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Podcasts · History · Society & Culture

British Scandal

Audible

300 episodes · in order

In a country obsessed with gossip, the great and the good fear one thing more than any other - scandal.

More about the show

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…

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Episodes page 2 of 6

  1. Maxwell | Legacy Of Lies | 4

    · 52 min · S11 E4

    Robert Maxwell is dead. But how did he die? Was it suicide, an accident or even something more sinister? And will his children ever be able to overcome their toxic inheritance? Listen early and ad free with Wondery+.…

  2. Maxwell | Interview | 5

    · 41 min · S11 E5

    Matt and Alice talk to Roy Greenslade. He edited the Daily Mirror when Maxwell was the owner. He talks about what it was like to have Maxwell as a boss and the reason he thinks Maxwell's death was no accident. Listen…

  3. Spy Cops | Undercover | 1

    · 45 min · S12 E1

    Mark Kennedy joins a secretive undercover police unit investigating left-wing political groups. But what happens when he gets in too deep? Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges,…

  4. Spy Cops | The Truth | 2

    · 45 min · S12 E2

    Mark moves back in with Amy. But why is he acting so strangely? And what's up with the extra phone she finds in his glovebox. Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access,…

  5. Spy Cops | The Other Women | 3

    · 44 min · S12 E3

    Amy has finally exposed Mark for being an undercover police officer. But when she finds out she isn't his only victim she joins a crusade to take down the Metropolitan Police. Listen early and ad free with Wondery+.…

  6. Spy Cops | Interview | 4

    · 49 min · S12 E4

    Matt and Alice talk to Alison. She tells the story of meeting a fellow activist called Mark Cassidy and falling in love. Little did she know he was in fact an undercover police officer. She is one of eight women who…

  7. Archer | Lord of the Lies | 1

    · 41 min · S13 E1

    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+…

  8. Archer | Mary Vs Monica | 2

    · 45 min · S13 E2

    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…

  9. Archer | From the Penthouse to the Jailhouse | 3

    · 46 min · S13 E3

    Jeffrey Archer is running for London Mayor and he thinks he can win. But is his web of lies about to come undone? Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free…

  10. Archer | Interview | 4

    · 33 min · S13 E4

    Alice and Matt talk to Adam Raphael. He's an author and a journalist and in 1987 he was subpoenaed to give evidence for The Daily Star in Archer’s libel trial. He discusses Archer's character, his political skill and…

  11. Hatton Garden | The Plan | 1

    · 49 min · S14 E1

    Brian Reader has a dream – to pull off the biggest burglary in British history. But he can never quite find the right crew to do it. But then he becomes a pensioner and realizes it very well might be now or never.…

  12. Hatton Garden | The Cabinet | 2

    · 47 min · S14 E2

    Reader and his gang of pensioners make it all the way to the vault but are thwarted at the last minute. Will they walk from the job or come back the next day risking everything to get their hands on the loot? Listen…

  13. Hatton Garden | The Diamond Wheezers | 3

    · 49 min · S14 E3 · Explicit

    It seems Reader and his crew have met their match in the form of Detective Sergeant Jamie Day. In a dramatic game of cat and mouse, will 'The Diamond Wheezers' manage to evade capture? Listen early and ad free with…

  14. Hatton Garden | Interview | 4

    · 36 min · S14 E4

    Matt and Alice talk to Martin Brunt, crime correspondent for Sky News. He was the first reporter to reach Hatton Garden after the break in and charted the developing story. He talks about what it was like to report on…

  15. Hitler Diaries | Operation Green Vault | 1

    · 49 min · S15 E1

    Journalist Gerd Heidemann is searching for his next story for Stern magazine when the scoop of the century lands in his lap. But is it too good to be true? Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for…

  16. Hitler Diaries | Hitler for Sale | 2

    · 47 min · S15 E2 · Explicit

    Excited by the prospect of the diaries being real, Rupert Murdoch sends famed historian Hugh Trevor-Roper to verify them. However, as doubts and pressure mount up, what will Trevor-Roper decide to tell the world - real…

  17. Hitler Diaries | Hoaxed | 3

    · 47 min · S15 E3 · Explicit

    The stories around the diaries and their authenticity begin to unravel. For all the people who have their reputations and their livelihoods on the line, who will survive this humiliating scandal? And who, when the dust…

  18. Hitler Diaries | Interview | 4

    · 37 min · S15 E4

    Matt and Alice speak to Robert Harris, best-selling writer and author of the definitive account of the scandal, 'Selling Hitler'. They discuss the scandal's farcical cast of characters, its impact on 'Fake News'…

  19. Abdication | Wally | 1

    · 48 min · S16 E1

    When Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne, Edward, meets the twice-divorced ‘poor relation’ of Baltimore aristocracy, he’s captivated by her boldness, her confidence and total disinterest in tradition. But…

  20. Abdication | The Decision | 2

    · 45 min · S16 E2

    When King Edward VIII announces his intentions to marry Wallis Simpson, politicians, his people and his own family are clear; it's Wallis or the crown. And it’s not just Britain’s government for whom the stakes are…

  21. Abdication | The Traitor King | 3

    · 51 min · S16 E3

    In the late 1930’s, with England turning their back on their former King and World War II looming, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor face an existential choice: stay loyal to Britain, or side with the enemy? A note on…

  22. Abdication | Interview | 4

    · 33 min · S16 E4

    Alice and Matt interview literary agent and biographer Andrew Lownie, author of 'Traitor King: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in Exile'. He talks about the myth of Edward and Wallace's 'great romance' and his…

  23. The Spy Who Came Back From The Dead | Agent Twister | 1

    · 45 min · S17 E1

    John Stonehouse is one of the most promising young Labour politicians in England - handsome and charismatic, with the political background to match. But when he catches the eye of the Czech secret service, Stonehouse…

  24. The Spy Who Came Back From The Dead | Missing Presumed Dead | 2

    · 44 min · S17 E2

    As John's political, marital and financial woes spiral, he's desperate to find an escape route. Then he reads a book and has a crazy idea... Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives,…

  25. The Spy Who Came Back From The Dead | Twister Returns | 3

    · 47 min · S17 E3

    John makes a daring escape - little does he know, police across the world are piecing together his bizarre disappearance. Soon, John's lies and deception begin to unravel: is this the end of the road for Agent Twister?…

  26. The Spy Who Came Back From The Dead | Interview | 4

    · 36 min · S17 E4

    Alice and Matt speak to Julian Hayes, John Stonehouse's grand-nephew and author of 'Stonehouse: Cabinet Minister, Fraudster, Spy'. They discuss the allegations surrounding Stonehouse's involvement with the Czechs, his…

  27. The Queen of Clean | No Sex, Please! | 1

    · 48 min · S18 E1

    In the early 1960s, a housewife from Birmingham is shocked by the changing tide of culture, and decides to do something about it. Mary Whitehouse goes up against her first adversary: the BBC and its liberal Director…

  28. The Queen of Clean | Courting Disaster | 2

    · 50 min · S18 E2

    Mary’s fight moves beyond television to remodeling the whole moral outlook of Britain – via the courtroom. But when she targets the gay community, Mary underestimates the backlash that’s to come. Are Mary Whitehouse's…

  29. The Queen of Clean | Yes, Prime Minister | 3

    · 50 min · S18 E3 · Explicit

    Mary finds an ally in the most powerful person in the country - Margaret Thatcher. But how long will their allegiance last? Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access,…

  30. The Queen of Clean | Interview | 4

    · 34 min · S18 E4

    Matt and Alice speak to David Dimbleby, one of the BBC's most illustrious broadcasters. David reflects on his early years at the BBC, when Mary Whitehouse was beginning her battle against the corporation, and recalls a…

  31. Boris Johnson | Who's The Blondest? | 1

    · 53 min · S19 E1

    Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson has one goal: to be king of the world. After all, everyone tells him he's capable of it - his dysfunctional parents, his elite teachers, his affluent friends. But as he faces his…

  32. Boris Johnson | Mayor On A Zipwire | 2

    · 51 min · S19 E2 · Explicit

    It's 2008: Boris is vying for the role of Mayor of London, all the while keeping the top job in his sights. Despite blunders in Beijing, a tumultuous and highly publicized personal life, and that zipwiring incident,…

  33. Boris Johnson | Leave Means Leave | 3

    · 50 min · S19 E3 · Explicit

    Boris has never been more popular as he leads the successful Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum. He couldn't be in a stronger position to become Prime Minister...until an old ally turns into an adversary. But…

  34. Boris Johnson | Winner Takes It All | 4

    · 50 min · S19 E4

    The Teflon PM has successfully delivered Brexit, but his newfound power is threatened by in-fighting between his closest allies. And when Boris faces the biggest challenge of his career so far, the problems begin to…

  35. Boris Johnson | Them's The Breaks | 5

    · 51 min · S19 E5 · Explicit

    The Partygate story has broken, and it spells disaster for Boris - now, he has to fight for everything he's worked so hard to achieve. But with new scandals emerging, and his government crumbling around him, is this…

  36. Boris Johnson | Interview | 6

    · 42 min · S19 E6

    Matt and Alice speak to Sonia Purnell, journalist and author of 'Just Boris: A Tale of Blonde Ambition'. She shares her memories of her time working with Boris in Brussels during the 90s. They also discuss his early…

  37. The Ballad of Yoko and John | Julia | 1

    · 54 min · S20 E1 · Explicit

    John Lennon has a dream - to make music. So when he enlists George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to join his band The Quarrymen, he feels like this is the start of something big. But as tragedy strikes, and…

  38. The Ballad of Yoko and John | All You Need Is Love | 2

    · 54 min · S20 E2 · Explicit

    John Lennon is mesmerized by the strange, thrilling artist Yoko Ono. He has never experienced a collaboration like this with anyone. Not even Paul. But as their relationship deepens, so too do problems in the band.…

  39. The Ballad of Yoko and John | The End | 3

    · 57 min · S20 E3 · Explicit

    After the Beatles break up, John's addictions and his bitter jealousy of Paul McCartney threaten to rip his life, and relationship with Yoko, apart. When Yoko sends him away to LA, will their relationship survive? See…

  40. The Ballad of Yoko and John | Interview | 4

    · 34 min · S20 E4 · Explicit

    Matt and Alice talk to Dan Richter, friend and live-in assistant to John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the 1970s. An American who, in his own words, “came along for the ride: a co-conspirator, confidant, assistant and…

  41. Encore: Archer | Lord of the Lies | 1

    · 42 min · S22 E1

    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+…

  42. Encore: Archer | Mary Vs Monica | 2

    · 45 min · S22 E2

    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…

  43. Encore: Archer | From the Penthouse to the Jailhouse | 3

    · 46 min · S22 E3

    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…

  44. Wondery Presents: Frozen Head

    · 3:46 · Trailer · Explicit

    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…

  45. Encore: Archer | Interview | 4

    · 33 min · S22 E4

    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…

  46. Jeremy Thorpe | Simply Heaven | 1

    · 51 min · S23 E1

    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…

  47. Jeremy Thorpe | The Go-Between | 2

    · 51 min · S23 E2 · Explicit

    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…

  48. Jeremy Thorpe | Shoot The Dog | 3

    · 51 min · S23 E3 · Explicit

    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…

  49. Jeremy Thorpe | Opening The Closet | 4

    · 53 min · S23 E4 · Explicit

    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…

  50. Jeremy Thorpe | Interview | 5

    · 39 min · S23 E5 · Explicit

    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…

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