In Detail...

40 Episodes
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By: BBC Local Radio

Exploring and explaining news stories from across England and Wales.Series 6: Dark Island An island of dreams for some, a place to hide for others. Investigative journalist India Pollock uncovers the disturbing secrets beneath the tranquil image of Caldey Island.Previously on In Detail...Series 1. The Pub Bombings Exploring the impact of two Birmingham pub bombs in a 50 year evolving story.Series 2. The Toxic Waste Scandal Explore the shocking events that ripped through a steelworks community in Corby.Series 3. Felled: The Sycamore Gap Story Hairy Biker Si King investigates who felled the tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland.Series 4. The...

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1. The Calling
1. The Calling episode artwork
#2
Today at 1:27 PM

Dawn and Pete Towns are a new couple, attracted to Caldey Island for its nature and breathtaking scenic location off the Pembrokeshire coast. The fresh start sees them become the new managers of St Philomena’s guesthouse.

But soon their dream is shattered and life there becomes awkward and deeply troubling.

This is not the place they thought it was.

Credits: Created, written and presented by: India Pollock Producers: Jenny Johnson, Siân Elin Dafydd Sound Design: Cathy Robinson Executive Producer: Gabriella O’Donnell Original Music: Branwen Munn Production Manager: Sharon Laban Sounds Commi...


Trailer
Trailer episode artwork
#1
10/15/2026

Investigative journalist India Pollock explores the hidden history of Caldey Island, uncovering a disturbing past and troubling secrets stretching across decades.


Episode Six
Episode Six episode artwork
#7
11/04/2025

Karen plots Viraj’s escape from Sri Lanka and finds a new home for them both in Germany.

A new posting in Yorkshire proves troubling for Father John.

Viraj’s friend Charlie Baker finds some peace after his experience in Sri Lanka.

Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.

Photograph of Vira...


Episode 5
Episode 5 episode artwork
#6
10/28/2025

A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986.

Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.

Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.

Presenter...


Episode 4
Episode 4 episode artwork
#5
10/21/2025

A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986.

Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.

Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.

Presenter...


Episode 3
Episode 3 episode artwork
#4
10/14/2025

A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986.

Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.

Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.

Presenter...


Episode 2
Episode 2 episode artwork
#3
10/07/2025

A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986.

Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.

Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.

Presenter...


Episode 1
Episode 1 episode artwork
#2
09/30/2025

A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986.

Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.

Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.

Presenter...


Trailer
Trailer episode artwork
09/28/2025

A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986.

Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.

Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s authority before crashing down.

Pr...


7. End of Days
7. End of Days episode artwork
#8
09/08/2025

Ex-Jesus Army members unite in finding their freedom, rebuilding their identity and speaking their truth.

For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.


6. Sins of the Flesh
6. Sins of the Flesh episode artwork
#7
09/01/2025

Thousands mourn and a new generation takes control.

Meanwhile criminal confessions about troubling abuse claims are ignored by elders and the pressure mounts.

For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.


5. Judas
5. Judas episode artwork
#6
08/25/2025

Troubling revelations, a heavy conscience, and one man left questioning what to do next.

Philippa recalls her visit to court to testify on behalf of her friend 'Gemma' and shares how it led her to question her beliefs and her spiritual family.

Meanwhile, the Jesus Army continues as it was before, protecting the community and the elders.

For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.


4. Love, Power and Sacrifice
4. Love, Power and Sacrifice episode artwork
#5
08/17/2025

Street preaching, child look-outs and a police investigation.

The vulnerable are drawn into the Jesus Army while a court case looms.

For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.


3. Family Values
3. Family Values episode artwork
#4
08/11/2025

Faith, control and growing tension in the Fellowship Church community with wild services, exorcisms and warnings of hidden wrong doing.

This episode contains references to exorcism.

For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.


2. Genesis
2. Genesis episode artwork
#3
08/04/2025

All new followers were welcome to the Jesus Fellowship, they were given new names and strict rules to become a member of the community.

Treasured possessions are left at the door. No media, no music, no belongings and harsh discipline for children.

This episode contains references to suicide and the physical punishment of children.

For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.


1. Follow The Leader
1. Follow The Leader episode artwork
#2
07/28/2025

Exploring how the Fellowship Church and the 'Jesus Army', led by Noel Stanton, settled in the rural Northamptonshire village of Bugbrooke.

The church attracted thousands with promises of Christian faith, community and a better life.


Trailer
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07/24/2025

Uncovering the rise and unravelling of one of the biggest religious cults in Britain. Exploring the controversies, abuses and lasting scars left on those who lived within it.

Diving deep into the Fellowship Church and the 'Jesus Army', led by Baptist evangelical maverick Noel Stanton in the Northamptonshire village of Bugbrooke.

Devotees gave up their homes, their money and in some cases their family to live in Noel’s 'heaven on earth' where everything was shared – even children.

Presenter Annabel Amos grew up in a village 5 minutes away from where this all began, as e...


6. Justice
6. Justice episode artwork
#7
07/16/2025

Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, both from Cumbria, are sentenced in a live-streamed hearing at Newcastle Crown Court. BBC Correspondent Fiona Trott describes the atmosphere on the day.

The two men were each convicted of two counts of criminal damage in May.

Also, Si King hears whether some of those who loved the tree feel the sentence brings closure before finally returning to Sycamore Gap to see for himself how one of his favourite places has changed forever.

Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Fiona Trott, Jo Lonsdale and...


5. A Living Monument
5. A Living Monument episode artwork
#6
07/13/2025

Si King explores what the future holds for Sycamore Gap and what made the tree so special.

Discovering people's connection to the tree, the site and the significance of the Hollywood debut in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Si King also asks whether dark tourism might help preserve interest in the area where the tree once stood and learns of plans for the tree's seeds.

Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story...


4. The Reckoning
4. The Reckoning episode artwork
#5
07/13/2025

Step inside the trial of Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, both from Cumbria, who are accused of felling Sycamore Gap.

Join journalists, a courtroom artist and an expert witness to hear the evidence and how a grainy two-minute video of the felling found on a phone stunned the entire courtroom into silence.

Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story Consultant: Barney Rowntree. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producer: Dan Farthing and Alistair Miskin.

Credit...


3. The Night Of
3. The Night Of episode artwork
#4
07/13/2025

Meet the last person to see Sycamore Gap before it was felled and those who first stumbled upon the aftermath.

Also Kevin Reynolds, the Hollywood director who made the tree famous in the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, hears the news.

Meanwhile, as Sycamore Gap becomes a crime scene the men responsible are watching the coverage unfold in amazement.

Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story Consultant: Barney Rowntree. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. ...


2. The Accusations
2. The Accusations episode artwork
#3
07/13/2025

As the investigation into who felled Sycamore Gap gets underway, accusations start to fly.

One man falsely accused of cutting down the iconic tree was farmer Walter Renwick. In his first broadcast interview he shares how the resulting rumours and "trial by social media" impacted his life.

Meanwhile, journalists descend on the communities near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland and discover a teenager has been arrested.

Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story Consultant: Barney...


1. All this for a tree?
1. All this for a tree? episode artwork
#2
07/13/2025

Hairy Biker Si King documents the global outrage that followed the felling of a beloved landmark that had stood in Northumberland for more than a hundred years.

As the two men convicted of criminal damage at Sycamore Gap are sentenced, Si King charts the bizarre theories that began to emerge in the immediate aftermath.

It's a story of conspiracy theories, life changing accusations and very odd disguises.

Music: Lament for Sycamore Gap appears courtesy of Riccardo Pez.

Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin...


Trailer
Trailer episode artwork
07/11/2025

Hairy Biker Si King investigates who felled the tree at Sycamore Gap, which had stood along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.

The famous tree had come to symbolise the local community and was nicknamed 'Robin Hood Tree', after featuring in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner.

One morning in September 2023 the tree had been cut down and disbelief gave way to anger, accusations and conspiracy theories as a bizarre true crime story unfolded.

Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Pr...


8. The cost to Corby
8. The cost to Corby episode artwork
#9
04/21/2025

A statement from an embattled Chief Executive shocks the nation's media.

As George's investigation comes to an emotional conclusion, new information is revealed and an offer is made to the man at the centre of the storm.


7. The German Equation
7. The German Equation episode artwork
#8
04/14/2025

Find out whether the Corby mums or the council is helped when a new witness speaks out.

As experts seek to dismiss the families’ claims as 'fantastical', Des Collins and his team face a curveball that threatens to change everything.


6. Us vs Corby Council
6. Us vs Corby Council episode artwork
#7
04/07/2025

A young George Taylor faces a harrowing decision that will shape his future.

While emotional testimonies make clear the scale of suffering caused by the clean up, Des Collins realises he needs to do even more if he is to secure justice for the families.


5. The cluster and the clean-up
5. The cluster and the clean-up episode artwork
#6
03/31/2025

A second dead-dropped parcel threatens to expose the toxic waste scandal.

Des Collins embarks upon a nationwide quest to try and prove that the clean up of Corby steelworks is the cause of the cluster of birth defects.


4. No cluster in Corby
4. No cluster in Corby episode artwork
#5
03/25/2025

Des Collins arrives in Corby and comes face-to-face with the case that will change his life.

With a group of fearless mothers looking for the truth, Des is determined to find out once and for all whether Corby’s orange dust holds all the answers.


3. The Whistleblowers
3. The Whistleblowers episode artwork
#4
03/18/2025

A man with an axe to grind receives a provocative anonymous phone call.

A dusty dossier ignites deep suspicions about safety violations and a chance conversation prompts a meeting with a newshound on the scent of something big.


2. She’ll never play the piano
2. She’ll never play the piano episode artwork
#3
03/11/2025

As toxic waste spreads across Corby, the birth rate of babies with deformities rises.

Simone is born with three fingers on each hand while, 500 miles away a baby George faces his own challenges.

Also, at the site of the clean up, someone starts asking questions.


1. There’s something wrong with George
1. There’s something wrong with George episode artwork
#2
03/04/2025

Exploring connections as orange dust blankets a town and a baby is born with a hand defect.

George Taylor investigates what really happened when his hometown of Corby suddenly turned toxic.


Trailer
Trailer episode artwork
02/26/2025

Explore the shocking events that ripped through a steelworks community in Corby, told by the people whose lives were irreversibly changed.

Hear about anonymous calls, secret packages and poisonous ponds as families try to find answers to why babies in the town were being born with defects.

In 2010, Corby Borough Council admitted it had made mistakes in the clean-up of the Northamptonshire town's steelworks.

Presenter: George Taylor. Writer and Producer: Tim Wheeler. Producer: Sarah-Jane Muddiman. Story Consultant: Jack Kibble-White. Additional scripting: Jack Kibble-White, George Taylor and Kirsty Williams. Production Manager: Jenny Thomas. Music...


12. The Worst of Humanity, the Best of Humanity
12. The Worst of Humanity, the Best of Humanity episode artwork
#13
11/11/2024

Reflecting on the Birmingham bombings, the lack of justice and political influence and sharing how the victims are remembered.


11. The Search for the Bombers
11. The Search for the Bombers episode artwork
#12
11/11/2024

Ed travels to Dublin and Belfast to try and speak to the people linked with the 1974 Birmingham bombings.


10. Conflict and Conspiracy
10. Conflict and Conspiracy episode artwork
#11
11/11/2024

We visit Belfast to meet a former IRA prisoner Ricky who believes there could be more to the pub bombings in Birmingham.

Discussing the case and whether the IRA spy Freddie Scappaticci, known as ‘Stakeknife’, could be a reason no-one has faced justice.


9. Blocked at Every Angle
9. Blocked at Every Angle episode artwork
#10
11/11/2024

Julie Hambleton's sister died in the bombings, she is intent on a public inquiry and explains what she thinks really happened that night.

We also explore whether the government knew what was going to happen.


8. The Naming of the Bombers
8. The Naming of the Bombers episode artwork
#9
11/11/2024

Exploring some of the names linked with the Birmingham pub bombings.

We also find out why Chris Mullin and Julie Hambleton disagree with each other.


7. Dance with the Devil
7. Dance with the Devil episode artwork
#8
11/11/2024

After a lot of frustration, Julie Hambleton, whose sister had died in the bombs, and the families of other victims secure an inquest with help from an unexpected source.


6. The Nightmare Begins Again
6. The Nightmare Begins Again episode artwork
#7
11/03/2024

Exploring the impact of The Birmingham Six's release which opened up old wounds for some of the victims’ families.

The investigation was reopened in 1991 and shut again in 1994 with no further movement until Julie Hambleton, whose sister had died in the bombs, started a campaign for justice.