The Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show Episode 69 | Finding Dad: MP, Spy, Conman or Hero? Paul Bessel Reveals the Truth
The Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show
Sunday, 14 June 2026 - 30 minutes
What happens when the father you idolised turns out to be one of the most mysterious figures in modern British political history?
In this compelling episode of the Nancy Stevens Lifestyle Show, Nancy is joined by author Paul Bessel to discuss his extraordinary book Finding Dad. Paul shares the deeply personal story of his search to uncover the truth about his father, Peter Bessel – former Liberal MP, businessman, confidant of Jeremy Thorpe and a man whose life was filled with secrets.
From a seemingly idyllic childhood in Cornwall to a dramatic disappearance that left his family with almost nothing, Paul reveals how years of research uncovered hidden relationships, political intrigue, unexplained intelligence connections and unanswered questions that continue to fascinate historians today.
The conversation explores:
• Peter Bessel's disappearance and its devastating impact on his family
• The Jeremy Thorpe affair and the so-called "trial of the century"
• Allegations of secret work involving British and American government circles
• The challenges of discovering uncomfortable truths about a parent
• Family archives, political scandals and hidden lives
• The emotional process of writing Finding Dad
• Why it's important to ask your parents about their lives before it's too late
This is a powerful discussion about family, identity, truth and the complexity of human relationships, set against the backdrop of one of Britain's most notorious political scandals.
If you enjoy interviews covering history, politics, true stories, biographies and remarkable real-life mysteries, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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