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
Oct 22, 2025 • 53min
The Millennium Dome Heist | Cops and Robbers | 2
As Ray Betson's crew prepares for the heist of the century, police chief John 'Swini' Swinfield catches wind of their plans. With his unit's reputation on the line, he hatches a bold counter-operation: let the robbers strike, then catch them red-handed. But in the crowded Millennium Dome, one wrong move could turn a tactical triumph into a public catastrophe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 20, 2025 • 5min
Listen now: Scamfluencers | The Pharmacist Femme Fatale
Natalie Cochran seemed to have a perfect life but secretly ran a Ponzi scheme, deceiving those closest to her with fabricated contracts and fake illnesses. As her lies began to unravel, the tension escalated, leading to shocking confrontations. The hosts delve into her fraudulent world, exploring how charismatically deceptive figures manipulate trust in social media and beyond. They unravel the questions of belief and vulnerability in a culture rife with scamfluencers.
10 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 52min
The Millennium Dome Heist | Diamond Geezers | 1
A small-time gangster spots a golden opportunity when a priceless diamond goes on display. He recruits a mix of seasoned criminals and inventive thieves for an audacious heist. The crew faces daunting challenges, including stealing a JCB and plotting a daring daylight smash-and-grab. Tensions rise as they navigate the risks of police presence and CCTV. Amidst the chaos, clever plans emerge, revealing the lengths they'll go to claim the dazzling reward.
12 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 45min
The Birmingham Six | Chris Mullin, the “Loony Leftie” Who Freed the Birmingham Six | 4
Chris Mullin, a former Labour MP and journalist, spearheaded the campaign that uncovered the Birmingham Six's wrongful convictions. In this discussion, he reveals his journey from Vietnam reporting to questioning police forensics that led to false confessions. Mullin reflects on the media backlash he faced and his tireless pursuit of justice, including finding the real bombers. He also shares his thoughts on contemporary cases like Lucy Letby, the importance of investigative journalism, and ongoing challenges in the legal system.
Oct 1, 2025 • 53min
The Birmingham Six | Bombshell | 3
In a desperate gamble, journalist Chris Mullin tracks down the real Birmingham bombers and tries to convince them to confess on camera. Can he get the scoop of his life, and finally force the police to reopen the case into the Birmingham Six?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.comBe the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterThis episode comes out for free on (WIDE DATE), and is available early and ad-free for Wondery+ subscribers.Sign up on http://wondery.fm/applepodcasts and stay up-to-date on the latest new podcasts and more from Wondery.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 23, 2025 • 52min
The Birmingham Six | House of Cards | 2
Journalist Chris Mullin uncovers disturbing evidence he hopes will free the Birmingham Six after a decade in prison. The more he digs, the more he learns of dodgy forensics and police brutality. But bringing this proof to light will mean taking on the most powerful institutions in Britain.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.
13 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 56min
The Birmingham Six | Funeral for a Friend | 1
A series of devastating IRA bombings in Birmingham triggered a frantic police response. The story follows Paddy Hill and his friends, who become ensnared in a shocking miscarriage of justice. In custody, the men endure cruel interrogation tactics, leading to coerced confessions. The pressure mounts as Detective Superintendent Reid seeks a quick resolution, despite glaring inconsistencies in the confessions. This dark chapter reveals the profound human cost of a rush to judgment, leaving lasting scars on the fabric of justice.
10 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 22min
April Ashley | The Secret That Could Have Saved April | 4
Zoe Playdon, an Emeritus Professor specializing in medical humanities and a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, joins to shed light on a little-known yet pivotal trans rights case from the 1960s. She discusses how the secrecy surrounding this case overshadowed April Ashley's legal battles, impacting trans rights significantly. Playdon connects historical injustices to contemporary challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive representation in law. The podcast contrasts this past with current media portrayals and legal definitions of gender, revealing ongoing struggles.
Sep 3, 2025 • 54min
April Ashley | Corbett vs Corbett | 3
The couple must meet again in court, as their divorce case becomes a landmark battle over what defines a woman. As the pressure mounts, who will crack first: April, or Arthur?Please vote for us in the British Podcast Awards: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/votingDo 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.
7 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 52min
April Ashley | A Place of Her Own | 2
The podcast reveals the tensions in April Ashley's life as she navigates her impending marriage to aristocrat Arthur Corbett. As Arthur's drinking grows heavier, April confronts the true dangers lurking within their relationship. She experiences a pivotal moment of escape with the help of her Great Dane, Mr. Blue, while grappling with identity and familial expectations. The emotional turmoil intensifies as jealousy and control plunge their marriage into chaos, making April question her decisions and seek a new beginning in London.
