British Scandal

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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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now.

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286 episodes

Lord Haw-Haw: Germany Calling | Radio Reich | 2

Under Goebbels' wing, William becomes Lord Haw-Haw. Night after night he broadcasts Hitler’s message into Britain. But one Brit is having none of it: Winston Churchill. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51m
May 14
Listen Now: Oh What A Time...

It’s time to embark on a journey through history with "Oh What A Time…" a comedy history podcast hosted by renowned comedians Elis James and Tom Craine along with award winning podcaster Chris Scull. Tackling a brand new subject each week, (from ‘childhood’ to ‘a life at sea’, ‘marriage’ to ‘holidays’) your hosts will dive into the very weirdest and worst that history has to offer, in an effort to answer the question… "Was the past as awful as it sounds?" Listen to Oh What A Time... 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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/oh-what-a-time/ You can get in touch with the show by emailing: hello@ohwhatatime.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10m
May 11
Lord Haw-Haw: Germany Calling | Chelsea Smile | 1

William Joyce wants to serve Britain. But when Britain's establishment rejects him, he chooses Hitler's Germany instead, becoming the plummy voice of Nazi propaganda. This is the story of one of history's most notorious traitors. A man whose voice poured from the heart of the Third Reich into the very homes he left behind. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

49m
May 07
The Dirty Duchess | The Original Tabloid Queen | 4

The Duchess of Argyll was shameless, in all the right ways. That’s what drew historian, Lyndsy Spence, to write a book about her. She joins Matt and Alice to discuss why Margaret Campbell was the precursor to the female celebrities of today who are scrutinised by the tabloids. Plus, remember the headless man in the photograph at the heart of our scandal? Lyndsy knows who he is… Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

31m
Apr 30
Listen Now: Death County, PA

Lamont Jones leaves Dauphin County Prison for the last time, a free man ready to move on with his life. But when his young cousin dies in that same jail, he learns that this is not the only mysterious death that has plagued Dauphin County Prison. The search for the truth will put him at odds with a reality TV show coroner who claims to speak for the dead and people in power who all have something to hide.  Listen to Death County, PA: Wondery.fm/DCPA_FD http://wondery.fm/DCPA_FD See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5m
Apr 28
The Dirty Duchess | Argyll vs Argyll | 3

The gloves come off in Britain's nastiest divorce as Margaret and Ian's years of marital warfare reach their explosive finale. But in 1960s high society, a woman’s reputation is guilty until proven innocent. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51m
Apr 23
The Dirty Duchess | Heirs and Affairs | 2

Margaret refuses to be burnt twice. She has already sunk her fortune into a castle she can never inherit. So, as her marriage crumbles, the Duchess goes to extreme lengths to secure what’s rightfully hers. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51m
Apr 16
The Dirty Duchess | Divorcée to Duchess | 1

Margaret Sweeney is rich, beautiful, and keeping London's eligible bachelors very, very busy. Cast out of high society after her divorce, she's enjoying an unapologetically active sex life. But when the Duke of Argyll offers to make her his Duchess, she glimpses a delicious revenge: ruling over the very society that rejected her. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51m
Apr 09
Listen Now: Don’t Cross Kat

Kat Torres has the insta-perfect life. She is rich, gorgeous and not ashamed to share it. Her posts about witchcraft and “alien baths” drew in over a million followers, all chasing the dream of a lifestyle like hers. But as she gathers more followers around her, the secrets beneath her fame grow darker and more dangerous.    One woman sets out to bring back her best friend who has fallen under the spell of this modern-day guru.   And what begins as a search for a missing friend soon puts her on a collision course with Kat.  Based on the hit Brazilian podcast, journalist Chico Felitti uncovers a gripping story of influence, control, and those who dare to fight back. Listen to Wondery.fm/DontCrossKat http://wondery.fm/DontCrossKat  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5m
Apr 07
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Asil Nadir’s Escape Pilot Speaks Out | 4

When Peter Dimond, the man who orchestrated Nadir's 1993 evasion from British justice, got in touch, Matt and Alice had to hear his side of the story. From the dramatic small plane escape to spending five years in Cyprus with Britain's most wanted fraudster, Dimond reveals what drove him to help Nadir and the true cost of his loyalty. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

32m
Apr 04
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Battle of the Big Mac | 3

Asil Nadir returns to his beloved London determined to clear his name. But he’s facing a new opponent. With the Serious Fraud Office’s reputation in tatters, its new Head needs a big win - and locking up Nadir would be just the ticket. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

52m
Apr 02
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Big Bird | 2

Asil Nadir claims he can prove his innocence. He just needs to stick around for the trial. But when someone offers him a seat on a small plane to Cyprus… Well, wouldn’t you? Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51m
Mar 26
Listen Now: How Do You Cope?

With 1 in 6 people experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it’s never been more important to find out how people are dealing with these challenges. In this podcast, comedian and broadcaster John Robins brings his trademark approach of heart and humour to the conversation, sitting down with guests and experts each week to ask the very simple question - How Do You Cope? Tune in every Monday for new episodes of with bonus minisodes landing every Thursday. Listen to 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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/how-do-you-cope https://wondery.com/shows/how-do-you-cope/. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

23m
Mar 24
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Ragtrade to Riches | 1

It’s the 1980s. Margaret Thatcher’s Britain is all about making it big if you work hard enough, and boy, does Asil Nadir get the memo. He transforms small textile firm, Polly Peck into a FTSE 100 giant. The City loves him; the Iron Lady thinks he’s marvellous. But when they learn the truth, his empire starts to crumble. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

52m
Mar 19
The IRA Heiress | What Rose Dugdale Did Next | 4

Journalist Sean O'Driscoll met the IRA Heiress herself. He would cycle to her Dublin care home to chat over tea and biscuits. Though he went easier on the digestives after he found out Rose was the architect of the biscuit-launcher: a deadly weapon used in countless attacks during the Troubles. Sean tells Matt and Alice what he learned about the next mind-blowing chapter in Rose Dugdale's story, from prison sentences, to a hidden pregnancy. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com 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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

27m
Mar 12
The IRA Heiress | The Heist | 3

The police are after Rose. Her face is all over the papers. If authorities are going to try and stop her, Rose is determined to use whatever time she has left wisely. It’s time to stage Ireland’s biggest ever art heist. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com 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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

50m
Mar 05
The IRA Heiress | Most Wanted | 2

Rose and her IRA comrades plan The Troubles’ first aerial bombing. But she’s having a hard time getting the others to trust her. With her plummy English accent, she’s the last person you’d expect to join the IRA. But that’s what makes her the perfect weapon. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com 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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

50m
Feb 26
Listen Now: Scam Factory

You know those messages that you get all the time, the ones that pop up out of nowhere? They could be real, but something about them seems fishy. You likely dismiss these texts and emails as mere annoyances, thinking you’ve stopped some random stranger from ripping you off. But the shocking truth is, the person behind that message might be trapped inside a “scam factory” on the other side of the world and forced to scam others against their will. From Wondery, comes a new series about the brutal reality behind these operations, where one family discovers a horrifying truth: the only way out is to scam their way out. Listen Now: Wondery.fm/Scam_Factory http://wondery.fm/Scam_Factory See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6m
Feb 24
The IRA Heiress | From Debutante to Defendant | 1

Oxford graduate, aristocrat, heiress – Rose Dugdale has it all. So her path from millionaire’s daughter to IRA bomb-maker shocks British society. And Dugdale’s ideals means she doesn't just reject her privileged upbringing - she sets out to destroy it, one explosion at a time. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com 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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ http://wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

49m
Feb 19
Julian Assange | The Weird World of WikiLeaks | 4

If you think your job sucks, spare a thought for Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James Ball. He spent three months living and working with Julian Assange on the leaks of hundreds of thousands of documents. And he has some tales to tell about the cult-like environment he was thrust into. Like how Assange was a deliberately weird, difficult man with a "pathological need to lie". How Assange’s reaction to learning of a dangerous informer in his ranks was… surprising. And why, ultimately, he thinks WikiLeaks failed as a force for good. 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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/scandal http://nordvpn.com/scandal Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

39m
Feb 12
Listen Now: How To Date

From Elizabeth Day, the creator and host of How To Fail, comes the next podclass (podcast masterclass) How To Date. Hosted by Elizabeth Day and Married At First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling the duo are here to help you navigate your way through modern dating. With fascinating guests and candid discussion, we explore building confidence and breaking old patterns to decoding dating apps and finding love that is worthy of you, every episode is tackled with humour, honesty, and expert advice. Follow now to make sure you never miss a single episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11m
Feb 10
Julian Assange | Operation Hotel | 3

Assange seeks asylum at London’s Ecuadorian Embassy to avoid facing charges abroad. It’s supposed to be a safe haven, but it begins to feel like a prison. He started this fight for press freedom. Now, he’s fighting for his own. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/scandal http://nordvpn.com/scandal Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51m
Feb 05
Julian Assange | Enemy of the State | 2

An alliance with international press turns Assange into a public figure. But soon, he ends up on the front pages for all the wrong reasons. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51m
Jan 29
Listen Now: We Came to the Forest

Vienna is working a delivery job when she hears about Cop City, a massive police training facility planned for Atlanta. She decides to join the activists trying to stop construction. When Vienna arrives in the South River Forest, she quickly finds a community, a cause and a love unlike any other. But the events of one morning shatters everything. Vienna and everyone connected to the forest begin to question what are you willing to die for? Wondery, Campside and Tenderfoot TV present: WE CAME TO THE FOREST. Listen to WE CAME TO THE FOREST wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge the entire series early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts: Wondery.fm/WeCametotheForest http://wondery.fm/WeCametotheForest See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6m
Jan 27
Julian Assange | No Secrets | 1

Julian Assange dreams of a world where secrets are open and truth reigns. So he builds a haven for whistleblowers, Wikileaks.org. But when a US military leak sparks a global controversy, it puts his source in danger. Will Assange's ideals survive the storm? Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

52m
Jan 22
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | An Actual Tichborne | 4

William Motley says he’s a descendant of the family… But we’ve checked and this time it’s true. He’s even writing a book about Arthur Orton’s outlandish claims. William joins Alice and Matt to unpack the lasting impact of the scandal on his relatives, Britain’s fascination with class, and life as the descendant of nobility. Plus, William tells us about the so-called "Tichborne curse". Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25m
Jan 15
Introducing: Encounters

Encounters dives into one of the most famous and unsolved UFO encounters to ever take place in the UK. What really happened over two nights in December 1980, when US servicemen saw mysterious lights in the skies? UFO expert Andy McGrillen and producer Elle Scott examine all of the evidence and conflicting theories about what happened and try to answer the question “Are we alone”  Listen to Encounters exclusively on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting www.wondery.com/links/encounters http://www.wondery.com/links/encounters.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8m
Jan 13
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | The People's Aristocrat | 3

Everything seems to have got rather out of hand. Arthur is now one of Britain’s biggest celebrities, and his fight for the Tichborne estate has become an ideological battle. Will fame assure his freedom? 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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

53m
Jan 08
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | Butcher or Baronet | 2

Arthur Orton is inching towards victory. But when an untimely death forces him to prove his identity in court, the game steps up. Now he must convince the world he’s Sir Roger Tichborne, or face public humiliation—and a one-way ticket to pennilessness. 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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

50m
Jan 01
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | Mother Knows Best | 1

It’s 1865, and butcher Arthur Orton is living in poverty in Australia. Then he hears about a reward for information on England’s ninth richest nobleman, Sir Roger Tichborne, who's been missing for several years. So Arthur comes up with an audacious plan. All he has to do is fool the man’s entire family. How hard can it be? 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, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51m
Dec 27, 2024