Portillo's State Secrets

Overview

Michael Portillo delves into the national archives, unearthing intriguing narratives concealed within once-classified documents. Each episode invites viewers on a journey through history, revealing secrets that have shaped the nation. With a keen eye for detail, Portillo brings these forgotten tales to light, offering fresh perspectives on familiar events and figures. His exploration not only highlights the significance of transparency but also emphasizes the impact of these revelations on our understanding of the past. Engaging and insightful, the show uncovers the layers of history that await discovery in dusty files.

Episodes

• 1
  

  Crime and Punishment

  Michael stumbles upon confidential documents related to Britain’s final hangman. He delves into personal correspondence addressed to Sherlock Holmes...

  Mar 23, 2015
• 2
  

  Tyrants

  Michael stumbles upon concealed medical records belonging to Hitler and examines Christmas cards addressed to an African dictator. In addition, he unc...

  Mar 24, 2015
• 3
  

  Celebrity and Scandals

  Michael discovers the hidden campaign against the Rolling Stones, uncovering how Special Branch had been monitoring a future monarch.

  Mar 25, 2015
• 4
  

  Mysteries

  Michael discovers the historic letter that inspired the legend of Jack the Ripper, while also uncovering the enigmatic vanishing of a celebrated hero ...

  Mar 26, 2015
• 5
  

  Sport and Politics

  Michael discovers hidden documents revealing the reasons behind the country’s decision not to boycott Hitler’s Olympics. He also uncovers Churchil...

  Mar 27, 2015
• 6
  

  Traitors and Spies

  Michael discovers the hidden documents connected to various traitors in the nation.

  Mar 30, 2015
• 7
  

  Monarchy

  Michael delves into documents from the National Archives concerning the monarchy and uncovers a speech that the Queen would have delivered in the even...

  Mar 31, 2015
• 8
  

  Banned

  Michael discovers the government's approach to Scientology and uncovers the fact that bull running has been prohibited in the United Kingdom.

  Apr 01, 2015
• 9
  

  On Trial

  Michael explores Mary Whitehouse's passionate defense of God in a legal setting and uncovers the story of the final woman to be incarcerated under the...

  Apr 02, 2015
• 10
  

  National Security

  Michael uncovers classified documents detailing the SAS's boldest mission, exposing a violent plot aimed at toppling the government.

  Apr 03, 2015
• 1

  Episode 1

  Nicky Campbell leads a live discussion from Manchester, featuring a virtual audience from London. He poses the provocative question: Are lockdown mea...

  Jan 17, 2021