19 September 2024

29 minutes

Available for over a year

A dream job offer arrives from Harrods, to the surprise of debutante teenager, Cheska. Why is one of the world’s most famous luxury shops interested in her? How do they know where she lives - where to send the letter? It’s the 1990s in London. Cheska and other rich girls are being introduced to high society, as part of an centuries old tradition. What should she do next? Soon after she gets the job offer, Cheska is working in owner Mohamed Al Fayed’s personal office in London’s exclusive Park Lane. Can Al Fayed help her with her ambition to act?

This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Season 4 of World of Secrets, Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods, is a Long Form Audio production for the BBC World Service.

Presenters: Shaimaa Khalil and Cassie Cornish-Trestrail

Producer: Sally Abrahams

Senior Producer: Neal Razzell

Series Editor: Matt Willis

Sound design: Neil Churchill and Nigel Appleton

Special thanks to Series Consultant Keaton Stone, Director Erica Gornall, and Executive Producer Mike Radford

Commissioning Senior Producer: Anne Dixey

Commissioning Editor: Jon Manel