Something from the Cellar: Lynda La Plante

Something from the Cellar: Lynda La Plante

Author: Kate Thornton October 28, 2025 Duration: 1:07:03

Over the next five Tuesdays we're holding our own mini literature festival. We've delved deep in the archive to find some of the very best authors we've spoken to over the past seven years, and what an icon we have to kick it off!


After a successful career as an actor Lynda La Plante became intrigued by the production process of television drama and began writing treatments, ideas for potential shows that were, well, very much her own. Although most were rejected, one was praised as utterly brilliant. By 1983, her six-part series Widows premiered and became the highest rating series of the early 1980s. Following the show's success, she established herself as a highly sought-after crime writer with women at the heart of her stories, and the release of her debut novel in 1987 quickly established her as a critically acclaimed best-selling author to boot, paving the way for a series of hit books that followed in rapid succession.  


By 1991, she hit new heights and broke new ground with the premiere of the world-renowned Prime Suspect. A detective drama starring Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennyson, which went on to win numerous BAFTAs, Emmys and Golden Globes over the course of its seven seasons and made Helen Mirren a bona fide global superstar. It's no surprise that in 2008 she was awarded a CBE for her services to literature, drama and charity. is a member of the Crime Thriller Award Hall of Fame


We'll be back on Thursday with a brand new episode.


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There’s a particular kind of conversation that happens after a glass or two of wine, where guards come down and real stories emerge. That’s the atmosphere White Wine Question Time captures so perfectly. Hosted by Kate Thornton, each episode gathers well-known friends for a relaxed yet revealing chat, structured around three thoughtful questions and, of course, a shared bottle. What unfolds is less a formal interview and more a glimpse into the genuine friendships behind the public personas. You’ll hear laughter, unexpected confessions, and perspectives on culture, society, and current events that rarely make the headlines. This podcast thrives in the space between entertainment and intimate disclosure, often veering into comedy as these candid discussions unfold. With a vast back catalogue of over 450 episodes, each one feels like pulling up a chair to a fascinating table. Whether you start with the latest release or browse the extensive archive, you’re guaranteed a listen that’s as engaging and relevant as it is genuinely enjoyable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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