The Profumo affair

The 1960s scandal involving Conservative cabinet minister John ‘Jack’ Profumo and teenage showgirl Christine Keeler was a significant episode in 20th century British political history. It led to to jail sentences, suicide and the fall of a government. Read everything you need to know about the events behind the new BBC drama here

A collage combining a suited person holding a briefcase and hat with a painted scene of a large hall filled with seated figures in white garments, and a smaller black‑and‑white photograph of two people inside a car layered below.

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The ultimate Cold War sex scandal – and 11 other political outrages from British history. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

John Profumo in October 1962

20th Century

Sex, lies and spies: the real history of the Profumo Affair

20th Century

“Somewhere in between exploitation and empowerment”: James Norton on society osteopath Stephen Ward

The Trial of Christine Keeler. (Photo by BBC)

20th Century

Christine Keeler and Mandy Rice-Davies: the women at the heart of the Profumo Affair

Mandy Rice-Davies (left) and Christine Keeler

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Notes on a scandal: revisiting the Profumo Affair. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

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Peter Hennessy on Britain in transition. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

1960s model. (Photo by Alamy)

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Women in the 1960s. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

The Beatles perform onstage at the Cavern Club, Liverpool in February 1961. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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History explorer: the swinging sixties. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.