Podcast Summary: Hell in Heaven – "Introducing Royal Swindle"
Release Date: July 9, 2026
Host: Becky Milligan
Produced by: Exactly Right Media, iHeartPodcasts, Blanchard House
Main Theme and Purpose
This special episode serves as a teaser for Royal Swindle, a new podcast exploring the true crime saga of two audacious Australian women who infiltrated the upper echelons of 1990s British society, orchestrating one of the most colorful and brazen cons in recent memory. The story is recounted through voices of victims, investigators, and one of the con artists herself, promising revelations of love, betrayal, and deception among the elite.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Rise of Two Unlikely Socialites
- Two Australian lesbians arrive in 1990s London, quickly melding into high society.
- Their charisma and flamboyant style ("masses and masses of red hair" [00:13]) make them instant sensations among the rich and famous.
2. The "Megamoney" Investment Pitch
- One, Lila Andre, begins promising secret, lucrative investment opportunities.
- Lila's pitch: "That money, if you give it to me, I. I will turn it into megamoney." (Lila Andre, [00:28–00:33])
- Money begins pouring in from wealthy businessmen and aristocracy, all eager for a taste of the action.
3. Glamour, Intrigue, and Audience with the Queen
- The duo mingle with England’s elite, becoming so celebrated that they even "meet Queen Elizabeth" ([00:44]).
- Their spell over the horse-loving, old-money set is described as “intoxicating stuff” ([00:40]).
4. Secrets and Threats Unveiled
- Beneath the glitz, their dark motives and criminal past simmer.
- Evelyn Burton, close to the events, recounts:
- “My husband turned around and said, we either get that money or we're going to expose for what you are.” (Evelyn Burton, [00:57–01:00])
- Another interviewee reflects:
- “They were bad. Bad people. As bad as evil. Yes, definitely.” (Interviewee, [01:14–01:16])
5. Hot on Their Trail
- A local detective becomes determined to bring them down, bluntly labeling one as:
- “She was a thief. She was a thieving scumbag." (Detective, [01:25–01:27])
- Their cunning and resourcefulness keep them several steps ahead, eluding law enforcement for years.
6. The Reckoning and Reflection
- Decades pass before one conspirator—Evelyn Burton—breaks her silence:
- "I sold my soul to the devil." (Evelyn Burton, [01:42])
- Despite confessions of regret, her feelings remain ambiguous:
- “Oh, look, I would say I'm very sorry, but whether I mean it or not, I don't know.” (Evelyn Burton, [02:02])
7. Love Amid the Deceit
- Their relationship is at the heart of the narrative, entwined with crime and turmoil:
- “She was the love of my life. Absolutely the love of my life.” (Evelyn Burton, [01:51])
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Excess and Eccentricity:
- “red hair, masses and masses and masses of red hair.” ([00:13], Interviewee 1)
- “She would keep a stash of 50 pound notes down her bra.” ([00:20], Interviewee 1)
-
Criminal Charm:
- “That money, if you give it to me, I. I will turn it into megamoney.” (Lila Andre, [00:28–00:33])
-
Moral Gravity:
- "I sold my soul to the devil." (Evelyn Burton, [01:42])
- “She was the love of my life. Absolutely the love of my life.” (Evelyn Burton, [01:51])
- “Oh, look, I would say I'm very sorry, but whether I mean it or not, I don't know.” (Evelyn Burton, [02:02])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:02 – Introduction to the two main characters and their entry into London.
- 00:28 – Lila Andre’s infamous investment promise.
- 00:57 – Introduction of threats, suspicions, and first major confrontation.
- 01:25 – Detective’s determination and the law’s pursuit.
- 01:42 – Evelyn Burton’s candid confession.
- 01:51 – Evelyn’s admission of love.
- 02:02 – Her ambiguous apology and moral ambiguity.
- 02:14 – Premiere date and subscription information.
Tone and Language
The episode is brisk, dramatic, and laden with direct, emotionally charged testimonials. The narration strikes a balance between tabloid sensationalism and serious investigative journalism, setting the stage for a story about intoxicating glamour and the shadow it casts.
In Summary
Royal Swindle is introduced as a dazzling yet dark odyssey through the British elite, led by two women whose legend is built on love, lies, and larceny. With direct voices from the key players, including an emotionally conflicted confessor, the new series promises revelations about the human cost of ambition, deception, and undying devotion.
Royal Swindle premieres Thursday, July 23rd.
