British Scandal

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 th...

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...

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...

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....

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 .

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-...

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 f...

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 .

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 .

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/britishscandal Please support us by supporting our sponsors!...

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 dope-buddy”, Dan gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the private world of John and Yoko. He recalls the making of Lennon's legendary hit 'Imagine', and tells us whether he believes the...

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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. Could this be the end of The Beatles? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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 he faces the perils of newfound stardom, John seeks out new inspiration - an avant-garde, Japanese artist called Yoko Ono. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor...

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 and crucial reinvention, the Johnson appeal, and whether or not we'll see Boris in British politics again. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice...

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 the end of the road for Boris Johnson? Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App.&...

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 pile up - all under the watchful eye of a relentless journalist. Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Avai...

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 when new PM Theresa May gives him a surprise top cabinet job, how will Boris use his new position to his advantage? Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusiv...

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, Boris seems unstoppable. But with a history-altering referendum on the horizon, Boris faces an existential choice - remain, or leave? Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wonde...

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 first public scandal, will he be able to weather the storm? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info...

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 day he spent interviewing Mary in the 1970s. Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wond...

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, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App.  https://wondery.app.link/britishscandal Please support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com...

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 campaigning days over? Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App.  https://...

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 General, Sir Hugh Carleton Greene. In a battle for the future of the BBC, who will win? Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and...

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 family's reaction to the disappearance, and the time he tried to egg his grand-uncle. Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and...