Gangster

BBC Radio 5 Live

How did a small-time carpenter with a minor and fumbled role in a 1963 violent heist become Britain's most famous fugitive and - for many - an unlikely folk hero?

From gangland tea boy to Brazilian playboy, this series recounts the controversial rollercoaster life of Ronnie Biggs in his own words, through previously unheard recordings.

Actor Daniel Mays, who portrayed the Great Train Robber in a major ITV drama, hosts the podcast, marking the 25th anniversary of Biggs' return to Britain to face justice after 36 years on the run.

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20 episodes
Updated June 11

Episodes20

Newest first

June 11 · 38 min
6. The White Cliffs of Dover
Depression, debt and death in Rio ... or surrender to the UK justice system.
June 4 · 29 min
5. The Magic Balloon Gang
Buy your ticket for ‘The Ronnie Biggs Experience’ barbecue.
May 28 · 35 min
4. The Slip-Up
Welcome to Rio in 1970. Home of the last Great Train Robber at large.
May 21 · 31 min
3. The Land of Milk and Honey
What price freedom? And why should you never wear crocodile shoes when you’re on the run.
May 14 · 34 min
2. The Hate Factory
Wandsworth Prison. Where freedom might only be a chess game or a rope climb away …
May 7 · 30 min
1. The Big One
How is a criminal ‘legend’ born? Daniel Mays delves into unheard Biggs tapes to find out.
May 4 · 2 min
Introducing Gangster Presents: The Story of Ronnie Biggs
The story of the Great Train Robber, featuring previously unheard Ronnie Biggs recordings
April 9 · 28 min
6. Losing Face
A television programme humiliates Georgie Pai, ending his Triad reign.
April 2 · 30 min
5. Video Wars
A video war grips Britain’s Chinatowns and a popular businessman is killed with machetes.
March 27 · 30 min
4. The Northern Powerhouse
Georgie Pai returns to Britain, expanding his Triad amid growing violence and turf wars.
March 20 · 26 min
3. Sleeping Tiger
Georgie Pai is arrested in Southampton and his protection racket is exposed.
March 13 · 29 min
2. The Hong Kong Connection
In Hong Kong, Georgie Pai rises from street thug to gang leader.
March 6 · 27 min
1. Enter The Godfather
Georgie Pai arrives in Britain and starts to build his criminal empire.
March 4 · 3 min
Trailer
Gangster returns to tell the rise and fall of Triad boss Georgie Pai.
Dec 19, 2025 · 39 min
6. Starcrossed Lovers
Amy and Joe had been planning a future together, outside - but now they’re behind bars.
Dec 12, 2025 · 33 min
5. “Love You”
One last package of drugs to smuggle into the prison, but this time, someone is watching.
Dec 5, 2025 · 35 min
4. Illegal Highs
Cheap, addictive and easy to smuggle, Spice is running rampage through Britain’s prisons.
Nov 28, 2025 · 33 min
3. Just This Once
Power, pressure, and a plan to smuggle a secret stash of drugs into prison.
Nov 21, 2025 · 34 min
2. The Boy From Bradford
Amy risks it all for career criminal Joe - but who is the man she’s falling in love with?
Nov 14, 2025 · 33 min
1. When Amy Met Joe
The last thing mental health nurse Amy expected to find in prison was an offer of romance.