Navigated to Charlene: Somebody Knows Something

Charlene: Somebody Knows Something

The Crime Desk
Weekly podcast.

In 2003, 14-year-old Charlene Downes mysteriously vanished from her hometown of Blackpool. Chilling stories started to spread. And when two men are arrested for murdering Charlene, they are accused of cutting up her body – and using her remains as kebab meat.


The story of what happened to this young girl has haunted Blackpool for more than twenty years. It has twisted and turned, taking in police, paedophiles, and far-right protests. But not all is as it seems – and so much of this story remains hidden in the shadows.


Broadcaster Nicola Thorp is the same age as Charlene. She grew up in Blackpool too. Now, Nicola is revisiting this case – to uncover the truth, and the lies, about what really happened to Charlene. 


After all, Somebody knows Something.


If you have any information about the disappearance of Charlene Downes, you can contact us at charlene@thecrimedesk.com.

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

9 episodes  •  0 archived  •  
S1 E8·
Dec 11, 2025
Dec 11, 2025
32 mins
S1 E7·
Dec 4, 2025
Dec 4, 2025
40 mins
S1 E6·
Nov 27, 2025
Nov 27, 2025
36 mins
S1 E5·
Nov 20, 2025
Nov 20, 2025
41 mins
S1 E4·
Nov 13, 2025
Nov 13, 2025
43 mins
S1 E3·
Nov 6, 2025
Nov 6, 2025
38 mins
S1 E2·
Oct 30, 2025
Oct 30, 2025
26 mins
S1 E1·
Oct 30, 2025
Oct 30, 2025
32 mins

You might like

Casefile Presents
Always True Crime
Casefile Presents
Daily Mail
BBC Sounds
BBC Radio Scotland

Never lose your place, on any device

Create a free account to sync, back up, and get personal recommendations.