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Artwork for Charlene: Somebody Knows Something

Charlene: Somebody Knows Something

The Crime Desk
Charlene Downes
Blackpool
Child Abuse
Child Sexual Exploitation
Police Investigation
Kebab Meat
Grooming
Fast Food Takeaways
Community Activism
Youth Exploitation
Justice System Failures
Mental Health
Social Services
Public Scrutiny
Ray Monroe
Karen Downes
Bob Downes
Elon Musk
Heidi
Ayad Al-Batiki

In 2003, 14-year-old Charlene Downes mysteriously vanished from her hometown of Blackpool. Chilling stories started to spread. And when two men are arrested for murdering Charlene, they are accused of cutting up her body – and using her remains as kebab meat.

The story of what happened to this young girl has haunted Blackpool for more than twenty years. It has twisted and turned, taking in police,... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes9Founded8 months ago
Number of ListenersCategory
True Crime

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Artwork for Charlene: Somebody Knows Something

Latest Episodes

In 2025, more than twenty years after she disappeared, is there any hope for finding out what happened to Charlene? Nicola sits down with the senior investigating officer of the case to find out how the search is continuing to the present day. But ev... more

Nicola outlines how far-right groups have used Charlene as a poster child for their campaigning, stoking public outrage to fuel their political agenda. She unpacks the lies and misinformation that have spread as these groups seek to exploit this case... more

A witness gets in touch with Nicola, with new information that could be significant for the investigation. A mysterious flat, a suspect that has never been identified, and an intriguing possibility – did Charlene really disappear on that Saturday in ... more

What had gone so wrong with Charlene’s case? After some very public failings, the police put one of their own in front of a disciplinary hearing. But this is bigger than one bad detective.  

As Nicola investigates the fallout from the collapsed tria... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Host

Nicola Thorp
Host and investigator, who revisits the story of Charlene Downes, offering personal insights due to her shared background and experiences growing up in Blackpool.

Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars from 98 ratings
  • Boring

    Yet another true crime podcast with nothing to say

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    elb*
    United Kingdom14 days ago
  • Thoughtful well delivered podcast

    The podcast was gripping and offered food for thought throughout. So many agencies and people failed

    Charlene - I just hope the right people come forward now and share information that will lead to a conviction.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alex_pricey
    United Kingdom16 days ago
  • Ok

    I think the presenter was a bit frightened to mention certain facts that (potentially) doesn’t align with her own very clear political views. I understand that, however, to be a journalist means to sit comfortably in the uncomfortable.

    Clearly she was very passionate about getting to the truth of what happened, so I must applaud those efforts. The sound design and pacing was also very good, and at times gripping.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Diawilf
    United Kingdom16 days ago
  • Mixed feelings about this podcast

    I thought this podcast was ok until episode 6, after that it became too politically commentary, in episode 8 some of the presenters personal circumstances perhaps offered a view of why some of the political commentary may not have been completely unbiased, and for the reason on this potential biased I have cancelled my subscription.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    r100gser
    United Kingdom16 days ago
  • Nothing new and too political

    This podcast doesn’t deliver any new information, and as it progresses it becomes more and more just an opportunity for the producer to make her political opinions known.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    PodcastUser10482
    United Kingdom19 days ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners express a longing for more timely episodes, indicating a deep investment in the unfolding story.
Some comments reflect dissatisfaction with the pace of the series, suggesting impatience for new content.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#64
United Kingdom/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#3
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#170
Canada/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#180
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#206
Italy/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#51
Ireland/Top Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Rez - Episode 3
Q: What do you think about the portrayal of you in the media?
Rez feels targeted and misrepresented, particularly highlighting the unfairness of the accusations against him.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Charlene: Somebody Knows Something

What is Charlene: Somebody Knows Something about and what kind of topics does it cover?

An investigative exploration of the mysterious disappearance of 14-year-old Charlene Downes from Blackpool in 2003, featuring the multifaceted narratives surrounding her case. The discussions encompass themes of child exploitation, the justice system's failures, and community responses to tragedy, while highlighting the haunting implications of trafficking and violence within society. The host shares a personal connection to the story, which enhances the emotional weight and urgency of uncovering the truth. This podcast emphasizes the interplay of personal and societal factors, aiming to reveal the complexities behind the troubled circumstances of Charlene's life and disappearance, making it a compelling listen for true crime enthusiasts an... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Charlene: Somebody Knows Something?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Charlene: Somebody Knows Something:

1. The Trial
2. REAL LIVES
3. True Criminals
4. Matched With A Predator
5. REAL

How many episodes of Charlene: Somebody Knows Something are there?

Charlene: Somebody Knows Something launched 8 months ago and published 9 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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