Al Fayed abuse allegations, Co-housing, Ovarian cancer, Queens

About this episode

The episode discusses abuse allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed, advancements in ovarian cancer treatment, co-housing for women over 50, and the historical role of queens in shaping ideas about womanhood.

Survivors who say they were abused by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed met Sir Keir Starmer yesterday afternoon, in what campaigners have described as a potentially significant moment. More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct against Al Fayed, dating back to 1977, have now been made. The meeting was organised by The Survivors Trust and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Survivors of Mohamed Al Fayed and Harrods. Kylie Pentelow was joined by Lucy Duckworth from The Survivors Trust and survivor Carrie Lazell. A breakthrough drug for ovarian cancer that is kinder on the body and extends lives is now available on the NHS. Victoria Clare from Ovacome and patient Patricia Hill talk to Kylie. New Ground is the UK’s first purpose-built co-housing community for women over 50, designed and developed on their own terms. Each resident has her own self-contained flat, along with shared spaces. The women moved in 10 years ago, and the community is still going strong. But what’s it really like to live this way? And could co-housing be a model more women should consider? Kylie speaks to two residents, Jude and Ann. Stories about queens and princesses have shaped some of our most…

People in this episode

Host: Kylie Pentelow

Guests: Lucy Duckworth, Carrie Lazell, Victoria Clare, Patricia Hill, Jude, Ann, Kate Williams

Topics covered

• abuse allegations
• ovarian cancer
• co-housing
• women's health
• historical perspectives on women

Keywords

• Mohamed Al Fayed
• abuse allegations
• ovarian cancer
• co-housing
• women over 50
• historical queens
• Kylie Pentelow
• Survivors Trust
• NHS
• Kate Williams

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Survivors Trust, All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Survivors of Mohamed Al Fayed and Harrods, NHS, Ovacome

Books & works: Regina: A New History of Women and Power

More episodes of Woman's Hour

• Weekend Woman's Hour: Women’s Prize winners, Clare Connor, SEND, Weight, Mum’s poem in son’s exam · June 13, 2026 · 57 min
• Women's Prize winners, Weight, T20 World Cup, Mental healthcare · June 12, 2026 · 58 min
• Northern Ireland, Kathryn Stockett and Mum's poem in son's exam · June 11, 2026 · 57 min
• Kanye West allegations, SEND, Author Doireann Ní Ghríofa · June 10, 2026 · 57 min
• Clare Connor, Archers BRCA storyline, Yassmin Abdel-Magied · June 9, 2026 · 58 min
• Nottingham Inquiry, Female sexual pleasure, Serena Williams · June 8, 2026 · 57 min