?A scandal-packed history: Launched in 2021, British Scandal quickly rose to the top, standing out for digging deep into the dark and controversial pages of history. Hosted by Alice Levine, a media personality and presenter, and Matt Forde, a comedian and former political speechwriter, the podcast blends drama and storytelling with historical accuracy. Over the course of four years, the show has released over 230 episodes.
Immersive episodes. Episodes are split into mini-series, with each series forming a season comprising four to six episodes. Each season unpacks one scandal, varying between celebrity disputes, royal palace secrets, and the staggering mistakes carried out by politicians. With a carefully crafted and well-researched script, Alice Levine typically handles the narration, while Matt Forde chips in with satirical commentary. While interviews and testimonies are rare, the show holds its own through its coherent narratives and interspersed pieces of lively and exciting dialogue.
The Profumo affair: One of the most impactful seasons is the fifth, dedicated to Britain’s most famous political scandal: the 1963 Profumo affair. The story follows 19-year-old model Christine Keeler who meets then-minister John Profumo at a party. The relationship quickly spirals into a complex web of secrets and scandals, culminating into a crisis that shook the country and contributed to the Tory party losing the 1964 election.
As the rest of the season unfolds, listeners learn of the establishment’s harsh backlash against Profumo, which led to his investigation and trial. The season concludes with an exclusive interview with Keeler’s son Seymour Platt, who reveals the scandal’s impact on his family.
British Scandal is one of the most successful podcasts in the UK, owing to the chemistry between Levine and Forde, as well as its blend of sharp satire and historical storytelling. Topping the Apple Podcasts charts upon its launch, the podcast’s ability to craft historical scandals into dramatic experiences has since left a lasting impression on its listeners, garnering thousands of followers across various platforms.
WHERE TO LISTEN- You can listen to British Scandal on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Anghami | Deezer | Audible | Amazon Music | iHeart | YouTube | YouTube Music.