British Scandal
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… Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of British Scandal ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
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Recent Episodes
Listen Now: OnlyFantasy
May 21, 2026Summary Preview
Journalists Leon Nafok and comedian Gracie Kanan explore the OnlyFans industry by visiting Creators, Inc., an elite talent agency in Los Angeles that represents top OnlyFans creators. The episode takes listeners inside a luxurious content house in Encino, California, where the team discovers a surprisingly professional and corporate approach to adult content creation that challenges their preconceptions about the platform and sex work.
- Introduction to OnlyFantasy and the Journey
- Arriving at the Modern Playboy Mansion
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The Warring Queens | The Last Gasp | 3
May 13, 2026Summary Preview
This episode chronicles Mary Queen of Scots' 18-year imprisonment in England, her relationship with cousin Elizabeth I, and her ultimate execution. After fleeing Scotland seeking protection, Mary becomes trapped in English castles while her infant son James rules Scotland. The saga culminates in Mary's involvement in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth, leading to her dramatic execution in 1587 wearing symbolic Catholic red.
- Mary's Desperate Arrival in England
- Elizabeth's Impossible Decision
The Warring Queens | Marry in Haste | 2
May 06, 2026Summary Preview
This episode chronicles Mary Queen of Scots' disastrous marriage to Lord Darnley, from their passionate courtship through his brutal betrayal and murder. Matt Ford and Alice Levine narrate how Mary's romantic idealism led her into relationships with dangerous men—first Darnley, who conspired to murder her secretary, then Bothwell, who likely orchestrated Darnley's assassination. The episode traces Mary's journey from powerful queen to fugitive, forced to flee Scotland disguised as a man, heading toward England to plead with her cousin Elizabeth I for help.
- Mary's Search for a Husband and Meeting Darnley
- The Wedding Night Power Struggle
The Warring Queens | Rivals | 1
Apr 29, 2026Processing failed
An Exciting Announcement from Alice and Matt | 5
Apr 25, 2026Summary Preview
Matt and Alice Ford announce their second-ever live British Scandal show at the Crosswires Festival in Sheffield on July 5th at 5:15pm. They will present a brand new story about the theft of an 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace, featuring major audience participation and characters like journalists, suspicious coppers, and disgruntled wives. This special episode will not be recorded or released on the podcast feed, making it an exclusive in-person experience.
- Live Show Announcement and Preparation
- Show Format and Characters
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This podcast episode discusses the infamous Dr. Crippen murder case from 1910, featuring an in-depth interview with historian Hallie Rubenhold. The conversation challenges popular misconceptions about the case, explores how misogyny shaped the narrative around Belle Elmore (Crippen's victim) and Ethel Le Neve (his mistress), and examines the lasting impact of how true crime stories are told. Rubenhold provides compelling evidence that Crippen was undoubtedly guilty and that Ethel was likely complicit, while revealing how Belle's friends fought tirelessly for justice despite her being vilified in historical accounts.
- Challenging the Crippen Mythology
- The Problem with True Crime Narratives
The Notorious Dr Crippen | Devil's Breath | 3
Apr 15, 2026Summary Preview
This episode covers the dramatic conclusion of the Dr. Crippen murder case, from the return to England and the trial at the Old Bailey to Crippen's eventual execution. Inspector Dew faces mounting pressure to prove his case against Crippen, who maintains his innocence throughout. The episode explores Ethel Leneve's continued loyalty despite mounting evidence, the crucial forensic breakthroughs that seal Crippen's fate, and the final moments before his execution where he confronts what he's done.
- The Return to England and Public Fury
- Inspector Dew Interrogates Crippen
The Notorious Dr Crippen | Operation Handcuffs | 2
Apr 08, 2026Summary Preview
Inspector Dew races across the Atlantic aboard the SS Laurentic to intercept Dr. Hawley Crippen, who is fleeing to Canada with his lover Ethel Leneve. What begins as a covert operation becomes the world's first international manhunt using wireless technology, complete with media circus and viral press coverage. The episode chronicles parallel journeys - Dew's pursuit and Crippen's flight - culminating in a dramatic arrest that marks a turning point in criminal investigation history.
- The Chase Begins: Dew's Mission
- Brussels Discovery: Ethel Learns the Truth
The Notorious Dr Crippen | Disappeared | 1
Apr 01, 2026Summary Preview
This episode introduces the shocking story of Dr. Hawley Crippen, a quack doctor in Edwardian London who becomes embroiled in a scandal involving his wife Belle's mysterious disappearance. When Belle vanishes after confronting Crippen about an affair with his young typist Ethel, suspicions arise. As Crippen flees abroad with Ethel disguised as a boy, Inspector Dew investigates and makes a grisly discovery in the cellar of Crippen's home, launching what may be Britain's first modern manhunt.
- The Doctor's Double Life
- Belle's Ultimatum and Crippen's Dilemma
Harry v Wills | What The Butler Saw | 4
Mar 25, 2026Summary Preview
Former royal butler Grant Harold shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time serving King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Prince Harry. He reveals the playful practical jokes, strict protocols, and close bond between the brothers before their rift, while reflecting on the pressures of royal life and his unlikely path from Scotland to dancing with Queen Elizabeth.
- First Encounters and Water Balloon Warfare
- The King's Legendary Practical Jokes
Listen Now: The Last One Laughing Official Podcast
Mar 23, 2026Summary Preview
This transcript captures a promotional conversation about 'The Last Laugh,' Audible's official companion podcast for Amazon Prime's hit comedy show 'Last One Laughing UK.' Hosted by comedian Roisin Conaty with guests from the series including David Mitchell, Joe Wilkinson, Diane Morgan, and Sarah Pascoe, the podcast unpacks moments from the show, shares backstage stories, and discusses tactics. The sample clip features Roisin and her guest discussing inappropriate times they've laughed, including at children's parent-teacher meetings, funerals, and weddings, before answering Alan Carr's question about the fittest person with a moustache.
- Introduction to The Last Laugh Podcast
- Inappropriate Laughter at Parent-Teacher Meetings
Harry v Wills | Option Five | 3
Mar 18, 2026Summary Preview
This episode covers the aftermath of Harry and Meghan's decision to step back from royal duties, focusing on the infamous 'Sandringham Summit' of January 2020 where the royal family decided their fate, the couple's subsequent Oprah interview in 2021, and the final breakdown of William and Harry's relationship at Prince Philip's funeral. The episode portrays the escalating tensions, institutional pressures, and ultimate estrangement between the brothers.
- The Failed Sandringham Summit
- Brothers at Breaking Point
Harry v Wills | The Fab Four | 2
Mar 11, 2026Summary Preview
This episode explores the introduction of Meghan Markle into the Royal Family and the subsequent deterioration of the relationship between Princes William and Harry. Beginning with their romance in 2016, it chronicles the initial warmth from the 'Fab Four,' the increasing media scrutiny and racist press coverage of Meghan, mounting tensions between the two couples, and culminates in a physical altercation between the brothers in 2019 that fundamentally fractures their bond.
- Harry Meets Meghan: A Sign on Mummy's Birthday
- First Impressions: Meeting the Cambridges
Harry v Wills | Brothers in Arms | 1
Mar 04, 2026Summary Preview
This episode explores the deteriorating relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry following their mother Princess Diana's death in 1997. From their initial bond forged in grief to their growing estrangement over the years, the story traces key moments that drove a wedge between the brothers - from their different approaches to mourning, to tensions over Camilla Parker Bowles, to Harry's eventual isolation as William aligned with royal protocol and chose duty over brotherhood.
- The Fatal Altercation at Kensington Palace
- Diana's Death and the Burden of Duty
Sharon and Ozzy | Inside the Osbourne Machine - Mick Wall on Chaos, Control and Survival | 4
Feb 25, 2026Summary Preview
In this episode of British Scandal, hosts Matt Ford and Alice Levine interview music journalist Mick Wall, who spent over 40 years documenting Ozzy Osbourne's life and wrote his official biography. Wall shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories about the chaotic yet enduring partnership between Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, revealing how Sharon's business acumen and fierce management style transformed Ozzy from a dismissed joke into a rock legend, while also serving as his caretaker through decades of addiction and illness.
- First Encounters with Ozzy: The Troubled Early Years
- The Infamous Sunday Lunch and Biography Process
Sharon and Ozzy | Master of Reality | 3
Feb 18, 2026Summary Preview
This episode chronicles the pivotal transformation of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne's lives through MTV's groundbreaking reality series 'The Osbournes.' After a domestic violence incident in 1989, Ozzy enters rehab and commits to sobriety, while Sharon continues managing his career through the 1990s. In 2000, struggling to maintain relevance, Sharon agrees to an MTV reality show that will film their family 24/7. The show becomes a massive phenomenon in 2002, reaching 6 million viewers on premiere night and becoming MTV's highest-rated series ever. However, success brings new challenges: Sharon is diagnosed with colon cancer, Ozzy's Parkinson's symptoms become apparent, and the family grapples with unprecedented fame while maintaining their sobriety and sanity.
- The Wake Before the Beginning
- The Aftermath and The Promise
Sharon and Ozzy | Paranoid | 2
Feb 11, 2026Summary Preview
This episode covers a dark period in Ozzy Osbourne's career from 1982-1989, chronicling his descent into addiction, the toxic dynamics with his wife and manager Sharon, and culminating in a horrifying act of domestic violence. The story explores how the couple's destructive relationship was fueled by Ozzy's substance abuse, Sharon's controlling behavior, and interference from Sharon's father Don Arden, who sought to exploit the chaos for his own gain.
- Randy's Death and New Beginnings
- Life on the Road with Baby Amy
Sharon and Ozzy | Blizzard of Oz | 1
Feb 04, 2026Summary Preview
This episode chronicles the turbulent early relationship between Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Arden, beginning with Ozzy's arrest for attempting to murder Sharon in 1989, then flashing back to trace their partnership from 1978. After being fired from Black Sabbath, Ozzy hits rock bottom before Sharon takes him on as a client, transforming him into a solo star through increasingly outrageous stunts—including biting the head off a dove and later a bat. The episode ends tragically with guitarist Randy Rhoads' death in a plane crash.
- Ozzy's Shocking Arrest and Black Sabbath's Decline
- Sharon's Firing and Ozzy's Meltdown
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