Dead Famous

By 1992, Queen Elizabeth II had been on the throne for forty years. She had survived wars, political upheaval, assassination attempts and a country transformed almost beyond recognition.

Then her family began to fall apart in public.

In Part Two of Dead Famous: Queen Elizabeth II, we enter the most turbulent decades of her reign: the annus horribilis, the collapse of her children's marriages, the fire at Windsor Castle and the extraordinary royal drama surrounding Charles and Diana.

Then, in August 1997, Diana was killed in Paris — and the Queen found herself facing perhaps the greatest public backlash of her entire reign.

We follow Elizabeth through the monarchy's recovery, the deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother, the jubilees that transformed her into a national institution, the loss of Prince Philip after more than 73 years of marriage, and the final months of a life spent almost entirely in public service.

Finally, we return to Balmoral in September 2022, as the reign that had once seemed almost permanent quietly came to an end.

Parts One and Two are available now — listen to the complete story without waiting for next week.

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Dead Famous is an independent podcast, and your support really does make a difference. By joining me on Patreon, you'll be helping to support the show while enjoying exclusive extras, including Beyond the Script and, from the end of November, brand-new monthly bonus episodes where you get to vote on whose story we cover next.

Become a member of the Dead Famous Patreon and help the show grow: join here!

Got a question, a comment or a suggestion for a future episode? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 31st August 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, died following a catastrophic car crash in Paris. She was just 36 years old. Twenty-nine years later, the events of that night continue to fascinate, disturb and divide people around the world.

In Part Two of our Princess Diana special, I pick up the story during Diana's final hours in Paris with Dodi Fayed. We reconstruct the frantic pursuit by paparazzi, the journey from the Ritz Hotel, the devastating crash inside the Pont de l'Alma tunnel and the desperate attempts by doctors to save Diana's life.

We then return to Britain, where grief on an almost unimaginable scale was rapidly turning into anger. Why was the Royal Family initially so silent? Why wasn't the flag above Buckingham Palace lowered to half-mast? And how did the Queen eventually respond to a public mood threatening to become a genuine crisis for the monarchy?

And then there are the questions that have refused to disappear.

Was Henri Paul really drunk? Why did the ambulance take so long to reach hospital? What happened to the mysterious white Fiat Uno? What did Dodi's father, Mohamed Al-Fayed, believe had happened to his son and Diana? And what did the enormous official investigations into the crash ultimately uncover?

Released on the 29th anniversary of Princess Diana's death, this is the concluding part of Dead Famous' look at the extraordinary life, tragic death and enduring legacy of one of the most famous women of the twentieth century.

🎧 Listen to Part One first for Diana's story from her childhood and marriage to Prince Charles through to her relationship with Dodi Fayed and the final summer of her life.

⭐ Become an A-Lister on Patreon for early, completely ad-free episodes and Beyond the Script. This week, I go completely off-script on Diana: what do I really think happened that night in Paris? I’ll also be talking about the moments immediately after the crash that I find particularly disturbing, what I make of the Royal Family's reaction to her death, which of the conspiracy theories are complete tosh, and whether there are any questions that still leave me feeling uneasy.

❤️ Love Dead Famous? Help keep the stories coming!

Dead Famous is an independent podcast, and your support really does make a difference. By joining me on Patreon, you'll be helping to support the show while enjoying exclusive extras, including Beyond the Script and, from the end of November, brand-new monthly bonus episodes where you get to vote on whose story we cover next.

Become a member of the Dead Famous Patreon and help the show grow: join here!

Got a question, a comment or a suggestion for a future episode? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few people in modern history have experienced fame quite like Diana, Princess of Wales.

Born Diana Spencer, she entered the Royal Family as a shy young bride and became one of the most famous and photographed women on Earth. But behind the fairy-tale wedding to Prince Charles was a marriage already carrying the seeds of its own destruction.

In Part One of this special two-part Dead Famous, we trace Diana's extraordinary life from her troubled aristocratic childhood and whirlwind royal courtship to motherhood, bulimia, her increasingly fractured relationship with Charles, and the presence of Camilla Parker Bowles.

We explore Diana's transformation into a global icon, her ground-breaking work around HIV and AIDS, her complicated relationship with the press, her own affairs, the bitter “War of the Waleses”, Andrew Morton's explosive biography and the infamous BBC Panorama interview with Martin Bashir.

Then, newly divorced and attempting to build a life outside the Royal Family, Diana begins relationships with Hasnat Khan and Dodi Fayed — before a whirlwind summer brings her to Paris in August 1997.

She was 36 years old and expected to return to London the following day.

She never made it home.

Part Two, examining the death of Princess Diana, its aftermath, the investigations, conspiracy theories and her extraordinary legacy, will be released on 31 August — the 29th anniversary of her death.

But was Diana really the innocent victim she's so often remembered as? Was Charles truly the villain of their marriage — and has Camilla spent decades carrying more of the blame than she deserves? This week, I'm going Beyond the Script to talk about Diana's affairs, her her complicated relationship with the press, and what I really think about the woman behind the People's Princess.

❤️ Love Dead Famous? Help keep the stories coming!

Dead Famous is an independent podcast, and your support really does make a difference. By joining me on Patreon, you'll be helping to support the show while enjoying exclusive extras, including Beyond the Script and, from the end of November, brand-new monthly bonus episodes where you get to vote on whose story we cover next.

Become a member of the Dead Famous Patreon and help the show grow: join here!

Got a question, a comment or a suggestion for a future episode? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Princess Margaret was glamorous, rebellious, controversial — and one of the most fascinating members of the modern British Royal Family.

Born into a life of extraordinary privilege, Margaret grew up in the shadow of her older sister, the future Queen Elizabeth II. But while Elizabeth was destined for duty, Margaret became known for something very different: forbidden love, turbulent relationships, scandalous affairs, glamorous parties, cigarettes, alcohol and a determination to live life on her own terms.

This week on Dead Famous, we explore the extraordinary life and death of Princess Margaret — from her childhood and the abdication crisis that changed her family forever, to her doomed romance with Peter Townsend, her marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones, the paradise of Mustique, years of scandal and excess, and the declining health that eventually brought her remarkable life to an end.

It's also the beginning of our Royal Triple Bill. Next week, we're telling the story of Queen Elizabeth II, before a special two-part Dead Famous on the life and death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

And I've been remarkably restrained in this episode. The same cannot be said for this week's Beyond the Script, where I share my completely unfiltered thoughts on Princess Margaret. Let's just say... I turn the air blue.

❤️ Love Dead Famous? Help keep the stories coming!

Dead Famous is an independent podcast, and your support really does make a difference. By joining me on Patreon, you'll be helping to support the show while enjoying exclusive extras, including Beyond the Script and, from the end of November, brand-new monthly bonus episodes where you get to vote on whose story we cover next.

Become a member of the Dead Famous Patreon and help the show grow: join here!

Got a question, a comment or a suggestion for a future episode? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the morning of 15 July 1974, 29-year-old television journalist Christine Chubbuck arrived at the studios of WXLT-TV in Sarasota, Florida, ready to present her live morning news programme.

Minutes later, viewers witnessed something almost unimaginable.

Sitting behind the news desk, Christine delivered a chilling statement to camera before pulling out a gun and shooting herself in the head — live on television.

But the shocking circumstances of Christine Chubbuck's death have, for decades, threatened to overshadow the woman she was before that moment.

This week on Dead Famous, we go beyond one of the most infamous moments in television history to explore Christine's life: her childhood and family, her ambitions to succeed in broadcasting, her struggles behind the scenes, and the events leading up to that devastating morning in July 1974.

We also look at what happened after the broadcast, the enduring mystery surrounding the recording of Christine's final moments, and how her death became the subject of rumour, fascination and controversy for more than half a century.

This is the life and death of Christine Chubbuck — a talented and complicated young journalist whose story deserves to be remembered for far more than the way it ended.

❤️ Love Dead Famous? Help keep the stories coming!

Dead Famous is an independent podcast, and your support really does make a difference. By joining me on Patreon, you'll be helping to support the show while enjoying exclusive extras, including Beyond the Script and, from the end of November, brand-new monthly bonus episodes where you get to vote on whose story we cover next.

Become a member of the Dead Famous Patreon and help the show grow: join here!

Got a question, a comment or a suggestion for a future episode? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Dead Famous, we're exploring the extraordinary life and tragic death of Kobe Bryant.

From a basketball prodigy who skipped college to join the NBA straight from high school, to a five-time NBA champion, Olympic gold medallist and global sporting icon, Kobe Bryant's career redefined greatness on the basketball court. But his life was also marked by controversy, personal challenges, remarkable reinvention, and one of the most shocking tragedies in modern sport.

In this episode, we trace Kobe's journey from his childhood in Italy and meteoric rise with the Los Angeles Lakers, through the highs of championship success, the 2003 sexual assault case that threatened to derail his career, and his inspiring second act as an Oscar-winning filmmaker, entrepreneur and devoted father.

Finally, we examine the events of 26 January 2020, when Kobe, his daughter Gianna and seven others lost their lives in a devastating helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Drawing on the findings of the official investigation, we separate fact from speculation to understand exactly what happened that morning and the lasting legacy Kobe Bryant left behind.

❤️ Love Dead Famous? Help keep the stories coming!

Dead Famous is an independent podcast, and your support really does make a difference. By joining me on Patreon, you'll be helping to support the show while enjoying exclusive extras, including Beyond the Script and, from the end of November, brand-new monthly bonus episodes where you get to vote on whose story we cover next.

Become a member of the Dead Famous Patreon and help the show grow: join here!

Got a question, a comment or a suggestion for a future episode? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Dunn was one of the most fearless and beloved stars of Jackass, famous for his outrageous stunts, quick wit and close friendship with Bam Margera. But behind the laughter was a life that would end in tragedy.

In this episode of Dead Famous, we explore Ryan Dunn's life from his childhood in Pennsylvania and his rise through the CKY skateboarding scene, to the global success of Jackass and the events leading up to the devastating car crash that claimed his life in 2011.

We'll examine the final hours before the crash, the investigation that followed, the role alcohol and speed played, and the lasting impact his death had on his family, friends and the Jackass cast. We'll also look at the tributes that poured in from Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Bam Margera and others who knew him best.

This is the extraordinary life and heartbreaking death of Ryan Dunn.

❤️ Love Dead Famous? Help keep the stories coming!

Dead Famous is an independent podcast, and your support really does make a difference. By joining me on Patreon, you'll be helping to support the show while enjoying exclusive extras, including Beyond the Script and, from the end of November, brand-new monthly bonus episodes where you get to vote on whose story we cover next.

Become a member of the Dead Famous Patreon and help the show grow: join here!

Got a question, a comment or a suggestion for a future episode? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Dead Famous, we explore the extraordinary life and heartbreaking death of Christina Grimmie. Long before social media stars became household names, Christina built a devoted global following on YouTube before captivating millions on The Voice with her remarkable talent and infectious personality.

We trace her journey from ambitious teenager to rising music star, the mentors who believed in her, and the career that seemed destined for superstardom. We also examine the events of 10 June 2016, when a meet-and-greet with fans in Orlando ended in unimaginable tragedy.

What drove the man responsible? Could the attack have been prevented? And how has Christina's legacy continued to inspire fans, friends and fellow musicians a decade later?

Join me as we look beyond the headlines to tell the full story of Christina Grimmie—her life, her music, and the lasting impact she left behind.

❤️ Love Dead Famous? Help keep the stories coming!

Dead Famous is an independent podcast, and your support really does make a difference. By joining me on Patreon, you'll be helping to support the show while enjoying exclusive extras, including Beyond the Script and, from the end of November, brand-new monthly bonus episodes where you get to vote on whose story we cover next.

Become a member of the Dead Famous Patreon and help the show grow: join here!

Got a question, a comment or a suggestion for a future episode? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne Heche was one of Hollywood's brightest stars, but behind the success was a life shaped by extraordinary trauma, public scrutiny and personal turmoil. From an abusive childhood and the death of her father to her groundbreaking relationship with Ellen DeGeneres, Anne repeatedly rebuilt her life against overwhelming odds.

In this episode of Dead Famous, we trace Anne's remarkable journey from soap star to Hollywood leading lady, exploring the highs of Donnie Brasco, Six Days, Seven Nights and Psycho, the career fallout that followed her relationship with Ellen, her long struggle with mental illness, and the devastating events of August 2022 that ended in a catastrophic car crash, a severe anoxic brain injury and her death at just 53. We also examine the official investigation, separate fact from internet conspiracy theories, and ask whether Anne Heche's legacy deserves to be remembered very differently from the headlines that followed her final days.

❤️ Love Dead Famous? Help keep the stories coming!

Dead Famous is an independent podcast, and your support really does make a difference. By joining me on Patreon, you'll be helping to support the show while enjoying exclusive extras, including Beyond the Script and, from the end of November, brand-new monthly bonus episodes where you get to vote on whose story we cover next.

Become a member of the Dead Famous Patreon and help the show grow: join here!

Got a question, a comment or a suggestion for a future episode? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Harding was the wild one of Girls Aloud — loud, funny, unpredictable and seemingly unstoppable. From winning a place in one of Britain’s biggest girl bands to the pressures of fame, turbulent relationships, addiction and a battle to find her place beyond the group, Sarah’s life was far more complicated than the headlines ever suggested.

In this episode of Dead Famous, we trace Sarah’s journey from Stockport to pop superstardom, the extraordinary success of Girls Aloud, the darker years that followed, and the devastating breast cancer diagnosis that would end her life at just 39.

But Sarah Harding’s story did not end with her death. Her final wish helped inspire research into identifying breast cancer risk in younger women — work that is already helping to detect the disease earlier.

This is the story of Sarah Harding: pop star, party girl, survivor, and a woman whose legacy may help save lives.

❤️ Love Dead Famous? Help keep the stories coming!

Dead Famous is an independent podcast, and your support really does make a difference. By joining me on Patreon, you'll be helping to support the show while enjoying exclusive extras, including Beyond the Script and, from the end of November, brand-new monthly bonus episodes where you get to vote on whose story we cover next.

Become a member of the Dead Famous Patreon and help the show grow: join here!

Got a question, a comment or a suggestion for a future episode? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.