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
Jul 18, 2023 • 32min
Death of a Rolling Stone | Interview - Prince Stash, close friend of Brian Jones | 4
Matt and Alice sit down with close friend of Brian Jones, Prince Stash Klossowski de Rola. A fellow musician and socialite at the centre of London’s Swinging Sixties scene, Prince Stash takes us inside the wild nights they spent together in Parisian clubs, and his memories of watching the Stones make magic in the studio. Plus, he tells us what really happened the night he was arrested alongside Brian Jones in a drugs bust that would see Jones found guilty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 11, 2023 • 53min
Death of a Rolling Stone | A Mysterious Death | 3
After a difficult few years, things are looking up for Brian Jones. A trip to Morocco opens a whole new world of musical inspiration, and then there’s his collaborations with the likes of Jimi Hendrix. He’s ready to hit the studio and make music he knows the fans will love.But the other band members don’t want Brian to take the lead. In fact, they don’t want him in the band at all. And when they say goodbye, they don’t realise that it’s the last time they’ll ever see the man who made them The Rolling Stones.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 4, 2023 • 49min
Death of a Rolling Stone | Love and Other Drugs | 2
The Rolling Stones are riding high, topping charts and playing stadiums across the world. But backstage, the relationship between Keith Richards and Brian Jones is rockier than ever. And when an intrepid News of the World journalist stumbles upon the scoop of his career, the Stones need to unite - or their latest single could be their last.For confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law, call Frank on 0300-123-660 or visit talktofrank.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 27, 2023 • 46min
Death of a Rolling Stone | Who's The Leader? | 1
Brian Jones wants to be a famous blues musician. The only problem is, he hasn’t got a band. When he meets talented upstarts Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, he knows he’s onto something good. Onstage, they’re electric, but behind the scenes a battle ensues to define the soul of The Rolling Stones. Jones put the band together. But as they hit the big time, can he keep hold of the reins?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 20, 2023 • 36min
Oscar Wilde | Interview - Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland | 4
Matt and Alice speak to Oscar Wilde's only grandchild, Merlin Holland, who has spent more than four decades researching his grandfather's life. He tells us what it's like being connected to a literary icon, and why he believes his grandfather felt untouchable. Plus he takes us inside Wilde's complicated relationship with scandal. Did he court it?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 13, 2023 • 51min
Oscar Wilde | Exile | 3
Oscar Wilde’s reputation is in tatters. His books have been pulled from the printers, his name erased from theatre productions. There's still time to flee. But he would rather be a martyr than a man on the run. He arrives at the trial that will dictate his future determined to put up a fight. Wilde has been called many things, but he won’t be called a coward. And then, the judge delivers his verdict.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 6, 2023 • 49min
Oscar Wilde | The Peer and The Poet | 2
Oscar Wilde is making waves in London’s literary scene, but he’s heading for disaster. He's been publicly outed by his gay lover’s father, Lord Queensberry. Homosexuality is illegal and Wilde is facing private and public ruin. So he has to make a life-changing choice: fight, or flight?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 30, 2023 • 49min
Oscar Wilde | Bosie | 1
It’s 1891 and Oscar Wilde’s star is rising. His book, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, is a bestseller, and his first West End play is about to open. And then he meets Bosie Douglas, a young, handsome and beguiling poet. But homosexuality is illegal and they must keep their relationship secret. When Bosie’s father, the dogmatic Lord Queensberry, finds out, he resolves to do whatever it takes to keep them apart forever.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 23, 2023 • 30min
Gazza | Interview | 4
Matt and Alice speak to Linda Lusardi, former Page 3 model and close friend of Paul Gascoigne. She takes us inside the highs of their raucous nights out, and the lows of his battles with addiction. Plus, she tells us why Gazza’s life wouldn’t be all that different had he never become a footballer.If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like those touched on in this episode, here are some UK resources:For mental health support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.orgIf you’re experiencing domestic abuse, or want to help someone who is, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit nationaldahelpline.org.ukSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 16, 2023 • 48min
Gazza | Game Over | 3
Glenn Hoddle has a decision to make. As the England team's new manager, it’s time to select his 1998 World Cup squad. Include Gazza, and he’ll have to take drastic action to stop him going off the rails. But exclude the star player and the country could well turn against him. Gazza played a blinder in the qualifying matches, but will it be enough to get him to France?If you or someone you know needs mental health support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
