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In Detail...

In Detail...

BBC Local Radio · BBC

44 episodesENserial

Show overview

In Detail... launched in 2024 and has put out 44 episodes in the time since. That works out to roughly 15 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence, with the show now in its 5th season.

Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 20 min and 29 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. Roughly 43% of episodes carry an explicit flag from the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Society & Culture show.

There hasn’t been a new episode in the last ninety days; the most recent episode landed 6 months ago. The busiest year was 2025, with 31 episodes published. Published by BBC.

Episodes
44
Running
2024–2025 · 1y
Median length
24 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

Exploring and explaining news stories from across England.Series 5: Sanctuary: An Act of Defiance Viraj Mendis from Sri Lanka begs for sanctuary in an Ascension church. The vicar, Father John Methuen, agrees to protect him defying Thatcher's government.Previously on In Detail...Series 1. The Pub Bombings Exploring the impact of two Birmingham pub bombs in a 50 year evolving story.Series 2. The Toxic Waste Scandal Explore the shocking events that ripped through a steelworks community in Corby.Series 3. Felled: The Sycamore Gap Story Hairy Biker Si King investigates who felled the tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland.Series 4. The Jesus Army Uncovering the rise and unravelling of one of the biggest religious cults in Britain.If you want to be notified as soon as new episodes are available, make sure you've subscribed on BBC Sounds.

Latest Episodes

View all 44 episodes

S5 Ep 7Episode Six

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Karen plots Viraj’s escape from Sri Lanka and finds a new home for them both in Germany.A new posting in Yorkshire proves troubling for Father John.Viraj’s friend Charlie Baker finds some peace after his experience in Sri Lanka.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.Photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.

Nov 4, 202529 min

S5 Ep 6Episode 5

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A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.

Oct 28, 202530 min

S5 Ep 5Episode 4

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A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.

Oct 21, 202533 min

S5 Ep 4Episode 3

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A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.

Oct 14, 202525 min

S5 Ep 3Episode 2

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A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.

Oct 7, 202534 min

S5 Ep 2Episode 1

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A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.

Sep 30, 202529 min

S5 Ep 1Trailer

A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.

Sep 28, 20253 min

S4 Ep 87. End of Days

Ex-Jesus Army members unite in finding their freedom, rebuilding their identity and speaking their truth.For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Sep 8, 202528 min

S4 Ep 76. Sins of the Flesh

Thousands mourn and a new generation takes control.Meanwhile criminal confessions about troubling abuse claims are ignored by elders and the pressure mounts.For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Sep 1, 202527 min

S4 Ep 65. Judas

Troubling revelations, a heavy conscience, and one man left questioning what to do next.Philippa recalls her visit to court to testify on behalf of her friend 'Gemma' and shares how it led her to question her beliefs and her spiritual family.Meanwhile, the Jesus Army continues as it was before, protecting the community and the elders. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Aug 25, 202532 min

S4 Ep 54. Love, Power and Sacrifice

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Street preaching, child look-outs and a police investigation. The vulnerable are drawn into the Jesus Army while a court case looms.For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Aug 17, 202525 min

S4 Ep 43. Family Values

Faith, control and growing tension in the Fellowship Church community with wild services, exorcisms and warnings of hidden wrong doing.This episode contains references to exorcism. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Aug 11, 202527 min

S4 Ep 32. Genesis

All new followers were welcome to the Jesus Fellowship, they were given new names and strict rules to become a member of the community.Treasured possessions are left at the door. No media, no music, no belongings and harsh discipline for children.This episode contains references to suicide and the physical punishment of children. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Aug 4, 202526 min

S4 Ep 21. Follow The Leader

Exploring how the Fellowship Church and the 'Jesus Army', led by Noel Stanton, settled in the rural Northamptonshire village of Bugbrooke.The church attracted thousands with promises of Christian faith, community and a better life.

Jul 28, 202525 min

S4 Ep 1Trailer

Uncovering the rise and unravelling of one of the biggest religious cults in Britain. Exploring the controversies, abuses and lasting scars left on those who lived within it.Diving deep into the Fellowship Church and the 'Jesus Army', led by Baptist evangelical maverick Noel Stanton in the Northamptonshire village of Bugbrooke.Devotees gave up their homes, their money and in some cases their family to live in Noel’s 'heaven on earth' where everything was shared – even children.Presenter Annabel Amos grew up in a village 5 minutes away from where this all began, as ex-members and survivors share their stories she has realised she knew little of the horrors lurking behind a promise of faith.Presenter: Annabel Amos. Producer: Ellena Wood, Tim Wheeler and Sarah-Jane Muddiman. Writer: Tim Wheeler with additional scripting by Jack Kibble White. Story consultant: Jack Kibble White. Sound design: Meic Parry. Sounds producer: Alex Huxley. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producer: Anna Bartlett and Katie Buchanan. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin.All interviews were produced and directed by Ellena Wood for the BBC series 'Inside the Cult of the Jesus Army' - on BBC iPlayer/BBCTwo. For help and information on issues covered in this series, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Jul 24, 20252 min

S3 Ep 76. Justice

Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, both from Cumbria, are sentenced in a live-streamed hearing at Newcastle Crown Court. BBC Correspondent Fiona Trott describes the atmosphere on the day.The two men were each convicted of two counts of criminal damage in May.Also, Si King hears whether some of those who loved the tree feel the sentence brings closure before finally returning to Sycamore Gap to see for himself how one of his favourite places has changed forever.Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Fiona Trott, Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story Consultant: Barney Rowntree. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producer: Dan Farthing and Alistair Miskin.

Jul 16, 202514 min

S3 Ep 65. A Living Monument

Si King explores what the future holds for Sycamore Gap and what made the tree so special.Discovering people's connection to the tree, the site and the significance of the Hollywood debut in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.Si King also asks whether dark tourism might help preserve interest in the area where the tree once stood and learns of plans for the tree's seeds.Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story Consultant: Barney Rowntree. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producer: Dan Farthing and Alistair Miskin.Credit: Danny Boyle/28 Days Later appear courtesy of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative / Sony Pictures.This episode contains reference to suicide. Information and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Jul 13, 202516 min

S3 Ep 54. The Reckoning

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Step inside the trial of Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, both from Cumbria, who are accused of felling Sycamore Gap.Join journalists, a courtroom artist and an expert witness to hear the evidence and how a grainy two-minute video of the felling found on a phone stunned the entire courtroom into silence.Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story Consultant: Barney Rowntree. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producer: Dan Farthing and Alistair Miskin.Credit: Tyneside Life Youtube Channel appears courtesy of Eddy Hope.

Jul 13, 202520 min

S3 Ep 43. The Night Of

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Meet the last person to see Sycamore Gap before it was felled and those who first stumbled upon the aftermath.Also Kevin Reynolds, the Hollywood director who made the tree famous in the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, hears the news.Meanwhile, as Sycamore Gap becomes a crime scene the men responsible are watching the coverage unfold in amazement. Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story Consultant: Barney Rowntree. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producer: Dan Farthing and Alistair Miskin.Credit: Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (Warner Bros Pictures / Kevin Reynolds).

Jul 13, 202521 min

S3 Ep 32. The Accusations

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As the investigation into who felled Sycamore Gap gets underway, accusations start to fly.One man falsely accused of cutting down the iconic tree was farmer Walter Renwick. In his first broadcast interview he shares how the resulting rumours and "trial by social media" impacted his life.Meanwhile, journalists descend on the communities near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland and discover a teenager has been arrested. Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story Consultant: Barney Rowntree. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producer: Dan Farthing and Alistair Miskin.This episode contains very strong language and reference to suicide. Information about support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Jul 13, 202520 min
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