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
Jun 11, 2025 • 51min
The Salisbury Poisonings | Early Bird | 2
Traded in a spy swap, Sergei Skripal finds refuge in England. But Moscow's shadow follows. And when his daughter Yulia comes to visit, events take a terrifying turn.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.
Jun 4, 2025 • 52min
The Salisbury Poisonings | Glass Houses | 1
A dramatic tale unfolds as a Russian spy grapples with loyalty and ambition, ultimately facing Putin's wrath. The story escalates with the chilling aftermath of the Salisbury poisonings, revealing the darker side of espionage. Listeners are drawn into the chaotic scene of first responders confronting a potential chemical attack. The interplay of personal ambition and national interests creates a tense narrative, combining humor with deep moral dilemmas. Themes of freedom and sacrifice add layers to this gripping exploration of scandal and intrigue.
May 28, 2025 • 31min
Lord Haw-Haw: Germany Calling | How to Fight a Propaganda War | 4
Peter Pomerantsev knows a thing or two about propaganda. He's written three books uncovering propagandists' secrets. His latest delves into the British unit that played Lord Haw-Haw at his own game. And, having spent years living in Putin's Russia, Peter tells Matt and Alice how to spot a propagandist at twenty paces - and how to win the information wars of today.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.
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.
