Divine Ampofo grew up in Walthamstow, sharing a cramped flat with his mum and three siblings in a neighbourhood shaped by poverty, violence and survival. By the age of thirteen he had been pulled into “the game”, a street culture where respect came through fear, drugs and violence. As a teenager he was shot, involved in stabbings and narrowly escaped death more than once. Surrounded by conflict and constant danger, the life promised money and status but delivered paranoia, loss and the very real prospect of prison or death. From childhood racism and isolation, to the pull of street identity, to the turning point that forced him to walk away from the life he once believed was success. Today he is an author, speaker and the founder of KIS4LIFE, working with schools, councils and youth organisations to prevent gang exploitation and knife crime. Victoria Derbyshire has spent decades as one of the UK's most trusted journalists, breaking major stories and leading some of the most powerful interviews on radio and television. Now with Unbelievable Britain, she'll prove the most unbelievable stories aren’t fiction… they’re happening right here. Extraordinary people with stories that reveal who we really are as a nation, surprising, inspiring, and sometimes hard to believe. Unbelievable Britain shares remarkable personal stories from across the country, told by the people who lived them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Cooper is a campaigner, writer and actor whose life has followed an extraordinary and unconventional path. He is also the father of Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper, and has spent decades championing children, creativity, and people on the margins. Later in life, he found wider recognition through his role as Martin Mucklowe in This Country, a breakthrough that brought his lived experience and humanity to the screen. Long before his acting career, he was involved in child led football activism, global peace initiatives, and frontline work supporting people living with hoarding disorders, always driven by a deep belief in community and compassion. This episode explores a life shaped by activism, setbacks, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to doing good. Victoria Derbyshire has spent decades as one of the UK's most trusted journalists, breaking major stories and leading some of the most powerful interviews on radio and television. Now with Unbelievable Britain, she'll prove the most unbelievable stories aren’t fiction… they’re happening right here. Extraordinary people with stories that reveal who we really are as a nation, surprising, inspiring, and sometimes hard to believe. Unbelievable Britain shares remarkable personal stories from across the country, told by the people who lived them. Subscribe for new episodes every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty years ago, Emma Sayle launched a women-led sex club that challenged everything people thought they knew about desire, power and who gets to set the rules. Many thought she was brave, others thought she was mad and it was certainly headline grabbing. Two decades on, Killing Kittens has grown into a global movement. Emma joins Victoria to talk about how it started, the backlash and misconceptions, what has changed for women since, and why female-led spaces around sex, confidence and choice still matter more than ever. Victoria Derbyshire has spent decades as one of the UK's most trusted journalists, breaking major stories and leading some of the most powerful interviews on radio and television. Now with Unbelievable Britain, she'll prove the most unbelievable stories aren’t fiction… they’re happening right here. Extraordinary people with stories that reveal who we really are as a nation, surprising, inspiring, and sometimes hard to believe. Unbelievable Britain shares remarkable personal stories from across the country, told by the people who lived them. Subscribe for new episodes every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Unbelievable Britain, Victoria Derbyshire sits down with Ryan Stevens to explore the reality of living with Tourette’s. From physical tics that have caused serious injury to the invisible toll of suppressing emotion, he shares what it’s really like when your body feels out of your control. He speaks about tic attacks that surge through his body, the pressure to stay “level” to prevent episodes, and the quiet challenge of feeling like a burden to the people he loves. He also reflects on representation, public misunderstanding, and why Tourette’s looks different for everyone. Victoria Derbyshire has spent decades as one of the UK's most trusted journalists, breaking major stories and leading some of the most powerful interviews on radio and television. Now with Unbelievable Britain, she'll prove the most unbelievable stories aren’t fiction… they’re happening right here. Extraordinary people with stories that reveal who we really are as a nation, surprising, inspiring, and sometimes hard to believe. Subscribe for new episodes every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jihyun Park escaped one of the most oppressive regimes on the planet, and she did it twice. She survived famine, human trafficking, forced labour and imprisonment in North Korea before escaping across borders to rebuild her life in the UK. She was betrayed, sold as a bride in China and later dragged back across the border to a labour camp. The second time, she risked everything to find her son and begin a journey that would finally lead to freedom. Victoria Derbyshire has spent decades as one of the UK's most trusted journalists, breaking major stories and leading some of the most powerful interviews on radio and television. Now with Unbelievable Britain, she'll prove the most unbelievable stories aren’t fiction… they’re happening right here. Extraordinary people with stories that reveal who we really are as a nation, surprising, inspiring, and sometimes hard to believe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Katy Morgan-Davies was born into one of Britain’s most secretive cults. Despite living in Brixton, one of London’s busiest neighbourhoods, she was completely cut off from the outside world and controlled by a man who called himself Comrade Bala. For thirty years, she lived under his abusive control, knowing almost nothing beyond the walls of that house until her dramatic escape. Victoria Derbyshire has spent decades as one of the UK's most trusted journalists, breaking major stories and leading some of the most powerful interviews on radio and television. Now with Unbelievable Britain, she'll prove the most unbelievable stories aren’t fiction… they’re happening right here. Extraordinary people with stories that reveal who we really are as a nation, surprising, inspiring, and sometimes hard to believe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean Langan spent years on the frontline, chasing stories most of us would run from. He’s been shot at, threatened, and even kidnapped by the Taliban... This is his extraordinary story. Victoria Derbyshire has spent decades as one of the UK's most trusted journalists, breaking major stories and leading some of the most powerful interviews on radio and television. Now with Unbelievable Britain, she'll prove the most unbelievable stories aren’t fiction… they’re happening right here. Extraordinary people with stories that reveal who we really are as a nation, surprising, inspiring, and sometimes hard to believe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Britain’s Toughest Fighter Opens Up to Victoria Derbyshire. Luke Dyson is a fighter in every sense. From care homes and a chaotic childhood to one of Britain's most prolific fighters with hundreds of boxing and MMA bouts across the country. His story is one of anger, survival, and how discipline can grow from chaos. Victoria Derbyshire has spent decades as one of the UK's most trusted journalists, breaking major stories and leading some of the most powerful interviews on radio and television. Now with Unbelievable Britain, she'll prove the most unbelievable stories aren’t fiction… They’re happening right here. Extraordinary people with stories that reveal who we really are as a nation, surprising, inspiring, and sometimes hard to believe. A Joy Peddler's Studios Production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New podcast incoming... Thursday January 15th @ 4pm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Locked inside her body, Kate could hear and see everything but could tell anyone. A worst nightmare. Kate Allatt was a fit and healthy mother of three when her life changed overnight. After being sent home from hospital with severe headaches, she collapsed and fell into a coma. When she woke, she was diagnosed with Locked-In Syndrome. Fully conscious, but unable to move or speak. From the first flicker of an eye and against all expectations, Kate slowly relearned how to communicate, walk again, and rebuild her life. Sixteen years on, her story is one of extraordinary determination and hope, and today, she shares it with us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when life pushes you to the absolute breaking point? In this special episode of Life Lesson's from Unbelievable Britain's - Victoria Derbyshire meets four people who survived the unimaginable, from a secretive British cult to a Taliban kidnapping. Inside this episode: Ryan Stevens: The daily reality of living with severe Tourette’s when your body isn't your own. Luke Dyson: How a life of chaos and anger was transformed through the discipline of the ring. Sean Langan: A frontline journalist on what it’s actually like to be held captive by the Taliban. Katy Morgan-Davies: An incredible escape after 30 years inside one of Britain’s most secretive cults. These aren't just stories of survival; they are lessons in what truly matters when everything else is stripped away. Unbelievable Britain brings you the most remarkable personal stories from across the UK. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week: #UnbelievableBritain #VictoriaDerbyshire #RealStories #resilience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A masterclass in "unlearning" and finding the courage to finally be yourself. G, Turawa, previously known as Gamal, has a life story worthy of a novel. From a happy childhood in Kent to being tricked into exile in Nigeria, and eventually becoming the Met Police’s first openly gay Black officer. G opens up about the "unbelievable" reality of life inside the force: the institutional racism, the trauma of hiding his true identity, and the shocking moment he let colleagues paint his face white just to fit in. This is a raw story of survival, the breaking point that led to a suicide attempt, and his ultimate triumph as a BAFTA winner. "It took years of vomiting up the filth I’d been taught about myself before I felt I had a right to be here." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the most unbelievable lesson life has taught you? In this special episode of Life Lessons from Unbelievable Britain, Victoria Derbyshire meets people whose lives have been shaped by identity, illness, resilience, and reinvention. Inside this episode: Gamal “G” Turawa - A former police officer navigating identity, race, and sexuality, and what it means to truly become yourself. FULL EPISODE: https://youtu.be/ch6sflkeIWI Paul Cooper - From everyday life to unexpected success in acting later in life, proving it’s never too late to change direction. FULL EPISODE: https://youtu.be/9zYNQYUqgdA Kate Allatt - A devastating illness left her unable to move or speak, fully aware but trapped inside her own body. FULL EPISODE: https://youtu.be/mkLJH3CF6q8 Emma Sayle - Challenging societal norms around sex, power, and control, and creating a world without shame or judgement. FULL EPISODE: https://youtu.be/uQI4ZujCshI These aren’t just stories, they are lessons in persistence, identity, and what it means to keep going when life doesn’t go to plan. Unbelievable Britain brings you the most remarkable personal stories from across the UK. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week: #UnbelievableBritain #VictoriaDerbyshire #RealStories #LifeLessons #Resilience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I promised Gina that I’d try every single day to make maternity care safer." We are joined by Donna Ockenden, the midwife and investigator behind some of the most significant maternity reviews in NHS history. Donna opens up about a childhood marked by poverty, instability, and a harrowing period of abuse at the hands of her grandfather. She shares how these formative experiences of responsibility and survival eventually led her to a 40-year career in nursing and midwifery—a journey fueled by a quiet but fierce determination to protect the vulnerable. Donna also recounts the heartbreaking story of baby Gina, a moment that changed her life forever and became the foundation for her "Gina Promise": a lifelong commitment to ensuring no family has to suffer avoidable harm. In this video: A Childhood of Resilience: Growing up in poverty in South Wales and surviving trauma. The "Moonlight Flit": Being uprooted to Ireland and having her identity changed as a teenager. The Gina Promise: The tragic loss that defined Donna’s mission to make maternity care safer. Reshaping the NHS: Insights into the Shrewsbury, Telford, and Nottingham maternity reviews. A Message to Mothers: Why "speaking out and speaking up" is vital for safer births today. Donna’s story is a powerful testament to how personal pain can be transformed into a professional crusade for justice and safety. What did you take away from Donna’s journey? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below. 🔔 Subscribe to Victoria Derbyshire's Unbelievable Britain for more extraordinary stories told by the people who lived them. #VictoriaDerbyshire #DonnaOckenden #MaternityCare #NHS #Resilience #HumanStories #UnbelievableBritain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sherry Lever, widely recognised as the UK’s oldest professional dominatrix. At 74, Sherry (known professionally as Mistress Sofia) shares the incredible story of how a "wallflower" who once struggled to pay the mortgage transformed into an empowered leader in the world of BDSM. In this episode, we explore: The Transition: How Sherry went from a phone chat operator to running a professional "playroom" from her conservatory. The Psychology of Kink: Why high-powered professionals from judges to surgeons seek out submission, and how Sherry views her role as a form of "unorthodox therapy." Family Ties: The surprising story of how Sherry’s own daughter became her "driving force" and now works alongside her. Debunking Myths: Sherry explains the difference between being a dominatrix and an escort, and why consent and "safe words" (like Sherry's favorite: "Jamaica") are the foundation of everything she does. Empowerment at 70+: A powerful message on independence, finding your voice after three difficult marriages, and why Sherry has no plans to retire.Whether you're curious about the BDSM community or looking for an inspiring story of personal reinvention, Sherry’s journey is truly unbelievable. 🔔 Subscribe to Victoria Derbyshire's Unbelievable Britain for more extraordinary stories told by the people who lived them. #VictoriaDerbyshire #UnbelievableBritain #BDSM #SherryLever #Documentary #Empowerment #humanstories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Losing Her Sight to Inspiring Millions Lucy Edwards, who went blind at 17 due to a rare genetic condition. "In that moment everything I knew had gone." Lucy opens up about the moment everything changed, from trying to hold onto memories of her mum’s face to navigating a world that suddenly treated her differently. She speaks candidly about discrimination, her IVF journey, independence, and how she rebuilt her confidence to become one of the most influential disability advocates online. After losing her sight, Lucy began sharing TikTok videos, building a following of 1.1 million, and growing her YouTube channel, ⁠@lucyedwards⁠, to over 800K subscribers, where she shares her lived experience and advocates for the blind and visually impaired community. This is a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and redefining what your future can look like when everything is taken away. 🔔 Subscribe to Victoria Derbyshire's Unbelievable Britain for more extraordinary stories told by the people who lived them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Malin Andersson shot to fame on Love Island, but away from the spotlight she was facing a far more difficult reality, including abusive relationships and sexual assault. In this powerful episode of Unbelievable Britain, she opens up to Victoria Derbyshire about overcoming abuse, addiction, grief and the devastating loss of her daughter, and how she has rebuilt her life with purpose. From navigating intense public scrutiny to becoming a mother and finding strength in vulnerability, Malin speaks with honesty about resilience, healing and reclaiming control of her story. If you or someone you know needs support: 📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247 🌐 https://refuge.org.uk/ 🚨 If you are in immediate danger, call 999. You can use the Silent Solution if you can’t speak. 🔔 Follow & Subscribe to Victoria Derbyshire's Unbelievable Britain for more extraordinary stories told by the people who lived them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Lewis was a pub landlord and father living an ordinary life when he caught a "cold." That cold was actually Strep A, that left him on the point of death, with a 1% chance of survival. To save his life surgeons amputated all four limbs and part of his face. But instead of giving up, he rebuilt himself in extraordinary fashion. In this powerful episode of Unbelievable Britain, Alex opens up about the terrifying moment everything changed, the trauma his family endured, and the mindset that carried him through over 130 hours of surgery and years of rehabilitation. Now an adventurer, campaigner and disability advocate, Alex has gone on to kayak Greenland, climb mountains, row across Britain and help transform the lives of amputees through the Alex Lewis Trust and FLOAT Foundation. This is a story about survival, identity, resilience and what the human spirit is truly capable of. For more information about the work Alex and The FLOAT Foundation carries out and how to support please visit www.the-alff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Bennett became one of the most unforgettable winners in Big Brother history. He stormed to victory in 2006 after his humour, honesty and openness about living with Tourette’s charmed the nation. Whilst his sweet on air love story with Nikki Graham became of reality TVs iconic relationships.  But behind the fame was a far more complicated story. From bullying to grief, the traumatic loss of a close friend and later the devastating loss of Nikki to anorexia, mental health struggles and the darker side of sudden celebrity. In this episode of Unbelievable Britain, Pete opens up about the chaos of overnight fame, losing himself after the show, and finding purpose through music, creativity and performance. Plus, one of Pete's joyful creations makes a surprise appearance.  Raw, funny and deeply honest, this is the untold story behind one of Britain’s most iconic reality stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Human Barbie, Rachel Evans has spent two decades transforming herself through fitness, fashion and cosmetic procedures.   But behind the hyper-feminine image is a story shaped by grief, bullying, loneliness, survival and extraordinary reinvention.  She opens up about the roots of her love of Barbie and what it feels like to become known around the world for your appearance. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode, you can contact Samaritans free at any time on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org. #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #barbiedoll #humanbarbie #bodytransformation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jackie Malton is the groundbreaking former Met detective who inspired Helen Mirren’s iconic character DCI Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect. Over a 28-year career in policing, Jackie worked in elite units including the Flying Squad, Murder Squad and Fraud Squad, while battling alcoholism and navigating life as an openly gay woman in a deeply male-dominated world. Now one of the UK’s leading police drama consultants, Jackie opens up about corruption, addiction, identity, the realities of policing in the 70s and 80s, and the experiences that helped shape one of television’s most legendary detectives. She also reflects on modern policing, the heartbreaking cases that have stayed with her, and what she’s learnt about herself along the way. Content warning: This episode contains discussions of violence, addiction, discrimination, abuse, and traumatic real-life events. Viewer discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From dealing drugs to running food banks, scraping together £20 to having £300k in the bank, Pastor Mick Fleming has had an extraordinary life - marked by crime, violence but full of forgiveness and redemption. In this week's Unbelievable Britain, Pastor Mick speaks candidly to Victoria Derbyshire about his very unconventional route to salvation — his troubled past, the events that led him down a destructive path, and the voice of God that changed his life forever. He reflects on faith, and the challenges facing some of the most vulnerable people in society today. Now the founder of Church on the Street, Mick dedicates his life to supporting those struggling with homelessness, addiction and poverty, offering practical help and hope to people who often feel forgotten. Content Warning: This interview contains reference to child sexual abuse, drugs and violence. If you have been affected by anything in this episode please contact: NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) Website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk Helpline: 0808 800 5000 Childline (for anyone under 19) Website: https://www.childline.org.uk Phone: 0800 1111 (free, confidential, 24/7) NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) Website: https://napac.org.uk Support Line: 0808 801 0331 Church on the Street (community support, recovery, addiction and homelessness services) Website: https://www.cots-ministries.co.uk Phone: 01282 222 203 WithYou (drug, alcohol and mental health support) Website: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk Online support and local services available via the website. Change Grow Live (drug, alcohol, mental health and wellbeing support) Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org Find local services and support through the website. 🎧 Listen now. #unbelieveablebritain #mickfleming #churchonthestreet #addictionrecovery #homelessness #faith #redemption #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty years after winning Big Brother, Nadia Almada joins Victoria Derbyshire to reflect on the extraordinary journey that changed her life forever. From her childhood in Madeira and South Africa, to moving to Britain as a young woman determined to live authentically, Nadia shares the story behind one of the most memorable moments in reality television history. She looks back on life inside the Big Brother house, the overwhelming public support that followed her win, and the experience of becoming a household name almost overnight. But this conversation is also about what came next. Nadia speaks candidly about fame, family, identity and the changing conversation around trans lives in Britain. She reflects on why public attitudes feel different today, the challenges facing the trans community, and why she remains hopeful for the future. At its heart, this is a conversation about belonging, resilience and the power of human connection. #VictoriaDerbyshire #NadiaAlmada #bigbrother #unbelievablebritain #podcast #realstories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices