but behind the scenes a battle ensues to define the soul of The Rolling Stones. Jones put the band together. But as they hit the big time, can he keep hold of the reins? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-no...
Matt and Alice speak to Oscar Wilde's only grandchild, Merlin Holland, who has spent more than four decades researching his grandfather's life. He tells us what it's like being connected to a literary icon, and why he believes his grandfather felt untouchable. Plus he takes us inside Wilde's complicated relationship with scandal. Did he court it? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Oscar Wilde’s reputation is in tatters. His books have been pulled from the printers, his name erased from theatre productions. There's still time to flee. But he would rather be a martyr than a man on the run. He arrives at the trial that will dictate his future determined to put up a fight. Wilde has been called many things, but he won’t be called a coward. And then, the judge delivers his verdict. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.c...
Oscar Wilde is making waves in London’s literary scene, but he’s heading for disaster. He's been publicly outed by his gay lover’s father, Lord Queensberry. Homosexuality is illegal and Wilde is facing private and public ruin. So he has to make a life-changing choice: fight, or flight? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
It’s 1891 and Oscar Wilde’s star is rising. His book, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, is a bestseller, and his first West End play is about to open. And then he meets Bosie Douglas, a young, handsome and beguiling poet. But homosexuality is illegal and they must keep their relationship secret. When Bosie’s father, the dogmatic Lord Queensberry, finds out, he resolves to do whatever it takes to keep them apart forever. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...
Matt and Alice speak to Linda Lusardi, former Page 3 model and close friend of Paul Gascoigne. She takes us inside the highs of their raucous nights out, and the lows of his battles with addiction. Plus, she tells us why Gazza’s life wouldn’t be all that different had he never become a footballer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like those touched on in this episode, here are some UK resources: For mental health support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected] ...
Glenn Hoddle has a decision to make. As the England team's new manager, it’s time to select his 1998 World Cup squad. Include Gazza, and he’ll have to take drastic action to stop him going off the rails. But exclude the star player and the country could well turn against him. Gazza played a blinder in the qualifying matches, but will it be enough to get him to France? If you or someone you know needs mental health support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected] See Privacy Policy ...
When Paul Gascoigne steps out with his new girlfriend, Sheryl, interest in his personal life soars, and the Press takes advantage. Gazza’s alcohol-fuelled benders and turbulent relationship make him easy prey for tabloid journalists seeking headlines. Sheryl befriends one with the hope of turning the narrative around. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like those touched on in this episode, here are some UK resources: For eating disorder support, call Beat on 0808 801 0677 or e...
All Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne has ever wanted to do is play football. So when he’s taken on by Newcastle United, he’s determined to impress. His exceptional talent is obvious to everyone and he quickly becomes the most talked-about player in England. But as his fame grows, so too do his inner demons - and the doubts. Now he's playing for his country on the greatest stage of all: the 1990 World Cup. Fans are holding their breath. The world is watching. England expects. Can Gazza deliver? If you or s...
Alice and Matt sit down with biographer Andrew Lownie, who spent over 30 years researching Guy Burgess and spoke to over one hundred people who knew him personally. He tells us why Cambridge University was a particularly fertile breeding ground for Soviet recruits, how much damage the spy ring wrought on the British establishment and why five people who knew each other should never have become spies in the first place. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice...
Kim Philby’s job is to uncover other people’s secrets. But now, his oldest friend is on the verge of exposing his own. As two other Cambridge spies are unmasked, Philby’s reputation comes under fierce scrutiny. And Nicholas Elliott is determined to find out whether his old confidante is also a KBG agent. Can Philby wriggle free of Elliott’s sting operation and a government desperate to catch traitors? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19....
Kim Philby and Guy Burgess are at the height of their power, working as double agents for the Soviet Union. But while their careers are going from strength to strength, their personal lives are in free fall. Destructive habits and paranoia are creeping to the surface. But that's not all... The CIA has just made an explosive discovery - and Philby and Burgess are at the heart of it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-s...
Kim Philby and Guy Burgess are two Cambridge students with a shared purpose: fighting fascism. When they’re introduced to a KGB recruiter in the 1930s, he tells them they could do just that by sharing British secrets with the Soviet Union. So how far will they go to further the cause? As far as betraying their own country? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Alice and Matt speak to Colin Mackenzie, the tenacious reporter who managed to track down train robber, Ronnie Biggs, after he escaped prison. A Fleet Street veteran, he takes us back to a golden era in British journalism, and into the whirlwind 48 hours he spent with Biggs in Brazil. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
