The Brothel | Storycast
For more than a decade, London mum Anna has led a secret double life as a brothel keeper. But in 2024, a break-in at her brothel there sparks a potentially deadly chain of events.Pitted against both criminals and the police, can Anna untangle herself from this hidden world with both her secret and her safety intact? The first episodes of The Brothel are out in May.The series uses the voices of actors to protect the identities of those featured.For more investigative stories from the award-winning Sky News StoryCast strand, listen to our past seasons. SEASON 6: Unreliable Witness (2024)Investigating the...
Trailer · Mon, April 14, 2025
Introducing... The Brothel
For more than a decade, London mum Anna has led a secret double life as a brothel keeper. But in 2024, a break-in at her brothel sparks a potentially deadly chain of events. Pitted against both criminals and the police, can Anna untangle herself from this hidden world with both her secret and her safety intact? The first episodes of The Brothel are out in May. The series uses the voices of actors to protect the identities of those featured.
Bonus · Fri, February 28, 2025
Unreliable Witness 7: The Other Trial
A new court case finally exposes abuse in Barrow. Jason and Liz have known about these allegations for years but they can only reveal the facts now. The case involves three brothers and it's taken their victims more than a decade to get justice. Now we can tell the story of their crimes and follow a thread leading back to Ellie Williams. She's out of jail and not allowed to talk to the media. But Jason and Liz find her old diaries raise fresh questions. Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence and sexual abuse, explicit language, and a reference to suicide From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane. Episode Producer: Soila Apparicio Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
S6 E6 · Sun, March 24, 2024
Unreliable Witness 6: Eleanor Williams – Inside
Police material is released, taking us to the moments they discover her battered at her flat and the night before her infamous post. They also reveal her reaction when accused of lying. Meanwhile Liz and Jason are given a psychiatric report charting medical records and interviews which reveal more on Ellie’s background and state of mind. And, finally, Liz hears from the young woman at the centre of it all - directly from prison. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane. Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O’Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
S6 E5 · Sun, March 24, 2024
Unreliable Witness 5: I’m Coming for You
It’s revealed Mohammed Ramzan has been facing allegations other than from Ellie Williams. Liz and Jason meet ‘Sarah’ - who says she was groomed as a child in Hull and accuses Mo of being involved in the gang responsible. He claims something more sinister is at play. But his anger at the situation sees him back in court – in the dock. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O’Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
S6 E4 · Sun, March 24, 2024
Unreliable Witness 4: The Witness Who Went Home
Ellie has been sentenced to 8 and a half years in prison but questions have been raised about what evidence was presented and left out in court. One potential witness who wasn’t called on says she could have supported parts of Ellie’s story. Liz and Jason ask why Williams wasn’t prosecuted in relation to the other men she had accused. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O’Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
S6 E3 · Sun, March 24, 2024
Unreliable Witness 3: I’m not a Psychopath
After Covid delays, the trial is finally held and Ellie Williams is in the dock. Liz and Jason were among the reporters at court when the extent of her claims were revealed for the first time, shocking the media and public alike. She’s accused of perverting the course of justice against 5 men, including 4 who are white – of lying to police and falsifying evidence to back up her claims, including causing the horrific injuries to herself. Liz and Jason share some of the shocking twists and revelations of the 11-week trial and what Ellie has to say in her defence. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide. From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O’Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
S6 E2 · Sun, March 24, 2024
Unreliable Witness 2: Recipe for a Witch Hunt
The fuse has been lit...and with limited information from police or in the news, social media speculation starts fingers pointing. Barrow is about to hit boiling point. Asian businesses are attacked. Individuals are targeted. Meanwhile local businessman Mohammed Ramzan is arrested – suspected of being a central figure in the grooming gang. But a senior detective coming onto the case starts to find holes in the account police have been told. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O’Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
S6 E1 · Sun, March 24, 2024
Unreliable Witness 1: Who is Ellie Williams?
Ellie’s family and boss share their worries about her leading up to the infamous Facebook post. Unexplained injuries. Becoming withdrawn. Incessant messages. Harassment on the street. Then she started to go missing regularly. When she suddenly moves out of the family home, her family feel they’re losing contact. Eventually she turns up so badly injured she says she can’t take it any more and goes public with claims on social media that go viral and shock the nation. Warning: This series discusses issues of sexual abuse, self-harm, violence and suicide. If you feel affected by the issues, you can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK From Sky News Storycast, Unreliable Witness is presented by Jason Farrell and Liz Lane Series Producer: Anne-Marie Bullock Executive Producer: Louise Cotton Sound Design: Matt Wareham Additional Journalism: Sarah O’Connell Sky Podcasts Editor: Paul Stanworth
Trailer · Mon, March 18, 2024
Introducing: Unreliable Witness
At the height of lockdown, 19-year-old Ellie Williams claims on social media she’s been trafficked by an Asian grooming gang across the North of England. Photos of her horrific injuries add to the outrage and the post goes viral – shared more than 100 thousand times. Social media rumours lead to attacks on Asian men and businesses in her hometown of Barrow-in-Furness. But when she’s arrested for perverting the course of justice, things really explode and there are protest rallies and claims of a cover-up. At the trial the prosecution claims she’d lied, faked text messages and even caused the catalogue of injuries to herself. In season 6 of StoryCast, Sky News’ Jason Farrell and Liz Lane, who reported on the case at the time, return to Barrow to investigate what could have led her to make these claims and if, underneath it all, there is some other secret buried amongst the lies. With access to her family, police investigators and those most impacted by her allegations, we ask: Why did Ellie Williams create such an elaborate lie? And what happened AFTER the trial – once all the media attention died down and other allegations began to emerge?
S5 E4 · Sun, January 28, 2024
Patient 11: Episode 4 – Breaking free
A long serving doctor and his partner agree to help Alexis break out of psychiatric care and flee the country, a decision that has the potential to change all their lives. This series discusses rape and sexual assault. Credits - From Sky News StoryCast, Patient 11 is written and produced by Robert Mulhern. Reporting by Rebecca Thomas and Robert Mulhern. Editing by Paul Stanworth. Data and Forensics by Saywah Mahmood. Social Media by David Chipakupaku. Story commissioner, Dave Terris. Graphics by Kelly Casanova. Press and marketing by Anna Phelan. If you were impacted by this story please email the StoryCast team on storycast@sky.uk
S5 E3 · Sun, January 28, 2024
Patient 11: Episode 3 – Escape Plan
Enduring long periods in solitary and having descended to the darkest reaches of psychiatric care, Alexis plots an escape, one, that if successful, will take her thousands of miles from England. This series discusses rape and sexual assault.
S5 E2 · Sun, January 28, 2024
Patient 11: Episode 2 – In harm’s way
Undiagnosed, legally detained and separated from her daughter for more than a year, Alexis is moved to an all-male psychiatric ward on Christmas Eve, 2013. What happens next will, ultimately, bring her to the attention of the most powerful institutions in the state. This series discusses rape and sexual assault.
S5 E1 · Sun, January 28, 2024
Patient 11: Episode 1 – Locked-up and drugged
Following the death of her brother, young mother Alexis Quinn seeks temporary respite in NHS psychiatric care, never imagining that three days, would turn into more than three years, or that her bid to break free would bring her to the attention of UK and European law enforcement agencies. This series discusses rape and sexual assault.
Trailer · Mon, January 22, 2024
Introducing: Patient 11
Young mother and former GB youth swimmer, Alexis Quinn, agrees to enter NHS England psychiatric care following a family tragedy. She could never imagine that her three-day admission will turn into a three-year ordeal. Then undiagnosed with autism, and often the subject of 24-hour surveillance as well as long periods in solitary confinement, Alexis descends to the darkest reaches of locked-in, psychiatric care. There, she encounters the kind of threat she never could have imagined in a secure mental health hospital. In a bid to break free, Alexis plots a daring escape. Making it back to her daughter, however, will pit her against some of the most powerful institutions in the State, including the police. A warning, this series contains discussions about sexual assault. Credits - From Sky News StoryCast, Patient 11 is written and produced by Robert Mulhern. Reporting by Rebecca Thomas and Robert Mulhern. Editing by Paul Stanworth. Data and Forensics by Saywah Mahmood. Social Media by David Chipakupaku. Story commissioner, Dave Terris. Graphics by Kelly Casanova. Press and marketing by Anna Phelan. If you were impacted by this story please email the StoryCast team on storycast@sky.uk
S4 Enull · Thu, December 30, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 21/21 The Y2K Prison Bug
The biggest, and very first story of the year 2000, involved a bug that was expected to impact tens of millions of lives all over the world. But unlike the Covid-19 pandemic of today, The Millennium Bug, or Y2K for short, was a computer programming problem, with predicted Armageddon-like consequences. In the months leading up to the year 2000, people feared the world was on the brink of disaster; that planes would fall from the sky, cardiac pacemakers would stop, and nuclear reactors would shut down. The problem was devastatingly simple - computers were never programmed to read dates beyond 31 December 1999. And the inability to do so, at 12-midnight on 1 January 2000, could lead to a global computer crash. Governments around the world spent an estimated $500 billion trying to fix the problem. Each individual nation had their own unique concerns. In Russia, the military moved to protect the software that secured their nuclear weapons systems. And in Western Australia, the Ministry of Justice feared an overly automated prison system would fail, allowing the opportunity for thousands of inmates and the state’s most dangerous prisoners, to escape. So, they hired Matthew Hackling, a young, unassuming cyber security engineer, who was then dispatched to the state’s most notorious prisons. Could Matthew win the race against time to prevent this millennium catastrophe? In 2021, Sky News is marking some of the century’s biggest news events through the personal stories of lives defined by unforgettable moments from the last 21-years. The Y2K Prison Bug is episode 21 — and the final instalment of StoryCast ’21. CREDITS: The Y2K Prison Bug was written and produced by Rob Mulhern. Recordings and original idea, by Tom Gillespie with special thanks to Matthew Hackling. Archive, Simon Windsor TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant Digital, Tom Gillespie Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Sam Gould Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story, visit www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, December 20, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 20/21 The Queen's stuntman
On 27 July 2012, Gary Connery pulled up his tights, adjusted his wig, and put on a dress fit for a queen. The London Olympics opening ceremony was about to get underway and the professional stuntman was all set for the biggest job of his career. With the Queen scheduled to open the Games it was decided she would make a very special, very British, entrance. The idea was that James Bond would chaperone Her Majesty to the ceremony in a helicopter, before they both parachuted into the celebrations. But selling the illusion to a billion TV viewers around the world depended on the movie making skills of director/producer Danny Boyle and the bravery of a little-known stuntman ready to wow the world. In 2021, Sky News is marking some of the century’s biggest news events through the personal stories of lives defined by unforgettable moments from the last 21 years. The Queen's Stuntman is episode 20 of the 21-part series StoryCast' 21. Credits - The Queen's Stuntman was recorded by Tom Gillespie. Production, writing and sound design by Rob Mulhern Special thanks to our contributors, Gary Connery and Alastair Bruce Archive, Simon Windsor TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant Digital, Tom Gillespie Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Sam Gould Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, December 13, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 19/21 Michael Jackson - The Trial of the century
A veteran of movie cameos and music videos, Eddie Moss was one of the most successful Michael Jackson impersonators in the world in 2005, but then he took a job like no other. At the time, Michael Jackson was one of the world’s most iconic celebrities. But news headlines about his personal life and not his music had come to tarnish his reputation. Now, Jackson was due to go on trial in California on multiple charges of child abuse against a minor. The eyes of the world were watching. However, when the judge presiding over the case prevented cameras in the courthouse, it posed a major problem. How were news outlets going to communicate court proceedings to an international audience? Sky News, along with E! entertainment, decided to attempt something no one had tried before — deliver daily reconstructions of key evidence, using a cast of Hollywood actors, hired to play the main roles. None was more important, or consequential, than that of Jackson himself. But as the trial began to unfold, Eddie Moss quickly realised that his future and wellbeing were on the line too. In 2021, Sky News is marking some of the century’s biggest news events through the personal stories of lives defined by unforgettable moments from the last 21-years. Michael Jackson: The trial of the century is episode 19 of the 21-part series StoryCast ’21 CREDITS - Michael Jackson: Trial Of The Century was written and produced by Rob Mulhern and Jayne Secker. Original idea, Jonathan Samuels Special thanks to our contributors, Eddie Moss, Jayne Secker and Richard Johnson Archive, Robert Fellowes TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant Digital, Tom Gillespie Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Samuel Gould Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, December 06, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 18/21 The Shooting
On 22 July 2005, when Patricia da Silva learned that police marksman had killed a man at Stockwell Underground Station in London, she’d no reason to second-guess news reports describing the deceased as a terrorist. The capital then was on high alert. Just two weeks earlier, a series of bomb attacks killed 52 people, injured hundreds and London was left reeling. Then, on 21 July 2005, four men targeted the capital’s transport network in a carbon-copy style attack. This time, the terrorists' bombs failed to explode and they fled. So less than 24-hours after that failed attack, when Patricia left for work, she knew from news reports that police were in a race against time to catch the bombers. She’d absolutely no idea that the block of flats where she lived on Scotia Road in Tulse Hill was already under intense surveillance; that it had been linked by police to one of the terrorists — Hussein Osman, the target of the police shooting in Stockwell. Or was he? Critically, Scotia Road, Tulse Hill was much more than a location of police interest, it was home to Patricia, and her cousin — Jean Charles de Menezes, an electrician also from Brazil. On the morning of 22 July, when Patricia learned of the shooting, she couldn’t have imagined that a catastrophic chain of events had already cost Jean Charles de Menezes his life. In 2021, Sky News is marking some of the century’s biggest news events through the personal stories of lives defined by unforgettable moments from the last 21-years. Batman raids Buckingham Palace is episode 17 of the 21-part series StoryCast ’21 CREDITS - The Shooting was produced by Rob Mulhern and Tom Gillespie. Story originator, Tom Gillespie. Special thanks to our contributors, Patricia da Silva and Mark White Archive, Robert Fellowes TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant Digital, Tom Gillespie Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Samuel Gould Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story go to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, November 29, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 17/21 Batman raids Buckingham Palace
In September 2004, Jason Hatch dressed up in a Batman costume and broke into the grounds of Buckingham Palace. The Queen's home is protected by some of the tightest security measures in the world - but they weren't tight enough for this caped crusader, who climbed on the iconic building and made his way to the main balcony. A casual observer might have been forgiven for thinking Batman had stolen into the palace to execute a daring rescue. But in reality Mr Hatch was risking his life because he hadn't seen his children in more than eight years - and this superhero dad was set to stage a protest that would soon be beamed around the world. Would the British establishment bend to the will of Batman? In 2021, Sky News is marking some of the century’s biggest news events through the personal stories of lives defined by unforgettable moments from the last 21-years. Batman raids Buckingham Palace is episode 17 of the 21-part series StoryCast ’21 CREDITS - Batman Raids Buckingham Palace was recorded by Tom Gillespie and Rob Mulhern. Production, writing and sound design by Rob Mulhern Special thanks to our contributors Jason Hatch and Martin Brunt Archive, Daniel Franklin TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant Digital, Tom Gillespie Sky News Head of Radio, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Samuel Gould Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, September 27, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP16/21 Escape the Taj Mumbai
On the evening of 26 November 2008, Director and photographer Daniela Federici was in the lobby of the five-star Taj Palace hotel, Mumbai, when Islamic terrorists began a deadly 4-day terror attack using automatic weapons and grenades. Hours before, the Australian had arrived in the Indian port city – referred to my many in India as the ‘City of Dreams’ – to begin recording for a new TV documentary series. Instead, she found herself fleeing deep into the hotel’s vast warren of corridors as the terrorists, sent from Pakistan, mercilessly hunted down and murdered guests and security personnel. Escape the Taj Mumbai is Daniela’s story of survival and ultimately, escape. In 2021, Sky News is marking some of the century’s biggest news events through the personal stories of lives defined by unforgettable moments from the last 21-years. Escape the Taj Mumbai is episode 16 of the 21-part series StoryCast ’21 CREDITS - Escape the Taj Mumbai was written and produced by Rob Mulhern Recordings by Tom Gillespie Special thanks to Daniela Federici and Ashish Joshi Digital by Tom Gillespie Presented by Jayne Secker TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant Head of Sky News Radio Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story visit www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, September 20, 2021
StoryCast ’21: EP 15/21 Tim Peake: Britain’s first spacewalk
The UK has a long history of exploration, however by 2016, only one astronaut, Helen Sharman, had travelled to space bearing the colours of the UK flag and no Briton had ever experienced the most demanding and perilous experience of spaceflight. That was until one January morning in 2016. Former RAF test pilot, husband and father, Tim Peake, had arrived at The International Space Station (ISS) just weeks before. When mission control discovered damage to an external power unit, Peake, and fellow astronaut Tim Kopra, were tasked with its repair - a complex undertaking, fraught with danger, which could only be executed during night orbit at 17,000 km per hour. In 2021, Sky News is marking some of the century’s biggest news events through the personal stories of lives defined by unforgettable moments from the last 21-years. Tim Peake: Britain’s first spacewalk is episode 15 of the 21-part series StoryCast ’21 CREDITS Tim Peake: Britain’s first spacewalk was recorded by Tom Gillespie Writing, production and sound design by Rob Mulhern Special thanks to Tim Peake and Thomas Moore Digital by Tom Gillespie Presented by Jayne Secker TV treatment, Johnny El-Giathi Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, September 13, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 14/21 Taking Down Saddam
From Pauls Valley in Oklahoma, USA, Miles Hill always dreamed of joining the US Marine Corps. Growing up, family life was coloured by US military history - his grandparents served in World War Two and Korea. So when al Qaeda terrorists attacked the US on 11 September, 2001, it set in motion a chain of events that brought Hill to Iraq in 2003, as part of the Marine Corps. An idealistic 19-year-old, Hill had little understanding of geo-politics, but it was his absolute conviction that the world would be a better place without the Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi dictator had been a destabilising influence in the region since the 1990 Gulf War. Now accused of stockpiling weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) as well as forging links with al Qaeda terrorists, Hill and his fellow Marines were tasked with leading the ground invasion and deposing Hussein. On the morning of the invasion, military leaders warned of the bloodiest urban battle in US Marine Corp history. By the end of that day, Miles Hill would find himself at the centre of one of this century’s most iconic moments. In 2021, Sky News is marking some of the century’s biggest news events through the personal stories of lives defined by unforgettable moments from the last 21-years. Taking down Saddam is episode 14 of the 21-part series StoryCast ’21 CREDITS ‘Taking down Saddam’ was produced and written by Rob Mulhern. Recordings and digital Tom Gillespie Special thanks to Miles Hill and David Chater. Presented by Jayne Secker Sound Design, Rob Mulhern TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant Archive, Simon Windsor Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story go to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, September 06, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 13/21 9/11 Janice Brooks: Inside the South Tower
Saturday September 11, 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks on the US, which resulted in almost 3000 deaths and injured 25,000 people. At around 8 o'clock on the morning of the attacks, a group of al Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes before flying them - packed with passengers - towards targets in New York and Washington D.C. In the hours that followed, one of the deadliest attacks in US history played out live on TV screens around the world. From London’s East End, Janice Brooks, had just moved to New York. Then aged 41, she'd started a new job with the finance firm Eurobrokers. Her new office was located on floor 84 of 2 World Trade Centre (The South Tower). Shortly after Janice got to her desk on 9/11, the terrible chain of events that continue to mark her life, began to unfold. In this special extended episode of StoryCast 21 and using Sky News archive from the attack as it was being reported live, Janice tells the story of her escape from the upper floors of 2 World Trade Centre. In 2021, Sky News is marking some of the century’s biggest news events through the personal stories of lives defined by unforgettable moments from the last 21-years. 9-11 Janice Brooks: Inside the South Tower is episode 13 of the 21-part series StoryCast ‘21 CREDITS 9-11 Janice Brooks: The South Tower was produced by Rob Mulhern. Story originator and digital - Tom Gillespie Special thanks to Janice Brooks and Since 9-11- an education programme directed at UK students. Presented by Jayne Secker Sound Design, Rob Mulhern TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant Archive, Simon Windsor Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, August 02, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 12/21 The Beirut Blast: Ghassan's story
Ghassan Hasrouty wasn’t supposed to be working at Beirut’s port on Tuesday, 4th August 2020. He’d swapped shifts to allow him to attend an upcoming weekend trip with his wife and children. A senior manager, Ghassan had worked at the port for 38-years. He knew its rhythms well and anticipating that he may have to work through the night, he called home and asked for someone bring him a pillow and blanket. Around the same time Zein Ja’Far, Sky News' Middle East News Editor based in Beirut, was working from his apartment, less than half a mile away when he noticed smoke coming from the port. A fire was about ignite thousands of tonnes of ammonium nitrate, stored near Ghassan's workplace. The lives of the Hasrouty family, and Beirut’s two million residents were about to be changed forever. In 2021, Sky News is marking some of the century’s biggest news events through the personal stories of lives defined by unforgettable moments from the last 21-years. Episode 12 of the 21-part series is The Beirut Blast: Ghassan’s story. *StoryCast '21 returns in September 2021, with an extended episode to mark the 20th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. CREDITS The Beirut Blast: Ghassan’s story was written and produced by Rob Mulhern with Zein Ja’Far. Special thanks to Eli and Tatiana Hasrouty Research and Digital by Tom Gillespie Presented by Jayne Secker Sound Design, Rob Mulhern TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, July 26, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 11/21 The Last Gun: Disarming the IRA
In September 2005, the responsibility of securing a lasting peace in Northern Ireland fell on the shoulders of two unlikely men - a Protestant minister and a Catholic priest. Unbeknown to high-ranking security officials in both the British and Irish Governments, the Rev Harold Good and Father Alec Reid were to undertake a secret mission to bring about the disarmament of the IRA. To this day, what happened before and during that covert mission, remains shrouded in mystery. But now aged 84, Reverend Harold Good, speaking exclusively to Sky News, gives a searing new insight into an act that not only involved great personal risk, but on which the future of peace depended. CREDITS ‘The Last Gun: Disarming the IRA’ was written and produced by Rob Mulhern with David Blevins. Special thanks to Reverend Harold Good and David Blevins Digital by Tom Gillespie Presented by Jayne Secker Sound Design, Rob Mulhern TV treatment, Johnny El-Giathi Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, July 19, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 10/21 On Stage with Amy Winehouse
Three days before Amy Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning, she made her final stage appearance alongside her Goddaughter and musical protégée Dionne Bromfield. Now for the first time, Dionne reveals the ‘Aunty Amy’ only she knew. A decade since Winehouse’s death, she remains one of the UKs top selling artists. She also remains eclipsed by the media portrayal: The icon, the beehive hairstyle, the bright lights, paparazzi, and addiction that ultimately destroyed her. 'On Stage with Amy Winehouse' explores the Amy Dionne remembers, why it’s taken 10-years to process her death, and how finding a ‘sister’ in Winehouse has come to define her. ‘On Stage with Amy Winehouse was produced by Rob Mulhern with Amy Hitchcock. Special thanks to Dionne Bromfield Digital by Tom Gillespie Presented by Jayne Secker Sound Design, Rob Mulhern TV treatment, Amy Hitchcock Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, July 12, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 9/21 The UK Biker Wars
On August 12, 2007, mechanic and Hell’s Angel, Gerry Tobin, was shot dead by a rival biker gang as he was riding his motorcycle on the M40 in Warwickshire. The shooting, on a busy Sunday afternoon, was carefully planned by members of the Outlaw’s biker gang and had roots in a turf war. But the nature of the attack, brought a previously underground world screaming into the mainstream. Sky Correspondent, Darren Little, was dispatched to the murder scene, not knowing that it was the beginning of a story that would take more than two years to tell and culminate in a face-to-face meeting with one of Europe’s most notorious crime bosses. CREDITS The UK Biker Wars was written and produced by Rob Mulhern Special thanks to our contributors, Darren Little and actor Tom McCall Digital by Tom Gillespie TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant TV output editor, Emily Deeker Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, July 05, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 8/21 Terror in Brussels Airport
Reporters typically arrive to the scene of a major news story after the event. But on March 22, 2016, Sky News National Correspondent, Alex Rossi, was in the Duty Free at Brussels Airport when ISIS terrorists detonated two bombs in the departures lounge. Just metres from where he was stood only moments earlier, people now lay dead. Among those severely injured was Sebastien Bellin, a former Belgian basketball player. Just months before, in November 2015, ISIS had attacked Paris, killing 130 people. Because of the nature of that attack, both men now expected more bombs and further deaths. Within an hour, another bomb was detonated on the Metro in central Brussels. Amidst the confusion, Alex Rossi began to document, live on Sky News, the terrifying unfolding situation inside the airport. What he had no understanding of at that time was the devastation inside the departure lounge, where Sebastien Bellin lay stricken. Revisiting their respective experiences in depth this podcast is a graphic account of the attack on Brussels - which claimed 32 lives - from the perspective of both men. CREDITS Terror in Brussels Airport was recorded by Tom Gillespie. Production, writing and sound design by Rob Mulhern Special thanks to our contributors, Sebastien Bellin and Alex Rossi Archive, Simon Windsor TV treatment, Gemma Watson TV output editor, Emily Deeker Digital, Tom Gillespie Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, June 28, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP7/21 A Football Fairy Tale
In December 2012, Bradford City, a team that cost less than £10K to assemble, and then in danger of dropping out of the football league, wrote one of the most romantic chapters in the history of British sport when they met Arsenal, one of the elites of the game, in a competitive fixture. The game represented not only a collision of football extremes, but economic circumstance. For Bradford, the contest symbolised a broader north-south divide. So, led by former supermarket-shelf-stacker turned striker James Hanson, they set out to achieve the impossible. New Episode every Monday StoryCast '21: Using the timeframe of the last 21-years, Sky News returns to some of this century's biggest news stories, using the focus of extraordinary personal stories, defined by these events. CREDITS A Football Fairy Tale was written and produced by Rob Mulhern Original idea - Joe Rawson, Sky News Radio Sports Editor Special thanks to our contributors, James Hanson, Tim Thornton and Carl Smith. Additional recordings and digital by Tom Gillespie. Archive, Simon Windsor Sound design, Rob Mulhern TV treatment, Gemma Watson TV output editor, Emily Deeker Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, June 21, 2021
StoryCast ’21: EP 6/21 War Child
Shot and left for dead during a military attack on her village in 2017, 12-year-old Rohingya girl, Zoora, escapes through the jungles and waterways of Myanmar, before finding refuge in Bangladesh. But having lost both her parents, Zoora’s path to safety remains fraught with danger. Then, a chance meeting with Sky News correspondent Ashish Joshi, profoundly changes both their lives. New Episode every Monday StoryCast '21: Using the timeframe of the last 21-years, Sky News returns to some of this century's biggest news stories, using the focus of extraordinary personal stories, defined by these events. CREDITS War Child was written and produced by Rob Mulhern Special thanks to our contributors, Ashish Joshi, Zoora and Saoirse Brady who voiced Zoora’s first-person testimony. Recordings made in Bangladesh were co-ordinated by Shafiur Rahman. Digital treatment by Tom Gillespie Archive, Simon Windsor Additional recordings and sound design, Rob Mulhern TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant TV output editor, Emily Deeker Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story go to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, June 14, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP 5/21 Trapped: The Chile Miners
On 5th August 2010, a collapse in the San Jose copper and gold mine in the Atacama Desert, Chile, leaves 33 miners trapped. Among them, Edison Peña, an Elvis impersonator, entombed nearly half-a-mile underground. Facing almost certain death, the collapse sparks an international rescue effort, which captivates a worldwide TV audience of a billion people. What does the future hold for Edison, and the miners? New Episode every Monday. StoryCast '21: Using the timeframe of the last 21-years, Sky News returns to some of this century's biggest news stories, using the focus of extraordinary personal stories, defined by these events. CREDITS Trapped: The Chile Miners was written and produced by Rob Mulhern Recordings in Chile by Esteban Cabezas Interview co-ordinator for recordings in Chile, Carmen Aguilar Garcia Digital by Tom Gillespie Special thanks to our contributors, Edison Peña, and Jonathan Samuels Archive, Simon Windsor Sound design, Rob Mulhern TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant TV output editor, Emily Deeker Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, June 07, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP4/21 Migrant Rescue
On January 15, 2016, Brussels based Sky News Correspondent Mark Stone received a desperate text message from Syrian refugee, Bassel Shekhany. Shekhany had recently sought asylum in Germany and explained that his family and fiancé, Zanzon, were adrift in the Aegean Sea, after setting out to reach Europe from the Turkish coast, earlier that evening. At the time, crossings of the Mediterranean had claimed the lives of thousands of refugees, many of whom were fleeing the war in Syria. Could he help? New Episode every Monday StoryCast '21: Using the timeframe of the last 21-years, Sky News returns to some of this century's biggest news stories, using the focus of extraordinary personal stories, defined by these events. Migrant Rescue was written and produced by Rob Mulhern Digital and research by Tom Gillespie Special thanks to our contributors, Bassel and Zanzon Shekhany, and Mark Stone Archive, Simon Windsor Recordings and sound design, Rob Mulhern TV treatment, Hope Yeomans TV output editor, Emily Deeker Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, May 31, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP3/21 Marathon Man
In Vienna, on October 12, 2019, Kenyan distance runner and decorated Olympian, Eliud Kipchoge, set out to become the first person to run a marathon in under two hours — a challenge deemed impossible by many experts in the world of science. New episode every Monday StoryCast'21: Using the timeframe of the last 21-years, Sky News returns to some of this century's biggest news stories, using the focus of extraordinary personal stories, defined by these events. Marathon Man was written and produced by Rob Mulhern Research and digital treatment by Tom Gillespie Special thanks to our contributors, Eluid Kipchoge, Valentijn Trouw, Endy Brady and Ineos Archive, Simon Windsor Recordings and sound design, Rob Mulhern TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant TV output editor, Emily Deeker Head of Radio, Sky News, Dave Terris Design and graphics, Brian Gillingham Social media, Chris Scott Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story visit www.skynews/storycast21 #StoryCast21
S4 Enull · Mon, May 24, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP2/21 The hunt for Raoul Moat
StoryCast '21: On 3rd July 2010, Sue Sim, Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, received a call in the middle of the night, to say there’d been a double shooting in a quiet suburb of Newcastle. Specialist police units, snipers and RAF jets all featured in the pursuit of the gunman, which played out live around the world. New episode every Monday. StoryCast '21: Using the timeframe of the last 21-years, Sky News returns to some of this century's biggest news stories, using the focus of extraordinary personal stories, defined by these events. CREDITS - 'The hunt for Raoul Moat' was written and produced by Robert Mulhern Recordings, research, and production assistance by Tom Gillespie Special thanks to our contributors, Sue Sim and Lisa Dowd Archive, Simon Windsor Sky News Head of Radio, Dave Terris Digital, Tom Gillespie Sound Design, Robert Mulhern TV Treatment, Hope Yeomans TV Output Editor, Emily Deeker Social Media, Chris Scott Graphics, Brian Gillingham Press and Marketing, Alexandra Horton Email: storycast@sky.uk For more on this story log on to skynews.com/storycast21
S4 Enull · Mon, May 17, 2021
StoryCast '21: EP1/21 Miracle Boy
StoryCast '21: On 26th December 2004, one of the deadliest disasters in modern history played out when a Tsunami led to almost 230,000 deaths in south east Asia. Amid the devastation, a Sky News camera crew discover an 8-year-old boy. Their subsequent report is seen by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese footballer, known to many as the greatest player of his generation, but less so for his role in this remarkable survival story. StoryCast '21: Using the timeframe of the last 21-years, Sky News returns to some of this century's biggest news stories, using the focus of extraordinary personal stories, defined by these events. Miracle Boy was written, recorded and produced by Robert Mulhern Additional recordings, photos and video, Fira Isrofillah Special thanks to this episodes contributors, Martunis, Phil Hooper (Sky News Camera Operator) Martin Vowles (Sky News Security Advisor), and Donncha Brady (Martunis as a child) Digital, Tom Gillespie Sound Design, Robert Mulhern Sky News Head of Radio, Dave Terris TV treatment, Victoria Hudson-Grant TV output editor, Emily Deeker Archive, Simon Windsor Social media, Chris Scott Graphics and design, Brian Gillingham Press and marketing, Alexandra Horton New episode every Monday
Trailer · Mon, May 10, 2021
Trailer: Storycast '21
Using the timeframe of the last 21-years, Sky News’ multi-award-winning podcast returns to some of this century's biggest news stories, using the focus of extraordinary personal stories defined by these events. New episodes every Monday from May 17. Series producer: Rob Mulhern Host: Jayne Secker Researcher: Tom Gillespie
S3 Enull · Mon, August 03, 2020
Polonium & the Piano Player: PART 4 - The Reckoning
With relations between London and Moscow deteriorating, Derek Conlon escapes to a new life, but destiny and the nuclear poison appear to have decided his fate. Narrated by Diana Magnay. Written and produced by Robert Mulhern. Production support by Chris Scott, and Dave Terris. Musical credit: "Olive" by Jake Chudnow, Original instrumentals by Derek Conlon. Digital by Phil Whiteside and Ronan Hughes. Legal support by Matt McKenzie. Graphics and Design by Matt Simpson and Sophia Leale. Continuity announcement -- Kit Bradshaw. Video by Alex Marshall and Cat Roper Davies. Social Media support from Adam Tate. Archive from Simon Windsor and thanks to former Moscow Correspondent Alex Rossi.
S3 Enull · Mon, July 27, 2020
Polonium & the Piano Player: PART 3 - Victims and suspects
As one of the biggest police investigations in British history gets underway, Derek Conlon is astonished to learn that he too has been poisoned. But having crossed into the world of espionage, that’s only the beginning of his problems. Episode 4 released Monday August 3, 2020. Narrated by Diana Magnay. Written and produced by Robert Mulhern. Production support by Chris Scott, and Dave Terris. Original Music by Derek Conlon. Digital by Phil Whiteside and Ronan Hughes. Legal support by Matt McKenzie. Graphics and Design by Matt Simpson and Sophia Leale. Continuity announcement by Kit Bradshaw. Video by Alex Marshall and Cat Roper Davies. Social Media support from Adam Tate. Archive from Simon Windsor and thanks to former Moscow Correspondent Alex Rossi.
S3 Enull · Mon, July 20, 2020
Polonium & the Piano Player: PART 2 - The Poisoning
A former KGB agent takes us deep into the world of the Russian spies who have just poisoned Alexander Litvinenko and piano player Derek Conlon using a miniature nuclear weapon. (Episode 3 released 27th July). Narrated by Diana Magnay. Produced by Robert Mulhern
S3 Enull · Mon, July 13, 2020
Polonium & the Piano Player: PART 1 - A Nuclear Connection
Ex-KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko is lured by Russian agents to a meeting in a 5-star London hotel. What happens next will change his life, the relationship between the UK and Russia, and suck the hotel's piano player Derek Conlon into a world of espionage and murder. (Episode 2 released Monday 20 July). Narrated by Diana Magnay. Produced by Robert Mulhern
Trailer · Thu, July 09, 2020
Introducing...Polonium & the Piano Player
Two Russians agents release a miniature nuclear weapon in a 5-star London hotel. But former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko is not the only victim? From Sky News StoryCast.
S2 Enull · Thu, March 05, 2020
What happened to Annie? BONUS: The fight for key evidence
Classified files, the fight for key evidence and family reaction. This bonus episode updates with developments in the case of Annie Börjesson since part 6 of the series. Hosted by Jayne Secker. Produced by Robert Mulhern/Jayne Secker Editing: Dave Terris Production Assistance: Chris Scott, Charlotte Ekstrom
S2 Enull · Wed, February 26, 2020
What happened to Annie? Update: Where we're at
A quick update as to where we're at as we explore what happened to 30 year-old Annie Borjesson - a Swedish woman whose body was found on Prestwick beach on Scotland's west coast in 2005. #WhathappenedtoAnnie Email: StoryCast@sky.uk
S2 Enull · Thu, December 19, 2019
What happened to Annie? PART 6: The search for answers
Was Annie Borjesson murdered or did she die by suicide? As Guje and Maria make one final journey, the investigation attempts to reach a conclusion. Narrated by Rona Dougall Produced by Robert Mulhern #WhathappenedtoAnnie? Email: StoryCast@sky.uk
S2 Enull · Tue, December 17, 2019
What happened to Annie? PART 5: The case for suicide?
In the case of Annie’s death, how might the police have arrived at their conclusion of suicide? Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK. Narrated by Rona Dougall Produced by Robert Mulhern #WhathappenedtoAnnie? Email: StoryCast@sky.uk
S2 Enull · Thu, December 12, 2019
What happened to Annie? PART 4: The CIA and Prestwick
Kristina Börjesson, a campaigning US journalist with a similar name to Annie, finds herself at the centre of a story linking Annie’s death with secret CIA flight’s through Prestwick Airport in 2005. Could Annie have died in a case of mistaken identity? Narrated by Rona Dougall Produced by Robert Mulhern #WhathappenedtoAnnie? Episode 5 released on 17th December. Email: StoryCast@sky.uk
S2 Enull · Tue, December 10, 2019
What happened to Annie? PART 3: Testing the evidence
As Annie Börjesson's family continue their search for answers, they are forced to consider the somewhat incredible theory, that Annie’s death may in some way be connected to CIA activity at Prestwick Airport. Narrated by Rona Dougall Produced by Robert Mulhern #WhathappenedtoAnnie? Episode 4 released on 12th December. Email: StoryCast@sky.uk
S2 Enull · Thu, December 05, 2019
What happened to Annie? PART 2: The case for murder?
Having learned that a London funeral company notified Scottish Police about disturbing markings on Annie’s body, her mother Guje Börjesson and best friend Maria set off on their own investigation. But some disturbing discoveries lie in wait. Narrated by Rona Dougall Produced by Robert Mulhern #WhathappenedtoAnnie? Email: StoryCast@sky.uk
S2 Enull · Tue, December 03, 2019
What happened to Annie? PART 1: The body on the beach
In December 2005, a dog walker discovers the body of a Swedish woman on Prestwick beach in Ayrshire on Scotland's west coast. Annie Börjesson’s family are told the 30-year-old died by suicide. But something felt wrong. Why had Annie been found along with her passport? Why didn't Annie board her flight at Prestwick airport? Narrated by Rona Dougall Produced by Robert Mulhern #WhathappenedtoAnnie? Email: StoryCast@sky.uk
Trailer · Fri, November 29, 2019
Trailer: What happened to Annie?
In 2005, the body of 30-year-old Swedish woman, Annie Börjesson, was found on Prestwick beach on Scotland's west coast. The authorities told Annie’s mother her daughter died of suicide. However, in the 14 years since, a new narrative has emerged that points not to suicide, but murder, cover-up and one of the world’s most secretive security agencies. Narrated by Rona Dougall. #WhathappenedtoAnnie?
Bonus · Fri, July 12, 2019
Beyond the hunt for the Brink's-Mat gold
BONUS EPISODE: Where is the missing gold? How Ian Brown got on the case and why Kent’s 'Bermuda Triangle’ changed Britain’s criminal landscape forever. Sky’s crime correspondent Martin Brunt and producer Rob Mulhern discuss the big talking points from the series. Featuring additional recordings and unheard bonus material. Hosted by Tom Macleod.
S1 Enull · Mon, June 24, 2019
The hunt for the Brink's-Mat gold: PART 2 - The Sting
The trail to recover the £26m in stolen gold from the high security Brink’s-Mat depot in London in 1983 leads undercover detective Ian Brown and a maverick group of Flying Squad officers overseas. Ripping up the rule book, they find an unlikely ally in their quest to crack the ‘crime of the century’ in the form of the US Drug Enforcement Agency. But what’s happened to the 6,800 gold bars?
S1 Enull · Mon, June 10, 2019
The hunt for the Brink's-Mat gold: PART 1 - The Heist
In 1983, members of an armed gang break into the maximum security Brink’s-Mat depot near London’s Heathrow Airport and escape with £26m in gold. As the pressure mounts, Metropolitan Police chiefs turn to a wily, undercover detective with a reputation for being lucky. Ian Brown is given the job of cracking one of the most high-profile cases in Britain’s criminal history. But first, he must get on the trail that will lead to the missing gold.
Trailer · Tue, May 28, 2019
Trailer: The hunt for the Brink's-Mat gold
In 1983, an armed gang stole £26m in gold bars from a high-security depot near London’s Heathrow Airport. Dubbed the crime of the century by the press, the heist changed the face Britain’s criminal landscape and the life of one undercover Scotland Yard detective. Ian Brown tells what happened when he was sent out to recover the gold. Narrated by Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt.
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