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Entertainment

Making of a Fugitive – brand new true crime podcast launched on BBC Sounds

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LAUNCHING on BBC Sounds this week, Making of a Fugitive enters us into the hidden world of fugitives; from hunting Britain’s most wanted to the confessions of a convicted conman.

Narrated by Welsh actor Richard Harrington (The One That Got Away, Hinterland), the nine-part podcast follows the stories of international fugitives who go to great lengths to try and stay hidden from the authorities. We’ll hear stories of stolen identities, drastic plastic surgery and hair transplants, and the families who get left behind.

The podcast starts with Martin Evans, a small town conman turned international fraudster and drug dealer who has been in and out of the headlines for nearly 30 years, named by police as one of the UK’s “most wanted” in 2012. Evans – aka the ostrich man – swindled investors out of almost a million pounds in an ostrich farm fraud in south Wales before going on to run an international drugs and money laundering operation. He fled from justice and even prison for five years until finally being captured.

From one most wanted list to another, American conman Matt Cox came face to face with his own most wanted poster in a police station before making one of his many getaways. Cox evaded capture for almost a decade, committing bank fraud, identity theft and passport fraud, topping the FBI’s most wanted list in the early 2000s. Describing his time on the run as “awesome”, self-proclaimed narcissist Matt Cox provides a first-hand account of his story, giving a unique insight into the extraordinary lengths he went to in order to stay one step ahead of the FBI.

Cox said: “I became infamous by committing bank fraud, I stole identities and created synthetic identities in order to borrow money from dozens of US banks. Ultimately the FBI came to arrest me and I went on the run. What I decided to do was start a much larger scam, I convinced the social security administration in the US to start issuing me social security numbers to children who don’t exist. I would then order credit cards and build a false credit profile in those names. I think the amount ended up at $11.5 million.”

And we discover what led to a businessman, Mohammed Ali Ege, becoming an international fugitive following the mistaken identity murder of a teenager in Cardiff 15 years ago. In an exclusive new interview, the podcast speaks to the family of murdered Aamir Siddiqi, who are still waiting for Wales’ most wanted man to be brought to justice.

Across nine episodes, Making of a Fugitive hears from the people involved and asks what happens when a fugitive is finally cornered? Are they sorry for what they’ve done, or just for getting caught?

Series writer and producer for BBC Cymru Wales, Jayne Morgan, said: “We thought we knew these stories having worked on them over the years but this podcast gives new insights and reveals the extraordinary lengths some go to in order to stay hidden.”

Making of a Fugitive is a BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Sounds. The first two episodes are available now, with the remaining seven episodes launching weekly: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0llhgkj

 

Entertainment

Huw Edwards criticises TV drama about his downfall

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FORMER BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has issued a strongly worded statement criticising an upcoming television drama based on his fall from grace.

Edwards, who received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offences relating to indecent images of children, said the programme was produced without properly checking its claims with him.

Edwards claims those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, features actor Martin Clunes portraying the former newsreader.

In a statement published in the national press, Edwards claimed those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story before filming began. He said producers only approached him for comment after production had already been completed, and even then retained editorial control over any response.

He also questioned whether contributors to the programme had been paid, suggesting the drama may not accurately reflect events.

Edwards said he had already expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes during court proceedings, having pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He added that he found the offences deeply disturbing and offered a further apology, acknowledging that each image involved a real victim.

The former presenter said he is now working on his own account of the events, although progress has been slow due to ongoing health issues. He has previously spoken about long-term mental illness, which he said had worsened in the period leading up to his offences.

However, he stressed that mental health difficulties should not be used to excuse criminal behaviour.

Edwards rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognisable news anchors before his career collapsed following allegations of misconduct and subsequent criminal charges.

In September 2024, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.

Responding to his criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the drama was based on interviews with those involved, including the complainant and journalists who broke the story, as well as court reporting and message evidence.

They added that the programme was produced in line with broadcasting regulations and that allegations featured in the film had been put to Edwards through his legal representatives in advance.

 

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Entertainment

Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events

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FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.

The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.

The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.

At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.

Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.

The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities

Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.

Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism

The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.

With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.

A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”

More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.

 

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Entertainment

Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle

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A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.

 

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