British Scandal
Wondery
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 12, 2026 • 57sec
New Year, New Scandals - We'll Be Back Soon
British Scandal returns on 19th January. This year, Alice and Matt are taking you on a journey from the Post Office, to drug dens in Wales, inside the Big Brother house, and into Buckingham Palace itself. Follow this feed to make sure you don’t miss an episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 39min
The Other Virgin's Baby | How WW1 Changed Sex | 4
Join Professor Lucy Bland, a gender and sexuality historian from Anglia Ruskin University, as she uncovers the curious sexual myths of the interwar period. She discusses how WW1 revolutionized women's confidence and sexual knowledge. Bland reveals the historical misconceptions around female pleasure and the peculiarities of the Russell case, which shocked society. Additionally, she addresses the sensationalism surrounding the 'modern woman' and how scandals reflect deep social anxieties. Tune in for profound insights into sexuality, consent, and cultural dynamics.
Dec 24, 2025 • 51min
The Other Virgin's Baby | Fight to the Death | 3
Decades later, when Christabel thinks the scandal is buried, John’s family drags her back to court, forcing an ageing Christabel to fight one last brutal battle.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.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 54min
The Other Virgin's Baby | Hunnish Scenes | 2
A scandal erupts when John Russell's joy over his wife's miraculous pregnancy turns sour, thanks to accusations of adultery by his domineering mother. As Christabel fights for her child's legitimacy, she navigates a media frenzy and class expectations. The courtroom drama unfolds with shocking testimonies, including John's surprising admission about cross-dressing, putting his credibility on the line. The tension builds as medical evidence challenges the claims against Christabel, leaving the jury to decide her and her child's fate.
5 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 53min
The Other Virgin's Baby | A Thoroughly Modern Marriage | 1
Christabel Hart defies the constraints of a stuffy aristocratic marriage in 1920s London. Her aversion to domestic life clashes with family expectations. Tensions rise when her husband, John, reveals a penchant for cross-dressing, adding strain to their relationship. As Lady Amphill demands an heir, Christabel finds herself caught between societal pressures and her own independence. A fateful encounter with a clairvoyant promises a miracle that could change everything, leading to unexpected twists and turns in her scandalous life.
9 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 28min
Michelle Mone | Update: How Could £122 Million Just Vanish? | 4
David Conn, an investigative journalist for The Guardian known for uncovering high-profile corruption, returns to discuss the latest twists in the Michelle Mone scandal. He shares insights on a major court ruling against PPE MedPro regarding a £122 million contract breach. Conn explores the challenges of recovering funds amid insolvency and limited assets. He also highlights the National Crime Agency's investigation, systemic procurement issues, and the ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the case. Plus, he reacts to Matt's earlier impression of him!
7 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 54min
Encore: Michelle Mone | The Smoking Gun | 3
Jennifer Mone faces spiraling scrutiny while on her honeymoon as a journalist delves into her alleged ties to a company selling defective PPE. The scandal unfolds through dramatizations of rejected gowns and the controversial VIP lane for government contracts. As investigations reveal missing millions and leaked documents, Michelle denies profiting while facing public backlash. A documentary attempt to reshape her image backfires during a tough TV interview that exposes discrepancies and sets the stage for intense legal battles.
9 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 55min
Encore: Michelle Mone | From Baroness Bra to Baroness Bitcoin | 2
Michelle Mone dives into politics as a pivotal figure in the Better Together campaign. She champions Scotland’s stay in the UK during an emotional TV debate. Amid the pandemic, she leaps into action to provide PPE for the NHS, utilizing her manufacturing contacts. A controversial crypto venture with Doug Barrowman unfolds, leading to allegations and scrutiny from journalists. As chaos reigns in Downing Street, Michelle celebrates a major government contract win for PPE MedPro, showcasing her complex and scandalous journey.
9 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 51min
Encore: Michelle Mone | Bra Wars | 1
Michelle Mone's journey from a struggling mother to a lingerie mogul takes center stage. She creates a revolutionary bra amid personal turmoil and a failing marriage. With bold ideas and a knack for publicity, she secures substantial investments and celebrity endorsements. However, as success rises, so do tensions at home, leading to betrayal and a fierce power struggle. The scandalous twists of her life blend ambition, love, and rivalry, revealing the high stakes of the lingerie industry.
13 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 47min
The Millennium Dome Heist | Lee Wenham on Robberies, Prison and Leaving Crime | 4
Lee Wenham, a former career criminal and author of "Diamond Gangster," shares his incredible journey from small-time theft to masterminding the Millennium Dome heist. He reveals the surprising ease of breaking into the Dome compared to ATMs and discusses creative tactics, like fake bombs. Life in prison didn't faze him, and he reflects on his regrets, particularly about not securing the Dome's cash. Now a landscape gardener, Wenham cautions against the allure of crime while acknowledging its persistent temptations.
