Scoop 2024

In 2010, New York City photographer Jae Donnelly is on a mission to capture an exclusive image from a private residence in Manhattan, located on East 71st Street. His tip-off reveals that Prince Andrew has just arrived, not at the British embassy, and Jae seizes the opportunity to potentially document this high-profile figure. After a tense stakeout, he manages to snap a photo of Prince Andrew (played by Rufus Sewell) walking alongside Jeffrey Epstein (Colin Wells) in Central Park, shortly after capturing a young girl exiting the same building.

Fast forward nine years, the narrative shifts as Sam McAlister (Billie Piper), a young guest producer at BBC Newsnight, stumbles upon this captivating photo now accompanying an article about a youth entrepreneurs event, titled “Pitch at the Palace,” sponsored by Andrew. This discovery prompts her to reach out to the elusive photographer.

Behind the palace walls, Amanda Thirsk (Keeley Hawes), Prince Andrew’s private secretary, sees the Epstein photograph as a pivotal factor in the lack of media attendance at the royal event. Amidst consultations with PR representative Jason Stein (played by Alex Waldmann), Andrew emphatically claims he severed ties with Epstein once the scandal surrounding his underage victims came to light. As the royal family scrambles to reshape Andrew’s image ahead of his 60th birthday, plans for a series of exclusive interviews with selected journalists are made. Andrew’s PR strategy hinges upon a close cooperation with Amanda and her negotiations with Sam, who is adamant about securing an unfiltered interview.

While tensions brew within the newsroom, Esme, the program editor portrayed by Romola Garai, urges Sam to join forces with her colleagues to navigate through the impending staffing cuts. Sam discovers new layers to the story when Jae shares his files of young girls frequenting Epstein’s Manhattan residence, hinting at a deeper, darker connection to the royal figure.

Balancing her demanding role at work with family responsibilities, Sam finds solace in her relationship with her mother Netta (Amanda Redman), who is caring for Sam’s teenage son Lucas. Their discussions about teenage relationships feel bittersweet against the backdrop of the story unfolding.

Amanda later invites Sam to Buckingham Palace, where over tea, they dive into the upcoming interview negotiations. As Amanda expresses concerns about her colleague’s motivations, Sam remains steadfast in her belief that the Epstein saga holds significant news value. The stakes escalate when news breaks about Epstein’s imminent arrest, leading Sam to a fervent plea for Andrew to consider an interview with Newsnight.

As the investigation deepens, it encompasses serious allegations made by Virginia Giuffre against Prince Andrew, leading to fierce discussions among Amanda and Jason, who express skepticism about Sam’s intentions. Just as the momentum builds, tragedy strikes when Epstein is found dead in his prison cell, stirring up a media frenzy and further complicating the royal narrative.

Sam’s journalistic instincts lead to a critical negotiation meeting at Buckingham Palace where she presents a compelling case for an interview. Through candid discussions, Sam helps Andrew recognize the necessity for him to openly address the allegations. Amidst the pre-interview chaos, tensions flare among the Newsnight team, and although Sam plays a pivotal role in securing the opportunity, she finds herself sidelined by her colleagues.

Following the broadcast of the groundbreaking interview on November 16, 2019, Andrew’s evasive responses to questions about his connection with Epstein become the center of outrage. Viewers witnessed Andrew’s bizarre explanations, such as his recollection of a visit to PizzaExpress in Woking, which further fuels public disdain for him. Despite denying any culpability, Andrew’s lack of genuine contrition turns into a PR nightmare, prompting him to relinquish his royal duties.

While he settles a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre for 12 million pounds in early 2022, Sam McAlister has moved on from the BBC, dedicating her career to teaching negotiation tactics at the prestigious London School of Economics. This whirlwind of events starkly illustrates the intersection of media, power, and accountability, leaving an indelible mark on the royal family’s legacy.