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
Mar 1, 2023 • 39min
Jeremy Thorpe | Interview | 5
Alice and Matt talk to Norman Scott, the man at the very heart of our story, whose chance meeting with Jeremy Thorpe in 1961 would lead to an attempt on his life. He describes the first time he caught the former Liberal leader's eye, the painful years living under his control and the terrifying night his life was in the balance. And he delivers his verdict on Hugh Grant’s portrayal of Thorpe in the BBC’s A Very English Scandal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Feb 22, 2023 • 53min
Jeremy Thorpe | Opening The Closet | 4
If Jeremy Thorpe’s plan had worked, Norman Scott would now be permanently silenced. But he’s alive and able to tell the world about their affair and the terrifying attempt on his life. For years, Norman has felt shackled by Thorpe. Now it’s Thorpe who could end up behind bars. But will the world believe the powerful former party leader? Or the unknown model with a wild story?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Feb 15, 2023 • 51min
Jeremy Thorpe | Shoot The Dog | 3
Jeremy Thorpe’s star has risen. As Liberal Party leader, he’s busy tackling the problems of 1970s Britain. But there’s a distraction. Norman Scott is telling his story to anyone who will listen. Thorpe will stop at nothing to keep him quiet, but he can’t do it alone. He takes on a new accomplice: one whose lack of experience will be Thorpe’s downfall - and Scott’s saving grace.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Feb 8, 2023 • 51min
Jeremy Thorpe | The Go-Between | 2
Jeremy Thorpe's political career is on the up. But his personal life is threatening to bring him down. He is one of the brightest stars in Westminster. Perhaps even a future PM. But rumours about his sexuality are swirling. And in 1960s Britain, homosexuality is illegal. Now his former lover, Norman, is preparing to go to the papers to reveal all. And Thorpe decides to risk everything to stop him.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Feb 1, 2023 • 51min
Jeremy Thorpe | Simply Heaven | 1
Ambitious Liberal MP Jeremy Thorpe has a secret. He's got his eye on a handsome but troubled young stable boy. But in 1960s Britain, homosexuality is illegal. Soon he's forced to choose: politics or passion?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 25, 2023 • 33min
Encore: Archer | Interview | 4
Alice and Matt talk to Adam Raphael, an author and journalist who, in 1987, was subpoenaed to give evidence for The Daily Star in Archer’s libel trial. He takes us inside the trial, discusses Archer's political skill and compares him to a certain blonde British Prime Minister.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 23, 2023 • 4min
Wondery Presents: Frozen Head
Hosted by Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart from the hit show Morbid.When 90-year-old Laurence Pilgeram drops dead on the sidewalk outside his condo, you might think that’s the end of his story. But, really, it’s just the beginning. Because Laurence and others like him have signed up to be frozen and brought back to life in the future. And that belief will pull multiple generations of the Pilgeram family into a cryonics soap opera filled with dead pets, gold coins, grenades, fist fights, mysterious packages, family feuds, Hall of Fame baseball legends, and frozen heads — lots of frozen heads. From Wondery, comes a story about life, death, and what comes next.Listen to Frozen Head: Wondery.fm/FH_BSSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 18, 2023 • 46min
Encore: Archer | From the Penthouse to the Jailhouse | 3
Jeffrey Archer is running for London Mayor and he thinks he can win. But is his web of lies about to unravel?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 11, 2023 • 45min
Encore: Archer | Mary Vs Monica | 2
Jeffrey Archer takes the witness stand in the libel trial of the century. He has two false alibis and a forged diary to help him prove he never slept with Monica Coghlan. But will the jury believe him, or is his carefully constructed world about to come crashing down?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 4, 2023 • 42min
Encore: Archer | Lord of the Lies | 1
Jeffrey Archer is a young and up and coming Tory politician. He dreams of becoming Prime Minister. But what happens when a newspaper accuses him of paying for sex?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
