British Scandal

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 California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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-my-info.

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Rolling Stones.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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-not-sell-my-info.

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.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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] you’re experiencing domestic abuse, or want to help someone who is, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit nationaldahelpline.org.ukSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 email [email protected] mental health support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected] you’re experiencing domestic abuse, or want to help someone who is, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit nationaldahelpline.org.ukSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 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 email [email protected] mental health support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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-sell-my-info.

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.

Bruce Reynolds is rich. But he’s also a wanted man. An entire nation wants to know where he is. But there's one person who wants to find him more than any other: Tommy Butler. A relentless detective who’s solved more cases than anyone else in his squad, Butler won’t let anything come between him and the capture of Britain’s biggest thief. And so the hunt begins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cracks are showing in Bruce Reynolds' 16-man crew and the farm where they’ve been hiding out is a pressure cooker. But today's the day they plan to stage the daring train robbery, and the stakes are far too high to turn back. Can the group hold it together long enough to pull off Britain’s biggest ever heist?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bruce Reynolds is a master of the criminal trade. Canny, well-dressed and suave, he’s transcended his humble origins by taking advantage of London’s illegal underworld. Robbing jewellery allows him to satisfy his taste for the finer things, but now he wants more. His ultimate fantasy is to find an ‘Eldorado’ that will set him up for life. So he concocts a plan more ambitious and much riskier than anything he’s pulled off before. If it succeeds, he’ll become richer than he could have ever imagined, and the man behind Britain’s largest ever robbery.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 talk to Norman Scott, the man at the very heart of our story, whose chance meeting with Jeremy Thorpe in 1961 would lead to an attempt on his life. He describes the first time he caught the former Liberal leader's eye, the painful years living under his control and the terrifying night his life was in the balance. And he delivers his verdict on Hugh Grant’s portrayal of Thorpe in the BBC’s A Very English Scandal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If Jeremy Thorpe’s plan had worked, Norman Scott would now be permanently silenced. But he’s alive and able to tell the world about their affair and the terrifying attempt on his life. For years, Norman has felt shackled by Thorpe. Now it’s Thorpe who could end up behind bars. But will the world believe the powerful former party leader? Or the unknown model with a wild story?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeremy Thorpe’s star has risen. As Liberal Party leader, he’s busy tackling the problems of 1970s Britain. But there’s a distraction. Norman Scott is telling his story to anyone who will listen. Thorpe will stop at nothing to keep him quiet, but he can’t do it alone. He takes on a new accomplice: one whose lack of experience will be Thorpe’s downfall - and Scott’s saving grace.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeremy Thorpe's political career is on the up. But his personal life is threatening to bring him down. He is one of the brightest stars in Westminster. Perhaps even a future PM. But rumours about his sexuality are swirling. And in 1960s Britain, homosexuality is illegal. Now his former lover, Norman, is preparing to go to the papers to reveal all. And Thorpe decides to risk everything to stop him.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ambitious Liberal MP Jeremy Thorpe has a secret. He's got his eye on a handsome but troubled young stable boy. But in 1960s Britain, homosexuality is illegal. Soon he's forced to choose: politics or passion?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 talk to Adam Raphael, an author and journalist who, in 1987, was subpoenaed to give evidence for The Daily Star in Archer’s libel trial. He takes us inside the trial, discusses Archer's political skill and compares him to a certain blonde British Prime Minister.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart from the hit show Morbid.When 90-year-old Laurence Pilgeram drops dead on the sidewalk outside his condo, you might think that’s the end of his story. But, really, it’s just the beginning. Because Laurence and others like him have signed up to be frozen and brought back to life in the future. And that belief will pull multiple generations of the Pilgeram family into a cryonics soap opera filled with dead pets, gold coins, grenades, fist fights, mysterious packages, family feuds, Hall of Fame baseball legends, and frozen heads — lots of frozen heads. From Wondery, comes a story about life, death, and what comes next.Listen to Frozen Head: Wondery.fm/FH_BSSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeffrey Archer is running for London Mayor and he thinks he can win. But is his web of lies about to unravel?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeffrey Archer takes the witness stand in the libel trial of the century. He has two false alibis and a forged diary to help him prove he never slept with Monica Coghlan. But will the jury believe him, or is his carefully constructed world about to come crashing down?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeffrey Archer is a young and up and coming Tory politician. He dreams of becoming Prime Minister. But what happens when a newspaper accuses him of paying for sex?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt and Alice talk to Dan Richter, friend and live-in assistant to John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the 1970s. An American who, in his own words, “came along for the ride: a co-conspirator, confidant, assistant and dope-buddy”, Dan gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the private world of John and Yoko. He recalls the making of Lennon's legendary hit 'Imagine', and tells us whether he believes the couple were truly compatible.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After the Beatles break up, John's addictions and his bitter jealousy of Paul McCartney threaten to rip his life, and relationship with Yoko, apart. When Yoko sends him away to LA, will their relationship survive?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Lennon is mesmerized by the strange, thrilling artist Yoko Ono. He has never experienced a collaboration like this with anyone. Not even Paul. But as their relationship deepens, so too do problems in the band. Could this be the end of The Beatles?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Lennon has a dream - to make music. So when he enlists George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to join his band The Quarrymen, he feels like this is the start of something big. But as tragedy strikes, and he faces the perils of newfound stardom, John seeks out new inspiration - an avant-garde, Japanese artist called Yoko Ono.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt and Alice speak to Sonia Purnell, journalist and author of 'Just Boris: A Tale of Blonde Ambition'. She shares her memories of her time working with Boris in Brussels during the 90s. They also discuss his early and crucial reinvention, the Johnson appeal, and whether or not we'll see Boris in British politics again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Partygate story has broken, and it spells disaster for Boris - now, he has to fight for everything he's worked so hard to achieve. But with new scandals emerging, and his government crumbling around him, is this the end of the road for Boris Johnson?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Teflon PM has successfully delivered Brexit, but his newfound power is threatened by in-fighting between his closest allies. And when Boris faces the biggest challenge of his career so far, the problems begin to pile up - all under the watchful eye of a relentless journalist.Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Boris has never been more popular as he leads the successful Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum. He couldn't be in a stronger position to become Prime Minister...until an old ally turns into an adversary. But when new PM Theresa May gives him a surprise top cabinet job, how will Boris use his new position to his advantage?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's 2008: Boris is vying for the role of Mayor of London, all the while keeping the top job in his sights. Despite blunders in Beijing, a tumultuous and highly publicized personal life, and that zipwiring incident, Boris seems unstoppable. But with a history-altering referendum on the horizon, Boris faces an existential choice - remain, or leave?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson has one goal: to be king of the world. After all, everyone tells him he's capable of it - his dysfunctional parents, his elite teachers, his affluent friends. But as he faces his first public scandal, will he be able to weather the storm?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt and Alice speak to David Dimbleby, one of the BBC's most illustrious broadcasters. David reflects on his early years at the BBC, when Mary Whitehouse was beginning her battle against the corporation, and recalls a day he spent interviewing Mary in the 1970s.Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary finds an ally in the most powerful person in the country - Margaret Thatcher. But how long will their allegiance last?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary’s fight moves beyond television to remodeling the whole moral outlook of Britain – via the courtroom. But when she targets the gay community, Mary underestimates the backlash that’s to come. Are Mary Whitehouse's campaigning days over?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the early 1960s, a housewife from Birmingham is shocked by the changing tide of culture, and decides to do something about it. Mary Whitehouse goes up against her first adversary: the BBC and its liberal Director General, Sir Hugh Carleton Greene. In a battle for the future of the BBC, who will win?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!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 Julian Hayes, John Stonehouse's grand-nephew and author of 'Stonehouse: Cabinet Minister, Fraudster, Spy'. They discuss the allegations surrounding Stonehouse's involvement with the Czechs, his family's reaction to the disappearance, and the time he tried to egg his grand-uncle.Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.