Shadow World
BBC Radio 4
In Shadow World: Anatomy of a Cancellation, the BBC's Culture Editor Katie Razzall revisits a story that rocked the UK's publishing industry in 2021. It led to what some saw as the unjustified cancellation of a prize-winning writer and teacher - but to others, was a long overdue reckoning for the world of publishing. It grew into a culture war about race, class, and who has the right to say what.
Gripping stories from the Shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.
Gripping stories from the Shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 24, 2025 • 15min
The Smuggler: 10. A Hidden Network
Journalist Annabel Deas speaks to experts who fear Nick’s routes and methods are a back door for other people smugglers
May 24, 2025 • 14min
The Smuggler: 9. The Arrest
Nick arrives in Kent with four Vietnamese migrants on his boat. But he’s met by police who arrest him for people smuggling.
May 24, 2025 • 15min
The Smuggler: 8. The Boat Theory
After a near escape, Nick vows to never smuggle again. Meanwhile, police build a theory that Nick is smuggling Vietnamese migrants to work on cannabis farms.
May 24, 2025 • 15min
The Smuggler: 7. A Dangerous Journey
Nick evades the police in France. But his boat is broken and taking on water. Meanwhile, journalist Annabel Deas hears about the dangerous journeys taken by Vietnamese migrants.Presenter - Annabel Deas
Producer - Hayley Mortimer
Sound design - Neil Churchill
Researcher - Isabel Kimbrey
Editor - Matt Willis
Commissioning Executive - Tracy Williams
Commissioning Editor - Dan Clarke
Series music - Ambit Sound
May 24, 2025 • 15min
The Smuggler: 6. The Vietnamese Connection
Nick is paid thousands of pounds to bring Vietnamese migrants into the UK. But at what cost?
May 24, 2025 • 14min
The Smuggler: 5. The Crossing
Nick buys a boat and searches for a new smuggling route across the English Channel.
May 24, 2025 • 15min
The Smuggler: 4. The Final Border
After serving time in prison for people smuggling, Nick becomes an informant, providing information about the Albanian gang.
May 24, 2025 • 14min
The Smuggler: 3. The Mistake
Nick is growing in confidence, smuggling migrants across the channel on ferries. But human error is impossible to avoid.
May 24, 2025 • 15min
The Smuggler: 2. Nick’s First Time
Nick is desperate to provide for his new family. He travels to Dunkirk to smuggle an illegal migrant into the UK. Meanwhile, a police operation swings into action.
May 24, 2025 • 15min
The Smuggler: 1. The Passport
British builder Nick is struggling after the 2008 financial crash. He receives an offer from an Albanian people smuggling gang that’s too good to refuse.Presenter - Annabel Deas
Producer - Hayley Mortimer
Sound design - Neil Churchill
Editor - Matt Willis
Commissioning Executive - Tracy Williams
Commissioning Editor - Dan Clarke
Series music - Ambit Sound
