British Scandal

Wondery

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…

New episodes come out every Wednesday for free, or 1-week early and ad-free for Wondery+ subscribers or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.

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Our Editor's Take

Everyone loves a bit of gossip, and British gossip, in particular, has thrown up a few gems over the last decade. Now listeners can learn about some of the most shocking events in British history. Each story follows hidden secrets to uncover all the lies surrounding the UK's most scandalous events. British Scandal looks at the people behind the headlines—whether involved by choice or by accident.

The stories covered vary from the Litvinenko Affair to the suspicious death of media tycoon Robert Maxwell. British Scandal touches on topics from contestants cheating on game shows to the downfall of some of the biggest high street bands. Each tale is spread out over several episodes and will have listeners hooked, keeping them coming back for more.

Dynamic, intriguing, and shocking, this podcast is a must-listen for any gossip column guru or history buff interested in learning more about the UK's biggest headlines.

British Scandal is presented by Wondery and is hosted by Alice Levine and Matt Forde. Levine is a prominent MTV host with a background in celebrity news. Frode of the Alternative News Desk for Channel 4 brings a comedic edge to these truly wild tales. Together they deliver the facts and fiction of some of the biggest scandals to rock the U.K.

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Introducing British Scandal

Introducing British Scandal

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 Even The Rich, comes British Scandal. We tell the stories of the murkier side of the British elite, from Phone Hacking to Saville to Profumo who show us the reality of power, the price of pride and the failings of the great and good. Because sometimes the truth doesn’t set everyone free…New episodes come out every Wednesday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. Listen ad-free on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription. Join Wondery+ here: https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 40

Hitler's Angel | Bright Young Fascist | 1

Hitler's Angel | Bright Young Fascist | 1

It’s 1932, and aristocratic beauty Diana Guinness is the belle of high society London. But her world - and her marriage - are turned upside down when she meets alluring politician, Oswald Mosley. Together they become a very dangerous double act. And Diana is forced to choose between friends and family, and fascism.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 39

Noel and Liam | Rock 'n' Roll Star | 1

Noel and Liam | Rock 'n' Roll Star | 1

Matt Forde is back! He joins Alice Levine to delve into one of the rockiest relationships in music history. The story of two brothers who went from sharing a bedroom at their mum’s house to becoming one of the world’s most successful bands. But their feud was almost as famous as their talent. Welcome to Manchester in the rock ’n’ roll 1990s, where a music manager is just trying to keep his latest band from self-imploding.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Noel and Liam | The Battle of Britpop | 2

Noel and Liam | The Battle of Britpop | 2

It’s 1995 and Noel and Liam have a new enemy. But this time it’s not each other. The brothers have put aside their differences to face Britpop band, Blur, in the UK’s most intense chart battle for thirty years. The country is holding its breath as the groups prepare to release singles on the same day. But will the bad boy brothers of Britpop cope if they fail to emerge victorious?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Noel and Liam | Look Back in Anger | 3

Noel and Liam | Look Back in Anger | 3

When Noel tells a journalist he’s leaving Oasis, Liam feels like he’s losing control. If the band is going down, he wants to be the one to call time on it. But in reality neither brother has control over the future of Oasis. Because their bandmates have had enough of the feuding. They want out.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Noel and Liam | Radio legend Steve Lamacq on the most chaotic interview of his career | 4

Noel and Liam | Radio legend Steve Lamacq on the most chaotic interview of his career | 4

In 1997, Steve Lamacq thought he was interviewing Noel Gallagher live on Radio 1. So he was delighted when Liam turned up too. He knew the brothers could be unpredictable, but he didn’t know that this interview would go down in Oasis history. Their alcohol-fulled, expletive-filled argument was both radio gold and every presenter’s nightmare. Steve takes Alice Levine and Matt Forde inside that day. Plus he tells us who really won the Battle of Britpop and weighs in on the band’s future.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 38

The Race to Ruin | Round the World | 1

The Race to Ruin | Round the World | 1

Comedian and actor Hugh Dennis joins Alice Levine on a race around the world. It’s the 1960s, and businessman, inventor and dreamer Donald Crowhurst is in serious financial trouble. He plans to pay off his debt and provide for his family not by getting a job, but by sailing around the globe. On launch day however, he has an unfinished boat and very little sailing experience - and he’s bet his house on finishing the race. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Race to Ruin | Deep Water | 2

The Race to Ruin | Deep Water | 2

As he gets further into the Golden Globe race, Donald Crowhurst realises he's in trouble. He has not brought the right supplies, his boat is not watertight and he's sailing towards the most dangerous area of water on earth. He decides to take a gamble. If it goes right then he'll come home safe. If it goes wrong then he'll be branded a cheat and his family will be homeless.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Race to Ruin | The Game is Over | 3

The Race to Ruin | The Game is Over | 3

Just two competitors are left in the Golden Globe race, and Donald is one of them. In fact, he's the frontrunner. But it's all a lie: Donald has been cheating. Terrified of being found out and with his elated family already planning the celebrations, it dawns on him that there’s only one way he can avoid total humiliation.This episode contains a depiction of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, the following services offer free support:In Europe, you can speak to a trained volunteer from Samaritans about anything that's worrying you by calling 116 123.In the US, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling 988.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to kill a shark to stay alive - Knox-Johnston on what it took to win the Golden Globe | 4

How to kill a shark to stay alive - Knox-Johnston on what it took to win the Golden Globe | 4

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston was the only sailor to finish the Golden Globe Race. When he returned home after ten months at sea, he donated his winnings to the Crowhurst family. Sir Robin takes Alice inside his epic voyage, from the reality of fixing his boat in shark-infested waters, to facing a painful bout of appendicitis alone. Plus, he tells us what Donald Crowhurst should have done once he realised he was in danger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 37

The Fake Sheikh | From Robes to Riches | 1

The Fake Sheikh | From Robes to Riches | 1

Actress, comedian and podcaster Emily Lloyd-Saini joins Alice Levine on a journey to London’s Fleet Street. It's the 1980s and young Mazher Mahmood manages to bag a job at one of the UK's biggest newspapers. He has a talent for breaking stories, but he soon realises it’ll take more than good journalism to make his mark. In fact, it might not take much of that at all. He hits on the idea of becoming a Fake Sheikh - and a tabloid star is born.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Fake Sheikh | Mahmood Unmasked | 2

The Fake Sheikh | Mahmood Unmasked | 2

Mahmood’s status as king of the sting is under threat. Phone hacking is a new tool that’s cheaper and easier than his elaborate ruses. So he doubles down. More stings, more disguises, more famous targets. Until one of those targets starts to fight back.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Fake Sheikh | Downfall | 3

The Fake Sheikh | Downfall | 3

Mazher Mahmood goes glam for his next undercover persona: Bollywood film producer. His latest victim is singer and X Factor judge, Tulisa. But when Tulisa takes legal action, the tables turn. Mahmood becomes the story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Fake Sheikh | Interview - Reporter Christine Hart on playing the Fake Sheikh’s wife | 4

The Fake Sheikh | Interview - Reporter Christine Hart on playing the Fake Sheikh’s wife | 4

Christine Hart watched Mazher Mahmood at close range. As a fellow investigative reporter at News of the World in the 90s and 00s, she played roles including the sheikh’s wife, an arms dealer and a stripper. Christine tells Alice Levine what Mahmood was really like, and what he’s up to now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 36

The Krays | The Boys of Bethnal Green | 1

The Krays | The Boys of Bethnal Green | 1

Joining Alice Levine on a trip to the East End of London is comedian Phil Wang. It's the 1950s and the unruly Kray twins are tired of spending their days boxing and street fighting. They want more power, more influence. So they start building an empire in the criminal underworld. And they’re making gains, until one brother realises the biggest threat to their plan is his own twin.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Krays | The Firm Unlimited | 2

The Krays | The Firm Unlimited | 2

The Krays are gaining influence in the London gang scene and getting rich in the process. Working together, their bond feels unbreakable. Until one day they meet a woman who proves it's not.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Krays | We've Not Been Angels | 3

The Krays | We've Not Been Angels | 3

The Kray twins have run riot in London’s criminal underworld for over a decade. So far they’ve felt untouchable. But with a new detective on their case, that’s about to change. Enter crime-busting maverick, Nipper Read. He’s gaining on the Krays: all he needs now is a witness to testify against two of the most powerful men in the city.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Krays | Interview - The Krays' barrister, Nemone Lethbridge | 4

The Krays | Interview - The Krays' barrister, Nemone Lethbridge | 4

Alice Levine heads to the Krays' heartland of North-East London to meet Nemone Lethbridge, who defended the twins in court. Nemone tells us why she never considered turning the job down, takes listeners inside the working relationship that progressed into an unlikely friendship and weighs in on how the Krays became quite so notorious.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 35

The Aitken Affair | A Self-Made Man | 1

The Aitken Affair | A Self-Made Man | 1

With Matt Forde taking some time away from the microphone, comedian and actor Rob Delaney joins Alice Levine to take listeners inside a story of politics, pride and perjury.Young MP Jonathan Aitken has big ambitions. He wants to make his mark on politics - and on the world. After he catches Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s eye, his star is firmly on the rise. But before long, a dark secret threatens to destroy everything he’s worked so hard to build.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Aitken Affair | Lies Under Oath | 2

The Aitken Affair | Lies Under Oath | 2

The editor of The Guardian has had a tip-off which, if true, is huge: that the cabinet minister Jonathan Aitken is accepting money from senior Saudis. He’s been trying to nail down the story for a month but with no luck. Then one day, he has an idea: call David Leigh, an investigative journalist who MPs with something to hide have learned to fear. Maybe David can find the smoking gun?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Aitken Affair | Face the Music | 3

The Aitken Affair | Face the Music | 3

Jonathan Aitken has created an intricate web of lies, and now he’s placed his own family at the centre of it. If the truth is uncovered, he risks losing his relationships, career and freedom. But journalist David Leigh is onto him and he’s moving fast. He’s just one piece of the puzzle away from bringing Aitken down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.