Tales from the Tabloids! Bill Coles on Movies, Rogue and … Ivana Trump

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Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of British tabloid journalism? In this captivating episode, we’re joined by Bill Coles, whose 25-year career at publications like The Sun offers a masterclass in the art of the scoop.

Bill takes us from the hallowed halls of Eton to the fast-paced, high-stakes world of Fleet Street. With sharp wit and candid reflection, he recounts how his privileged background initially marked him as an outsider—until Prince William’s enrollment at Eton turned him into The Sun’s secret weapon. His tales, including schoolboy informants (one nicknamed “Agent Orange”), offer a revealing look into a now-banned era of tabloid tactics.

The episode also dives into Bill’s latest novel, Movie Rogue, a deliciously sharp fictional account of a tabloid reporter infiltrating Stanley Kubrick’s enigmatic Eyes Wide Shut film set. Drawing on his real-life experiences as a movie extra alongside stars like Colin Firth and Brooke Shields, Bill blurs the line between fact and fiction with ease. His behind-the-scenes knowledge—like Kubrick making Tom Cruise redo a doorway entrance nearly 100 times—adds rich detail to this cinematic satire.

From newsroom rivalries and royal scandals to a blind date with Ivana Trump, Bill’s stories are as outrageous as they are enlightening. He weighs in on everything from Harry and Meghan (“Fleet Street gold”) to the enduring mystery of Lord Lucan, sharing timeless lessons on what makes stories truly stick.

Follow Bill @williamcoles1 and look out for Movie Rogue, coming this autumn!

Want to learn more about Bill Coles, his books, or his latest adventures?
Connect with him here:
Website: https://www.wcoles.com/
Instagram: @billcolesauthor

Do you want to be a guest on the show email us on [email protected]

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