British Scandal

Wondery

About

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…

Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now.

Available on

Community

212 episodes

Encore: Breaking Barings | Under the Water | 1

British Scandal is celebrating its third birthday! To mark the occasion we are revisiting one of our favourite ever seasons. The story of a young man who bankrupted Britain's oldest bank. It’s the early 90s and Nick Leeson is rising through the ranks at Barings. He’s not the only employee pulling some risky financial moves. But when Leeson gets himself into a hole, he doesn’t know when to stop digging.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

43m
May 14
Hitler's Angel | How the Mitfords became Britain's most scandalous sisters | 4

Lyndsy Spence became obsessed with the aristocracy as a teenager. Now a historian and Mitford sister expert, she sits down with Matt and Alice to dissect the six extraordinary and eccentric siblings. From Diana, the beautiful child who dreamed of being kidnapped, to Nancy, who once hoped her parents had been onboard the Titanic - Lyndsy explains the sisters’ shared love of shocking others and ponders the question she’d most like to ask Diana. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

36m
May 07
Hitler's Angel | Fascism or Death | 3

Diana Mosley hasn’t slept for weeks. Oswald has been locked up and she can’t even find a lawyer to represent him. There's only one person she can turn to: her sister, Nancy. But people she trusts have started informing on her. And her family's next. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51m
Apr 30
Hitler's Angel | Uncle Wolf | 2

Diana has already chosen fascism over her family. But now the world is going to war, and she has to choose between fascism and her country. Winston Churchill tries to win Diana over, but she has already met Germany’s charismatic leader, Adolf Hitler. And she’s hooked. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

52m
Apr 23
Listen Now: The Price of Paradise

When ex-Bunny girl Jayne Gaskin spots the desert island of her dreams for sale online, she decides to risk it all. Trading in their English village home, Jayne and her family relocate to their own private paradise, just off the coast of Nicaragua. And a reality TV crew follows them to film a new show, . But soon they all discover that paradise has its secrets. The locals claim the island belongs to them, and it’s been sold illegally. Jayne’s not leaving without a fight. A fight that will soon turn deadly. Hosted by Alice Levine. Listen to The Price of Paradise on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/the-price-of-paradise/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8m
Apr 21
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.

50m
Apr 16
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.

36m
Apr 09
Listen Now: Scamfluencers

To anyone who grew up in the 2000s, Martha Stewart is probably more famous for going to jail than for her pumpkin pie. But there’s so much more to her story. And her saga lets us crack into the value of women’s work, the shifting nature of celebrity over the 2000s, and the most American scam of all: obscene wealth.  Scamfluencers is a weekly podcast from Wondery that takes you along the twists and turns of some of the most infamous scams of all time, the impact on victims, and what’s left once the facade falls away. You’re about to hear a preview of Scamfluencers. Follow Scamfluencers wherever you get your podcasts, or at wondery.fm/scamfluencers-marthastewart http://wondery.fm/scamfluencers-marthastewart. For more deep dive and daily business content listen to Wondery– the destination for business podcasts. With shows like How I Built This, Business Wars, The Best One Yet, Business Movers and many more, Wondery Means Business. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

4m
Apr 04
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.

48m
Apr 02
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.

52m
Mar 27
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.

52m
Mar 20
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.

31m
Mar 13
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.

46m
Mar 06
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.

48m
Feb 28
Listen Now: The Spy Who

These are stories you were never meant to hear. The invisible but vital work of the world’s intelligence services: secret operatives playing to very different rules. The Spy Who, hosted by Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey, takes you deep inside that shadow world to meet spies who risked everything in the national interest – or, sometimes, their own. Search and follow The Spy Who wherever you listen to podcasts, or binge entire seasons early and ad-free on Wondery+ on Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6m
Feb 27
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.

51m
Feb 21
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.

26m
Feb 14
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.

49m
Feb 07
Listen Now: Academy - Featuring Myha'la

Welcome to Bishop Gray Academy, a world of high-stakes and cut-throat competition.   Academy, a riveting coming-of-age audio drama co-produced by AT WILL MEDIA and Wondery, follows the story of Ava Richards, a scholarship student who transfers to Bishop Gray, one of the most elite and competitive boarding schools in America.   As Ava tries to find her place in this high-pressure environment, she soon crosses paths with an underground society known as The Night of the Wolf, which caters to the school's wealthiest students and enforces strict secrecy. With trust in short supply, Ava must navigate a dangerous and alluring world where friendships will be tested, romances will bloom, and ambitions cut short.    Listen to Academy: Wondery.fm/Academy_ http://wondery.fm/Academy_ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6m
Feb 05
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.

47m
Jan 31
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.

47m
Jan 24
Listen Now: Dr. Death: Bad Magic

When a charismatic young doctor announces revolutionary treatments for cancer and HIV, patients from around the world turn to him for their last chance. As medical experts praise Serhat Gumrukcu’s genius, the company he co-founded rockets in value to over half a billion dollars. But when a team of researchers makes a startling discovery, they begin to suspect the brilliant doctor is hiding a secret. From Wondery, the new season of Dr. Death: Bad Magic is a story of miraculous cures, magic and murder. Hosted by Laura Beil. Listen to Dr. Death - Bad Magic: Wondery.fm/Dr.Death http://Wondery.fm/Dr.Death See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5m
Jan 22
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.

33m
Jan 17
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.

49m
Jan 10
Listen Now: Even the Royals

For real life royals, the crown jewels can be more like shiny handcuffs. There are expectations and rules – and if you break them, the consequences are big, and very public. And no, we’re not just talking about Harry and Meghan. There are royal families and wild royal tales from around the world and throughout history that you have never heard before. From Wondery comes the latest from Even the Rich co-hosts Brooke Siffrinn and Aricia Skidmore-Williams. Even the Royals takes us inside the cloistered world of royal families, past and present, where wealth and status often come at the expense of your freedom – and maybe even your life. In these stories, very human emotions, like jealousy, love, disgust, have the power to reshape the world.    This is just a preview of Even the Royals. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, or at wondery.fm/eventheroyals http://wondery.fm/eventheroyals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

7m
Jan 08
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.

50m
Jan 03
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.

50m
Dec 27, 2023
The Aitken Affair | Interview - Journalist David Leigh on uncovering Aitken | 4

Rob Delaney and Alice Levine sit down with the reporter at the heart of our story, David Leigh. Leigh takes us inside the explosive investigation that led to Jonathan Aitken's imprisonment, from the moment he knew he was about to bring down the former Cabinet minister, to the vitriol he received from Aitken himself. Plus, he tells us why he believes the Aitken affair had a lasting impact on British journalism. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

43m
Dec 20, 2023
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.

43m
Dec 13, 2023
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.

46m
Dec 06, 2023