

Limelight
BBC Radio 4
The Limelight podcast - for fiction and drama serials you won't want to miss from Radio 4.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2026 • 29min
Wolf Valley: Episode 1
Lena Ekström, a seasoned criminal investigator from the National Crime Agency, returns to her childhood fjord town, Wolf Valley, to unravel the mystery of a missing activist. As she reconnects with the distrustful locals, Lena navigates a tense landscape filled with buried secrets and environmental crimes. Intrigued by local folklore, she reflects on her past while confronting the tragic reality of her search. With each twist, Lena's journey reveals the dark complexities of the community and the environmental stakes at hand.

Jan 19, 2026 • 2min
Wolf Valley: Trailer
Haunted by her past, criminal investigator Lena Ekström returns to isolated fjord town Wolf Valley, where she is plunged into the tangled mystery of a missing young activist.Against the dramatic backdrop of the fjord, Lena must follow the trail through a tightknit, distrustful community. As tensions rise, long-buried secrets resurface, and the weather closes in, Lena faces her own fears and forges unexpected new connections to uncover the sinister truth.A chilling Nordic Noir eco-thriller about the wild darkness within us all.An Almost Tangible Production for BBC Radio 4 LimelightWritten by CHARLOTTE MELÉN. Original music MARCUS HJELMBORG. Sound Design LOUIS BLATHERWICK and STEVE BOND. Director CHARLOTTE MELÉN. Producer ELEANOR MEIN.

Jan 16, 2026 • 29min
Spores: Series 2: Episode 5. Dark Healer
It’s been 12 years since social worker Cassie discovered a mysterious mould in her home, invisible to almost everyone except her. Now the fungus has spread - its glowing spores a major global health threat, infecting the brains of those who inhale them. But many refuse to take seriously a menace they cannot see.
When spores erupt at a care home in Wales, Cassie’s son Bryn and 30 residents are exposed to infection. But how could this have happened when just days earlier the building was declared mould-free by a mycelium-sighted Inspector?
For Bryn there is only one explanation: not everyone who claims to see the mould can be trusted. But who is this rogue Inspector and why would they lie? In his search for answers, Bryn’s fraught relationship with Cassie will be tested to the limit as they battle to stop the fungus before the looming pandemic can take hold.
In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat destroying the very thing that makes us powerful. Written and created by Marietta KirkbrideCassie ….. Kate O’Flynn
Bryn ….. Ben Skym
Pascal ….. Emmanuel Berthelot
Ola ..… Aggy K. Adams
Helen ….. Laurel Lefkow
Ethan ..... Philip Desmeules
Josie ..... Cristina Wolfe
Layla Wolf ..... Laila Alj
Thugs ..... Théo Marceau and Félix Marceau
Bonobo handler ..... George WilliamsOther voices are played by the castProduction Manager: Eleanor Mein
Production Assistant: Liis Mikk with Teresa MilewskiExecutive Producer: Sara DaviesTitle music: Ioana Selaru and Melo-Zed
Track laying: Andreina Gómez
Sound design: Jon Nicholls and Adam WoodhamsDirected and produced by Nicolas JacksonAn Afonica production for BBC Radio 4

Jan 9, 2026 • 30min
Spores: Series 2: Episode 4. Devil’s Agent
It’s been 12 years since social worker Cassie discovered a mysterious mould in her home, invisible to almost everyone except her. Now the fungus has spread - its glowing spores a major global health threat, infecting the brains of those who inhale them. But many refuse to take seriously a menace they cannot see.
When spores erupt at a care home in Wales, Cassie’s son Bryn and 30 residents are exposed to infection. But how could this have happened when just days earlier the building was declared mould-free by a mycelium-sighted Inspector?
For Bryn there is only one explanation - not everyone who claims to see the mould can be trusted. But who is this rogue Inspector and why would they lie? In his search for answers, Bryn’s fraught relationship with Cassie will be tested to the limit as they battle to stop the fungus before the looming pandemic can take hold.
In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat destroying the very thing that makes us powerful. Written and created by Marietta KirkbrideCassie ….. Kate O’Flynn
Bryn ….. Ben Skym
Pascal ….. Emmanuel Berthelot
Ola ..… Aggy K. Adams
Helen ….. Laurel Lefkow
Ethan ..... Philip Desmeules
Josie ..... Cristina Wolfe
Layla Wolf ..... Laila AljOther voices played by the castProduction Manager: Eleanor Mein
Production Assistant: Liis Mikk with Teresa MilewskiExecutive Producer: Sara DaviesTitle music: Ioana Selaru and Melo-Zed
Track laying: Andreina Gómez
Sound design: Jon Nicholls and Adam WoodhamsDirected and produced by Nicolas JacksonAn Afonica production for BBC Radio 4

Jan 2, 2026 • 30min
Spores: Series 2: Episode 3. Fool’s Sickener
It’s been 12 years since social worker Cassie discovered a mysterious mould in her home, invisible to almost everyone except her. Now the fungus has spread - its glowing spores a major global health threat, infecting the brains of those who inhale them. But many refuse to take seriously a menace they cannot see.
When spores erupt at a care home in Wales, Cassie’s son Bryn and 30 residents are exposed to infection. But how could this have happened when just days earlier the building was declared mould-free by a mycelium-sighted Inspector?
For Bryn there is only one explanation - not everyone who claims to see the mould can be trusted. But who is this rogue Inspector and why would they lie? In his search for answers, Bryn’s fraught relationship with Cassie will be tested to the limit as they battle to stop the fungus before the looming pandemic can take hold.
In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat destroying the very thing that makes us powerful. By Marietta KirkbrideCassie ….. Kate O’Flynn
Bryn ….. Ben Skym
Pascal ….. Emmanuel Berthelot
Ola ..… Aggy K. Adams
Helen ….. Laurel Lefkow
Ethan ..... Philip Desmeules
Josie ..... Cristina Wolfe
Aditi Saklani ..... Amrita Acharia
Conference attendees ..... Laila Alj, Liis MikkBonobo recordings courtesy of Professor Zanna Clay of Durham UniversityProduction Manager: Eleanor Mein
Production Assistant: Liis Mikk with Teresa MilewskiExecutive Producer: Sara DaviesTitle music: Ioana Selaru and Melo-Zed
Track laying: Andreina Gómez
Sound design: Jon Nicholls and Adam WoodhamsDirected and produced by Nicolas JacksonAn Afonica production for BBC Radio 4

Dec 26, 2025 • 30min
Spores: Series 2: Episode 2. Cruel Deceiver
It’s been 12 years since social worker Cassie discovered a mysterious mould in her home, invisible to almost everyone except her. Now the fungus has spread - its glowing spores a major global health threat, infecting the brains of those who inhale them. But many refuse to take seriously a menace they cannot see.
When spores erupt at a care home in Wales, Cassie’s son Bryn and 30 residents are exposed to infection. But how could this have happened when just days earlier the building was declared mould-free by a mycelium-sighted Inspector?
For Bryn there is only one explanation - not everyone who claims to see the mould can be trusted. But who is this rogue Inspector and why would they lie? In his search for answers, Bryn’s fraught relationship with Cassie will be tested to the limit as they battle to stop the fungus before the looming pandemic can take hold.In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat destroying the very thing that makes us powerful. Written and created by Marietta KirkbrideCassie ….. Kate O’Flynn
Bryn ….. Ben Skym
Pascal ….. Emmanuel Berthelot
Helen ….. Laurel Lefkow
Ethan ..... Philip Desmeules
Kirsten ..... Cristina Wolfe
Gareth ..... George Williams
Demonstrators ..... Théo Marceau and Félix Marceau
Ola ..… Aggy K. AdamsOther voices played by the castProduction Manager: Eleanor Mein
Production Assistant: Liis Mikk with Teresa MilewskiExecutive Producer: Sara DaviesTitle music: Ioana Selaru and Melo-Zed
Track laying: Andreina Gómez
Sound design: Jon Nicholls and Adam WoodhamsDirected and produced by Nicolas JacksonAn Afonica production for BBC Radio 4

Dec 19, 2025 • 28min
Spores: Series 2: Episode 1. False Hunter
The supernatural horror returns.It’s been 12 years since social worker Cassie discovered a mysterious mould in her home, invisible to almost everyone except her. Now the fungus has spread - its glowing spores a major global health threat, infecting the brains of those who inhale them. But many refuse to take seriously a menace they cannot see.
When spores erupt at a care home in Wales, Cassie’s son Bryn and 30 residents are exposed to infection. But how could this have happened when just days earlier the building was declared mould-free by a mycelium-sighted Inspector?
For Bryn there is only one explanation: not everyone who claims to see the mould can be trusted. But who is this rogue Inspector and why would they lie? In his search for answers, Bryn’s fraught relationship with Cassie will be tested to the limit as they battle to stop the fungus before the looming pandemic can take hold.
In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat destroying the very thing that makes us powerful. Written and created by Marietta KirkbrideCassie ….. Kate O’Flynn
Bryn ….. Ben Skym
Helen ….. Laurel Lefkow
Ethan ..... Philip Desmeules
Gwenni ….. Kezrena James
Gareth ..... George WilliamsOther voices are played by the castProduction Manager: Eleanor Mein
Production Assistant: Liis Mikk with Teresa Milewski
Executive Producer: Sara DaviesTitle music: Ioana Selaru and Melo-Zed
Score: Ioana Selaru
Track laying: Andreina Gómez
Sound design: Jon Nicholls and Adam WoodhamsDirected and produced by Nicolas JacksonAn Afonica production for BBC Radio 4

Dec 12, 2025 • 2min
Spores: Series 2: Trailer: Spores Series 2
A psychological horror story set amid the mysterious world of mycelium.

Dec 12, 2025 • 29min
Murder on Mars: Episode 5
Mars, 2048. The first settlers, a mix of international workers and the super-rich. And the first unexplained death.When a body turns up in the corridor between a scrappy warehouse and a half-built luxury hotel, no-nonsense Harbourmaster Rita Siddiqui finds herself in charge. With Earth temporarily out of contact and no official law enforcement on Mars, she ropes in Vice Captain Jaz Hickson, a wide-eyed young pilot who’s only just landed.But murder's not their only problem. Atmospheric tests have triggered a dangerous storm. Paranoia grows as the power fails. Lights, gravity, oxygen: everything is at risk.Rita and Jaz must navigate a growing list of suspects, a dwindling supply of patience, and a killer who’s not finished yet.Because even 140 million miles from Earth, people still have secrets. And someone’s willing to kill to keep them.With the hub evacuated, Rita and Jaz are alone. Can they find the murderer in time? Written by Tim FoleyCAST
RITA SIDDIQUI ..... NISHA NAYAR
JAZ HICKSON ..... LUKE NEWBERRY
WARD ..... STEFFAN RHODRI
NILS ..... DAVID MENKIN
GRACE ….. ELIZABETH AYODELE
MAX ..... SIDHANT ANANDSound: Sharon Hughes, Keith Graham and Neva Missirian
Production Co-ordinator: Luke MacGregor
Director: Anne Isger
Casting Manager: Alex CurranA BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4

Dec 5, 2025 • 28min
Murder on Mars: Episode 4
Mars, 2048. The first settlers, a mix of international workers and the super-rich. And the first unexplained death. When a body turns up in the corridor between a scrappy warehouse and a half-built luxury hotel, no-nonsense Harbourmaster Rita Siddiqui finds herself in charge. With Earth temporarily out of contact and no official law enforcement on Mars, she ropes in Vice Captain Jaz Hickson, a wide-eyed young pilot who’s only just landed. But murder’s not their only problem. Atmospheric tests have triggered a dangerous storm. Paranoia grows as the power fails. Lights, gravity, oxygen: everything is at risk.Rita and Jaz must navigate a growing list of suspects, a dwindling supply of patience, and a killer who’s not finished yet.Because even 140 million miles from Earth, people still have secrets. And someone’s willing to kill to keep them.Jaz finds a surprise resident on Mars. And Rita and Jaz venture onto the surface.Written by Tim FoleyCAST
RITA SIDDIQUI ..... NISHA NAYAR
JAZ HICKSON ..... LUKE NEWBERRY
DAN ..... JOANA BORJA
DR LI ..... CRYSTAL YU
GRACE ….. ELIZABETH AYODELE
DAMIEN ZERO ….. PAUL HILTON
MAX ..... SIDHANT ANANDSound: Sharon Hughes, Keith Graham and Neva Missirian
Production Co-ordinator: Luke MacGregor
Director: Anne Isger
Casting Manager: Alex CurranA BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4


