Jilly Cooper: The queen of the bonkbuster - The Sunday Story

Jilly Cooper: The queen of the bonkbuster - The Sunday Story

Author: The Times October 12, 2025 Duration: 32:12

For more than 40 years. Dame Jilly Cooper was the undisputed queen of the bonk buster, that glorious British blend of sex, scandal and social satire. As Britain says farewell to her, three Times journalists who loved, knew and even shared a glass of champagne with Jilly gather to remember the writer who made us laugh, blush and bonk - unapologetically.


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guests:

  • Sophia Money-Coutts, features writer, The Times and,
  • Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor, The Sunday Times

Host: Jane Mulkerrins.

Producer: Dave Creasey.

Read more:

Clips: BBC.

Photo: Getty Pictures.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
On the frontline: One night in Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:58
We bring you the story of one Ukrainian command post as a patrol runs into chaos on the eastern bank of the Dnipro river, with Anthony Loyd who returned from reporting there last week. Plus, what should we make of the st…
Can a ‘miracle’ weight loss drug end Britain's obesity epidemic? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:01
It’s a diabetic drug that recently became a weight loss diet fad for the rich because of its ability to suppress hunger. Now, Wegovy, a drug similar to Ozempic, has been approved specifically for weight loss for the clin…
How the rich and powerful try to intimidate the press [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:16
This week the editors of The Times and The Sunday Times wrote to the justice secretary, calling for a crackdown on the misuse of libel laws by the super-rich. Together with more than 60 editors, reporters and lawyers, th…
How HS2 went off the rails [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:08
The high speed railway HS2 has been quietly graded ‘red’ by the government’s infrastructure watchdog, meaning successful delivery appears unachievable. The cost of the line - planned to run between London, and central an…
Russell Brand investigation: What happened next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:55
Last weekend The Times and The Sunday Times – together with Channel 4's Dispatches – broke the news of allegations against Russell Brand including rape and sexual assault. Russell Brand strongly denies all the allegation…
Death in the blood: The most shocking scandal in NHS history [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:13
From the 1970s onwards, an estimated 5,000 NHS patients were given contaminated blood products, which contained deadly diseases like hepatitis and HIV. Today, half of those infected have died. How did this happen? As her…
The Ukrainian honeytrappers ensnaring Putin's lonely soldiers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:34
Ukrainian women are making fake profiles on dating apps, matching with Putin’s lonely troops and tricking them into revealing information that could help Ukraine win the war. In a rare interview, we speak to one of the w…
Russell Brand accused of rape [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:01
This episode contains detailed allegations of rape and sexual assault. Following an exclusive investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches we hear how the comedian and actor Russell Brand has bee…