The new limited podcast series Hooked on Freddie delves into a decades-old, riveting tale of a dolphin named Freddie who unexpectedly disrupts life in Amble, Northumberland in the UK. Hosted by award-winning journalist Becky Milligan, the six-episode series explores the complex relationship between lifelong animal rights activist Alan Cooper and Freddie the dolphin. Cooper’s deep bond with Freddie turns into a headline-grabbing scandal when he is accused of a heinous act against the dolphin, leading to a unique legal battle.
Wondery’s Head of UK Podcast Content, Rich Knight, and Blanchard House’s Creative Director and Co-Founder, Rosie Pye, both express their excitement for the project. Milligan, who once swam with Freddie as a student journalist, has full access to all key players sharing their stories for the first time.
This marks Wondery’s sixth original podcast from the UK and the first collaboration with Blanchard House. The series promises to be a compelling narrative about friendship, scandal, and how we interact with wildlife.
Rich Knight commented, “Hooked on Freddie is an extraordinary story which is both joyously uplifting and deeply poignant. It’s about a magical friendship between species and a bitter rivalry between humans. At its heart, it is a story about how we should treat wild animals.”
Rosie Pye said, “This is a truly incredible story that has to be heard to be believed… everything that happened here will leave you astonished! It’s not only a story about the power of wild accusations, it is also extremely poignant, as we hear someone’s worst nightmare unfold.”
