The Forgotten Dead

Explore the case of 'Mary Ellen', whose partially mummified body was found in Bolton in 1982. 'Mary Ellen' was a nickname given by Police, her real name remains a mystery.

Radio Manchester,17 episodes

Episodes

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Bonus: ‘I had to run’- A Mother’s Story
After 50 years, we share the mother and son reunion that seemed impossible.
11 Mar 2026,36 mins
15. 'I know who this lady is'
A message arrives from Jean. It says, “I know who this lady is".
13 May 2024,30 mins
14. The Runaway
An unexpected link to the mystery woman is uncovered.
13 May 2024,24 mins,
13. An impossible situation
A listener tip-off suggests a link to the disappearance of Isabella Skelton.
13 May 2024,31 mins
12. The Saviour of Souls
Looking into whether Eileen could be a charity worker known as the Saviour of Souls.
13 May 2024,27 mins,
11. Triggering memories
A new lead and a new name emerges, Eileen the Irishwoman.
13 May 2024,30 mins
10. When everything turns upside down
Detectives have made an unexpected discovery and Matthew reveals shocking news.
13 May 2024,32 mins
9. Are you my missing mum?
Matthew emails the Forgotten Dead team to find out if Mary Ellen is his missing mum.
13 May 2024,32 mins
New episodes coming soon
Following up on leads in a journey of sadness, trauma, mystery and shock.
04 May 2024,2 mins
8. One Step Closer
More details emerge about investigative genetic genealogy.
14 Dec 2022,19 mins
7. Hope from America
An American case with similarities to 'Mary Ellen’s' story emerges.
14 Dec 2022,28 mins
6. A Storm of Speculation
The original police theory about 'Mary Ellen' faces more scrutiny.
14 Dec 2022,21 mins
5. Accident or Murder?
Former crime reporter Steve Howarth reveals his theory of what happened to 'Mary Ellen'.
14 Dec 2022,20 mins
4. Hunting for Clues
The search for clues about 'Mary Ellen’s' identity widens.
14 Dec 2022,19 mins
3. DNA results
Test results prove whether or not 'Mary Ellen' is really missing mother Ruth Hanratty.
14 Dec 2022,26 mins
2. Digging up the Dead
Police follow a lead that 'Mary Ellen' is a missing mother from Liverpool.
14 Dec 2022,27 mins
1. The Body in the Cellar
New homeowner John Baxendale makes a gruesome discovery on a winter's day in 1982.
13 Dec 2022,27 mins