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
May 21, 2025 • 49min
Lord Haw-Haw: Germany Calling | Last Gasp | 3
A captured Lord Haw-Haw fights for his life. In court, it comes down to one question: can he have betrayed Britain, if he was never really British?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.
15 snips
May 14, 2025 • 52min
Lord Haw-Haw: Germany Calling | Radio Reich | 2
The broadcast life of William Joyce, known as Lord Haw-Haw, reveals the chilling power of propaganda during World War II. His perilous escape through war-torn Hamburg is filled with fear and urgency. The podcast dissects Joyce's complex motivations and the psychological tactics used in his broadcasts that rattled British leadership, including Winston Churchill. The narrative highlights the absurdity of wartime propaganda and personal struggles, exploring themes of identity and defiance amidst the chaos.
May 7, 2025 • 49min
Lord Haw-Haw: Germany Calling | Chelsea Smile | 1
William Joyce wants to serve Britain. But when Britain's establishment rejects him, he chooses Hitler's Germany instead, becoming the plummy voice of Nazi propaganda. This is the story of one of history's most notorious traitors. A man whose voice poured from the heart of the Third Reich into the very homes he left behind.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.
Apr 30, 2025 • 32min
The Dirty Duchess | The Original Tabloid Queen | 4
The Duchess of Argyll was shameless, in all the right ways. That’s what drew historian, Lyndsy Spence, to write a book about her. She joins Matt and Alice to discuss why Margaret Campbell was the precursor to the female celebrities of today who are scrutinised by the tabloids. Plus, remember the headless man in the photograph at the heart of our scandal? Lyndsy knows who he is…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.
10 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 52min
The Dirty Duchess | Argyll vs Argyll | 3
The gloves come off in Britain's nastiest divorce as Margaret and Ian's years of marital warfare reach their explosive finale. But in 1960s high society, a woman’s reputation is guilty until proven innocent.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.
5 snips
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.
9 snips
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.
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.
