Shadow World

BBC Radio 4

In Shadow World: Impulsive, Noel Titheradge uncovers the devastating side effects of a class of prescription drugs which can cause hypersexuality and compulsive gambling. Gripping stories from the Shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.

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  1. Stolen Years: Trailer

    EPISODE 1

    Stolen Years: Trailer

    Andrew Malkinson’s wrongful conviction of a brutal rape in 2003 has been recognised as one of the worst miscarriages of justice in UK history. He’s angry and says the criminal justice and appeal systems let him down. Now that the right man has been convicted, he wants answers, and reform. So why did he spend all those years in prison while the perpetrator remained free? And what does his case tell us about the justice system that failed him? In Shadow World: Stolen Years, filmmaker and journalist Jemma Gander (co-director of The Wrong Man: 17 Years Behind Bars) follows the next chapter of this extraordinary case. As Andrew tries to rebuild his life, fresh questions emerge about the role of the police, the courts, and the institutions that failed him. “You don’t know what you’re capable of withstanding until you are forced to. But it’s just horrific”. Twenty three years later, a man is found guilty of the crime Andrew Malkinson was falsely accused of.

    4 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Impulsive: Trailer

    Early in 2025, BBC Investigations Correspondent Noel Titheradge published his first story about a category of prescription drug with unusual side effects. People who take dopamine agonist drugs for conditions like Parkinson’s disease or Restless Legs Syndrome often report impulse control disorders - problems with gambling, compulsive eating or shopping, or hypersexuality. He wasn’t expecting the response. After that first article was published more than 200 people got in touch - that’s me, they said, that’s my partner, that’s my dad. So Noel started digging. Details of organisations offering help and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. If you have any concerns about medication you’re taking, speak to your doctor.

    3 min
See All Season 8 (2)

Hosts & Guests

About

In Shadow World: Impulsive, Noel Titheradge uncovers the devastating side effects of a class of prescription drugs which can cause hypersexuality and compulsive gambling. Gripping stories from the Shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio 4
  • Episodes
    62
  • Seasons
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2026
  • Show Website
    Shadow World

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