Portillo's State Secrets - Season 1
Season 1
Episodes
Crime and Punishment
Michael Portillo unearths documents from the National Archives revealing the secret files of Britain's last hangman, the private letters sent to Sherlock Holmes and the hidden history of Dr Crippen.
Tyrants
Michael Portillo unearths documents from the National Archives revealing Hitler's hidden medical files, the Christmas cards sent to an African monster and the details of Henry VIII's incredible shopping list.
Celebrity and Scandals
Michael Portillo unearths documents from the National Archives revealing the secret war on the Rolling Stones and how Special Branch spied on a future king. He also meets Oscar Wilde's only grandson to discuss his decline and disgrace.
Mysteries
Michael Portillo unearths documents from the National Archives revealing the original letter that gave birth to Jack the Ripper, the mysterious disappearance of a wartime hero and the secret UFO files kept by the Ministry of Defence.
Sport and Politics
Michael Portillo unearths documents from the National Archives revealing why Britain didn't boycott Hitler's Olympics, Churchill's attempt to ban the world's first black heavyweight champion, and a royal proclamation to ban football.
Traitors and Spies
Michael Portillo unearths the documents that show a king's role in a brutal torture, reads the files behind James Bond's secret wartime origins, and investigates how a double agent's escape at the height of the Cold War was a comedy of errors.
Monarchy
Michael Portillo unearths the Queen's secret speech announcing the beginning of World War Three, looks at the fabulous wealth of our most tragic king and reveals the nine lives of Queen Victoria.
Banned
Michael Portillo unearths the state's strategy on Scientology, explores how bull running was banned in Britain and takes a sneaky peek at John Lennon's dirty pictures.
On Trial
Michael Portillo investigates how Mary Whitehouse defended God in a court of law, reveals details of the last woman to be imprisoned under the Witchcraft Acts and unearths documents that reveal the Church's shameful role in slavery.
National Security
Michael Portillo unearths the secret memos behind the SAS's most daring raid, investigates a bloody conspiracy to overthrow the government, and looks at how Churchill thought the unthinkable in the wake of defeating the Nazis.
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