Matthew Bannister on

Amanda Claridge, the archaeologist who was a leading expert on ancient Rome.

Sidhu Moose Wala, the acclaimed Indian rapper who was shot dead at the age of 28.

Mark Sykes, the upper-class gambler, con man, gun smuggler and playboy.

Paul Vance, who wrote the song 'Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini' and whose death was announced prematurely in 2006.


Producer: Neil George

Interviewed guest: Richard Hodges
Interviewed guest: Professor Richard Alston
Interviewed guest: Bobby Friction
Interviewed guest: Lady Colin Campbell
Interviewed guest: Douglas Thompson

Archive clips used: BBC Radio 3, Night Waves - Roman Empire Exhibition 20/10/2000; BBC One, Nationwide - Pompeii 19/11/1976; BBC News 31/05/2022; ABP Sanjha / YouTube Channel, Sidhu Moose Wala in Big Trouble 04/05/2020; BBC Radio 4, Last Word 29/09/2006.