
British Scandal
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 16, 2025 • 52min
The Dirty Duchess | Heirs and Affairs | 2
Margaret battles to salvage her fortune as her marriage disintegrates, leading her to forge a deceptive letter. The emotional chaos of motherhood and societal pressures weighs heavily on her, intertwined with absurdly humorous discussions about legacy. Tensions rise as betrayal unfolds, revealing shocking discoveries that test the bonds of trust. Amidst accusations and confrontations, the characters navigate a web of infidelity and ambition, all set against the backdrop of high society's whispers.

Apr 9, 2025 • 51min
The Dirty Duchess | Divorcée to Duchess | 1
Dive into the scandalous life of Margaret Sweeney, a divorcée regaining her footing in high society. She revels in her glamorous escapades with London's elite, particularly when the Duke of Argyll proposes, offering her a taste of sweet revenge. As she navigates the tumultuous waters of love, class, and societal expectations, Margaret faces the hilarious and heart-wrenching challenges of being a duchess. Follow her journey filled with unexpected romances and the intricacies of aristocratic life that keep listeners on the edge of their seats.

Apr 7, 2025 • 6min
Listen Now: Don’t Cross Kat
Kat Torres seems to lead a picture-perfect life, amassing millions of followers with her lavish lifestyle and quirky interests like witchcraft. Beneath the glamorous surface, however, lies a web of deception and danger. The gripping tale unravels when a concerned friend embarks on a mission to rescue her best friend from Kat's captivating influence. Delve into the murky depths of modern-day guru culture and discover the alarming consequences of desire and control.

14 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 33min
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Asil Nadir’s Escape Pilot Speaks Out | 4
Peter Dimond, the pilot behind Asil Nadir's infamous 1993 escape from British justice, shares his gripping experiences. He recounts the thrilling planning of the escape and the tense moments that followed, including a close encounter with police. Dimond reflects on his loyalty to the controversial fraudster and the emotional fallout it had. He also discusses life in Cyprus with Nadir, the allure of wealth, and the costs of their choices. After returning to the UK, he faced the unexpected consequences of his actions, leading to a poignant life reevaluation.

10 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 53min
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Battle of the Big Mac | 3
Asil Nadir returns to London, desperately seeking to clear his name while facing a relentless Serious Fraud Office. His anxiety spirals in Northern Cyprus over unfounded fears, adding a humorous twist to his predicament. A gripping courtroom drama unfolds as he battles serious fraud allegations, revealing a luxurious past that complicates his defense. The emotional toll of his imprisonment and regrets about lost connections adds depth to his story, alongside the scintillating scandal of a glamorous socialite caught in a convoluted divorce.

10 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 52min
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Big Bird | 2
Dive into the thrilling life of Asil Nadir, a charming fraudster embroiled in chaos and deception. Experience the tension as he attempts a daring escape to Cyprus while battling serious legal troubles. Laughter and suspense intertwine as friends strategize his covert getaway, all while reflecting on the moral complexities of ambition and betrayal. The narrative takes a sharp turn as it highlights the societal impacts of power plays and political scams, making for an engaging exploration of scandal and survival.

7 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 24min
Listen Now: Matt on How Do You Cope?
Comedian Matt Forde, recognized for his sharp political wit, discusses coping strategies for mental health challenges. He shares insights on the power of positivity and gratitude, drawing from personal memories in Edinburgh. Forde reflects on how upbringing shapes resilience and outlook, and he candidly talks about navigating his own health issues, including battling gout and tackling a rare cancer diagnosis. His story underscores the importance of self-advocacy, humor in adversity, and the impact of confronting one's mortality.

Mar 19, 2025 • 52min
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.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 12, 2025 • 27min
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.comListen 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.

Mar 5, 2025 • 50min
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.comListen 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.
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