Brief

New podcasts this week cover Russell Brand trial and breast cancer journey

BBC Sounds’ Fame Under Fire follows Russell Brand’s sexual‑offence trial, while Bedside Manners features Dr Punam Krishan discussing her breast cancer experience.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:33:16 GMT

Independent UK highlights two new podcasts released this week. The first, Fame Under Fire, is a documentary series on BBC Sounds that tracks comedian Russell Brand’s trial at Southwark Crown Court. The second, Bedside Manners, is a health‑and‑wellbeing show in which Dr Oscar Duke talks with Dr Punam Krishan about her recent breast‑cancer diagnosis.

What happened

Fame Under Fire follows the opening day of Brand’s trial, where he faces seven sexual‑offence charges involving six women. The series is hosted by Anoushka Mutanda‑Dougherty, who provides daily updates from Southwark Crown Court and explains what the jury hears. The podcast warns listeners of strong language and graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault.

Bedside Manners, produced by HCA Healthcare UK, features Dr Oscar Duke interviewing Dr Punam Krishan, a former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, about the high of the competition followed by a breast‑cancer diagnosis. Krishan describes the pain that prompted her to seek medical advice, why she initially confided only in close friends and family, and the emotional challenges of treatment.

What the reports add

According to Independent UK, Mutanda‑Dougherty notes that jurors have been instructed not to research Brand or review past media coverage, and that Brand continues to deny all allegations. The podcast aims to present the trial’s facts neutrally, despite the host not being present in the courtroom.

The health episode adds that Krishan, despite her medical background, still experiences fear and uncertainty after her diagnosis. She emphasizes that each cancer journey is unique and discusses rebuilding trust in her body after treatment.

What was said

Mutanda‑Dougherty tells listeners that Brand, 51, is accused of “forcing women into sexual acts and kissing and groping them in what has been called an ‘obsessive’ campaign to sleep with 5,000 women.” She also reports the jury’s warning against external research.

Krishan says, “My medical knowledge didn’t remove the fear and uncertainty that follows a cancer diagnosis,” and adds that she is still learning to find a sense of normality after treatment.

How it came about

Fame Under Fire was produced in partnership with BBC/PA to give daily coverage of a high‑profile trial, while Bedside Manners is sponsored by HCA Healthcare UK to highlight personal health stories. Both podcasts were released in the week of 15 October 2026, adding to Independent UK’s regular roundup of new audio content.

Key facts

Fame Under Fire follows Russell Brand’s trial at Southwark Crown Court and is hosted by Anoushka Mutanda‑Dougherty. (independent.co.uk)
The podcast warns listeners of strong language and graphic descriptions of alleged sexual assault. (independent.co.uk)
Bedside Manners features Dr Oscar Duke interviewing Dr Punam Krishan about her breast‑cancer diagnosis. (independent.co.uk)
Krishan says her medical knowledge did not remove the fear and uncertainty after her diagnosis. (independent.co.uk)