Episodes
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Maisie Adam introduces the story of a brutal attack at Paris Saint-Germain that turned close team-mates into bitter rivals just months after a holiday in paradise together.
Aminata Diallo and Kheira Hamraoui, both French international midfielders at PSG one of the biggest clubs in world football, appeared to be the best of friends. In the summer of 2021 they spent a vacation together in Zanzibar on the coast of East Africa, ahead of the new season.
Yet within months Diallo would be arrested, accused of involvement in organising an attack on Hamraoui that targetted her legs in a deliberate attempt to cause serious injury.
So who is Aminata Diallo? And why do the police believe she is guilty? And who is Kheira Hamraoui? And why has she become a target to be attacked in this way?
Was this assault motivated by jealousy and ruthless career ambition on the part of Diallo? Or is it connected to Hamraoui's soon to be exposed private life? And could this even be a potential miscarriage of justice? The investigation starts here....
With the case still to come to court this is the chance to hear evidence from those close to Diallo and Hamraoui – and make your own mind up. Like all good crime dramas, in this series we'll be examining the means, the motive and the opportunity.
Narrator Maisie AdamInterviews: Charlotte Harpur and Tom Williams Voices for interviewees performed by: Janine George, Chyna Johnson, Tom Roberts and Colin Ryan Researchers: Rob Carroll and Janet HughesAssistant Producer: Jennifer Hanratty-Ball Editor: Kevin Hinde Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Lizzi DoyleCommissioning Executive: Stevie Middleton Executive Producer: Craig South Writer and Producer: Jonathan Sides
A PDI Media production for BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5Live
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Maisie Adam tells the shocking story of jealousy, deceit and a brutal attack on a Paris Saint-Germain player that turned team-mates into the bitterest enemies.
Its a story that has gripped the French public since the arrest of PSG star Aminata Diallo in November 2021, suspected of ordering an attack on her team-mate and previously good friend, Kheira Hamraoui.
The accusation was Diallo wanted Hamraoui's place in the PSG starting line-up and so instructed a group of masked men to intercept the two players on a car journey home together and then assault Hamraoui, targetting her legs. And this is exactly how events played out.
Police investigations following the attack initially led them to Diallo's door although with too little evidence to charge her Diallo was released, presumed innocent. Instead the spotlight turned on the victim Hamraoui. Intimate details of her private life became public knowledge, including an affair with a married man who just happened to be a French football superstar.
Diallo returned to play alongside Hamraoui back at PSG – and at this point life became hell for Hamraoui. Team-mates, opponents and even her own fans, acting in sympathy with Diallo, targeted her with vicious verbal abuse.
It seemed everyone was against Hamraoui, including a controversial football agent, who would be accused of putting pressure on PSG to sell Hamraoui, and whose presence at training the player found intimidating.
The PSG coach found himself caught up in the fall-out too, taking phone calls urging him to drop Hamraoui, and also receiving thinly-veiled threats if he didn't. He would end up in a fight to clear his name from terrible accusations. Then in September 2022, almost out of the blue, Daillo was re-arrested and this time the public prosecutor charged her. Statements from the men who carried out the attack identifying her as the mastermind along with months of secret phone surveillance convinced the police she was guilty. But is she?
With the case still to come to trial this podcast presents the evidence and hears the opinions from those closest to the case, and those who think she's innocent, and those who think she's guilty. So you can decide for yourself....
Narrator Maisie AdamInterviews: Charlotte Harpur and Tom Williams Voices for interviewees performed by: Janine George, Chyna Johnson, Tom Roberts and Colin Ryan. Voice Artist audio recording: Thomas Hale at the Voiceover GalleryTranslation for the Aminatta Diallo interview: Laura BennettScript Consultant: Dave BowlerResearchers: Rob Carroll, John Harrison and Janet HughesAssistant Producer: Jennifer Hanratty-Ball Editor: Kevin Hinde Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Lizzi DoyleCommissioning Executive: Stevie Middleton Executive Producer: Craig South Writer and Producer: Jonathan Sides
A PDI Media production for BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Live
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Missing episodes?
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Warning: This episode contains strong language.
In the eighth episode, Bruiser’s friends and family reckon with the aftermath of his death - and the wrestling world rallies round to remember one of the greats.
Bruiser Brody was a wrestling star in the 1970s and 1980s; a classic villain of the ring, and a foil for wrestling heroes like Bruno Sammartino and Ric Flair. When he was killed in the dressing room before a fight in Puerto Rico, it shocked the world of wrestling, and pulled back the curtain on a world full of rumour, fakeouts and mystery. Comedian and wrestling fan Adam Hills tells the story of the larger than life character behind the truly unbelievable tale. Producer: Ilona TollerAssistant Producer: John RogersExecutive Producers: Robert Nicholson and Will YatesSound Design: Artemis IrvineMix: Nigel Appleton A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
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In the seventh episode, Puerto Rico reels from news of the killing; but as Jose pleads self-defence, the police and courts struggle to get to the bottom of what really happened to Bruiser Brody.
Bruiser Brody was a wrestling star in the 1970s and 1980s; a classic villain of the ring, and a foil for wrestling heroes like Bruno Sammartino and Ric Flair. When he was killed in the dressing room before a fight in Puerto Rico, it shocked the world of wrestling, and pulled back the curtain on a world full of rumour, fakeouts and mystery. Comedian and wrestling fan Adam Hills tells the story of the larger than life character behind the truly unbelievable tale. Producer: Ilona TollerAssistant Producer: John RogersExecutive Producers: Robert Nicholson and Will YatesSound Design: Artemis IrvineMix: Nigel Appleton A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
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In the sixth episode, Adam explores the extraordinary story of Invader One - Jose Huertas Gonzalez - as he prepares for a showdown with Bruiser Brody.
Bruiser Brody was a wrestling star in the 1970s and 1980s; a classic villain of the ring, and a foil for wrestling heroes like Bruno Sammartino and Ric Flair. When he was killed in the dressing room before a fight in Puerto Rico, it shocked the world of wrestling, and pulled back the curtain on a world full of rumour, fakeouts and mystery. Comedian and wrestling fan Adam Hills tells the story of the larger than life character behind the truly unbelievable tale. Producer: Ilona TollerAssistant Producer: John RogersExecutive Producers: Robert Nicholson and Will YatesSound Design: Artemis IrvineMix: Nigel Appleton A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
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In the fifth episode, as the WWE takes over the American market, Bruiser turns to the even more high octane and raw world of wrestling in Puerto Rico - where he once again encounters Invader One, a local hero who he’s feuded with before.
Bruiser Brody was a wrestling star in the 1970s and 1980s; a classic villain of the ring, and a foil for wrestling heroes like Bruno Sammartino and Ric Flair. When he was killed in the dressing room before a fight in Puerto Rico, it shocked the world of wrestling, and pulled back the curtain on a world full of rumour, fakeouts and mystery. Comedian and wrestling fan Adam Hills tells the story of the larger than life character behind the truly unbelievable tale.
Producer: Ilona TollerAssistant Producer: John RogersExecutive Producers: Robert Nicholson and Will YatesSound Design: Artemis IrvineMix: Nigel Appleton A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
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Warning: This episode contains strong language.
In the fourth episode, the increasingly confident Bruiser Brody starts clashing with managers and promoters, earning a wild card reputation that puts him in danger.
Bruiser Brody was a wrestling star in the 1970s and 1980s; a classic villain of the ring, and a foil for wrestling heroes like Bruno Sammartino and Ric Flair. When he was killed in the dressing room before a fight in Puerto Rico, it shocked the world of wrestling, and pulled back the curtain on a world full of rumour, fakeouts and mystery. Comedian and wrestling fan Adam Hills tells the story of the larger than life character behind the truly unbelievable tale. Producer: Ilona TollerAssistant Producer: John RogersExecutive Producers: Robert Nicholson and Will YatesSound Design and Mix: Mike Woolley A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
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In the third episode, Bruiser makes a powerful enemy - but also falls in love.
Bruiser Brody was a wrestling star in the 1970s and 1980s; a classic villain of the ring, and a foil for wrestling heroes like Bruno Sammartino and Ric Flair. When he was killed in the dressing room before a fight in Puerto Rico, it shocked the world of wrestling, and pulled back the curtain on a world full of rumour, fakeouts and mystery. Comedian and wrestling fan Adam Hills tells the story of the larger than life character behind the truly unbelievable tale.
Producer: Ilona TollerAssistant Producer: John RogersExecutive Producers: Robert Nicholson and Will YatesSound Design and Mix: Mike Woolley A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
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Warning: This episode contains strong language.
In episode two, Frank Goodish fights for the first time - and makes quite an impression on the world famous wrestling impresario Fritz von Erich.
Bruiser Brody was a wrestling star in the 1970s and 1980s; a classic villain of the ring, and a foil for wrestling heroes like Bruno Sammartino and Ric Flair. When he was killed in the dressing room before a fight in Puerto Rico, it shocked the world of wrestling, and pulled back the curtain on a world full of rumour, fakeouts and mystery. Comedian and wrestling fan Adam Hills tells the story of the larger than life character behind the truly unbelievable tale. Producer: Ilona TollerAssistant Producer: John RogersExecutive Producers: Robert Nicholson and Will YatesSound Design and Mix: Mike Woolley A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
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In the first episode, Puerto Rico wakes up to the news of a brutal killing, and a young boy in Michigan starts taking his first steps towards superstardom in the ring.
Bruiser Brody was a wrestling star in the 1970s and 1980s; a classic villain of the ring, and a foil for wrestling heroes like Bruno Sammartino and Ric Flair. When he was killed in the dressing room before a fight in Puerto Rico, it shocked the world of wrestling, and pulled back the curtain on a world full of rumour, fakeouts and mystery. Comedian and wrestling fan Adam Hills tells the story of the larger than life character behind this truly unbelievable tale. Producer: Ilona TollerAssistant Producer: John RogersExecutive Producers: Robert Nicholson and Will YatesSound Design and Mix: Mike Woolley A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
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Coming soon to BBC Sounds, comedian Adam Hills tells the extraordinary story of the life, legend and death of Bruiser Brody, one of 1980s wrestling’s biggest stars and most enigmatic figures. Bruiser Brody was a classic villain of the ring and a foil for wrestling heroes like Bruno Sammartino and Ric Flair. When he was killed in the dressing room before a fight in Puerto Rico, it shocked the world of wrestling, and pulled back the curtain on a world full of rumour, fakeouts and mystery.
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Coach Anthony: Like we said at the start, Anthony Curcio is the most unexpected person you will ever meet. A suburban dad and former football star turned felon. He pulled off one of the most creative bank heists in US history, robbing an armoured car and escaping down the river in an inner tube. But his final act might be the most astonishing thing of all. From BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live, Sports Strangest Crimes presents, Friday Night Heists. In episode 08 of 08, host Johnny Marr walks us through the winding road Anthony Curcio drove, in order to restore his relationships, and create the life of his dreams. You don't just rock Cactus Jacks without a bag of some sort, right?
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Double Solitary: Anthony Curcio never imagined himself in prison. He was too smart. Too clever. Too unassuming to ever get caught. But he never expected a homeless man to act as his foil, ruining the perfect crime by witnessing and then acting on the one detail Anthony forgot. The error caused Anthony and his family to see the double life he'd been living. And he embarked on a journey more perilous than any police chase. From BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live, Sports Strangest Crimes presents, Friday Night Heists. In episode 07 of 08, host Johnny Marr takes us inside the prison system to show the path Anthony had to walk to make it out alive.
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News of the robbery spreads around the state. Everyone is talking about the way the armoured car robber got away.
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Back From the Brinks: It's game day in Anthony Curcio's hometown. Only this time, he's robbing an armored car instead of catching touchdown passes. He had everything prepped and mapped out, down to the tiniest of detail. But nothing, not one single thing, could have prepared him for the rush of actually setting the plan in motion. From BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live, Sports Strangest Crimes presents, Friday Night Heists. In episode 05 of 08, host Johnny Marr steps aside and lets Anthony, his accomplices and eyewitnesses and local police tell the story of the robbery. With new documents, and previously unreleased audio, we bring the legendary robbery to life.
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The Playbook: Anthony Curcio was in desperate need of cash. The housing hustle left him deep in debt. But he couldn't get any cash. No one could. No one, except large banks, bailed out by the US government. They had all the cash he needed. So he decided to steal it. But creating a method to rob a bank would take the type of planning and preparation generals use for war, or rather, football coaches use to win. From BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live, Sports Strangest Crimes presents, Friday Night Heists. In episode 04 of 08, host Johnny Marr tells us how Anthony Curcio planned one of the most creative heists in US History, showing all the meticulous details, timing and misdirection involved. Enough to make Danny Ocean proud. If you want to learn what it takes to rob an armored car, not that we'd advise it, this is the episode to hear.
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Good Form: Anthony Curcio loved the life of crime. The double life. He fancied himself a blue collar Thomas Crown, pursuing pills over Pissarros. His various heists enabled him to live the American Dream, own a house, marry his high school sweetheart and start a family. He was also close to walking away from crime, until he bought that house and learned that an even bigger hustle was happening across the US. He wanted in. From BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live, Sports Strangest Crimes presents, Friday Night Heists. In episode 03 of 08, host Johnny Marr walks us into the lawless world of real estate, a place where Anthony Curcio could ply his craft. He rode the housing bubble to its zenith, and then was left to fend for himself when it popped.
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Just Say No: Anthony Curcio had used his second chance at football. Used it well. He built his body and refocused his mind on the sport. But football is football, a sport loved for its precise brutality. And Anthony tears a ligament in his knee. His dreams of playing are over. And yet, for once in his life, he doesn't care. It's all due to a little pill prescribed to him from a doctor. This little pill unlocked something inside Anthony. Pretty soon, he'd do whatever it took to get more. From BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live, Sports Strangest Crimes presents, Friday Night Heists. In episode 02 of 08, host Johnny Marr takes us to the rolling fields of Eastern Washington State, where Anthony attempts his first heist and discovers that while he was good at football, he's absolutely gifted at crime.
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Anthony Curcio is the most unexpected person you will ever meet. At first glance, he appears as simply a suburban dad who wears khaki pants, Cactus Jacks, coaches his daughters in basketball, and drives a modest truck. You soon learn that he was once a high school football star, with the dream, and, more importantly, the speed, to play professionally. But that's not the interesting part. Anthony Curcio pulled off one of the most creative bank heists in US history, robbing an armored car and escaping down the river in an inner tube. It makes you do a double-take. You're left feeling puzzled. How did this normal seeming guy end up at a point in his life where he thought that was a good idea? And then, how did he pull it off? From BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live, Sports Strangest Crimes presents, Friday Night Heists. In episode 01 of 08, host Johnny Marr takes us to the small logging town that would soon become famous for a hometown football star's turn to crime.
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Friday Night Lights Out: Anthony Curcio is the most unexpected person you will ever meet. At first glance, he appears as simply a suburban dad who wears khaki pants, Cactus Jacks, coaches his daughters in basketball, and drives a modest truck. You soon learn that he was once a high school football star, with the dream, and, more importantly, the speed, to play professionally. But that's not the interesting part. Anthony Curio pulled off one of the most creative bank heists in US history, robbing an armored car and escaping down the river in an inner tube. It makes you do a double-take. You're left feeling puzzled. How did this normal seeming guy end up at a point in his life where he thought that was a good idea? And then, how did he pull it off? From BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live, Sports Strangest Crimes presents, Friday Night Heists narrated by Johnny Marr.
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