COLD TAPES Podcast Finale Reveals Killer & £10K Prize Winner – Season 2 Teased

The highly anticipated final episode of COLD TAPES, the immersive true-crime podcast, has officially dropped, revealing both the elusive murderer and the winner of its £10,000 cash prize competition.

Podcast cover for COLD TAPES, the thrilling true crime series

A Murder Mystery Like No Other

Set against the chilling backdrop of an isolated Antarctic research station, COLD TAPES unraveled the mysterious death of 33-year-old scientist Andrew Fairfield, portrayed by Dave Hearn. The gripping series invited audiences to step into the shoes of lead investigator DCI Tessa McCallister, played by Polly Frame, as she spearheaded the inquiry into the suspicious demise.

An Interactive Crime-Solving Experience

What set COLD TAPES apart was its unique, interactive format. Across 84 episodes, listeners were tasked with piecing together evidence from audio diaries, recorded police interrogations, telephone conversations, and covert surveillance tapes. The meticulously crafted storyline mirrored an authentic police investigation, challenging audiences to unmask the murderer before the final reveal.

The Grand Finale: Who Was the Killer?

The climactic episode delivered the long-awaited revelation of the culprit, marking the end of months of speculation and detective work by devoted listeners. This final police interview file provided conclusive proof, sending shockwaves through the fanbase.

Meet the £10,000 Grand Prize Winner

From thousands of correct entries, one lucky sleuth emerged victorious. Karen Byford from Bury-St-Edmonds was randomly selected as the winner of the competition, securing the prestigious title of “Super Sleuth of the Year 2025.” Her exceptional detective skills will be honored at CrimeCon London this June, where she will officially receive her £10,000 prize.

The Making of COLD TAPES: A Collaborative Triumph

Produced by Free Turn, the series was meticulously crafted with contributions from real-world professionals, including law enforcement officers, polar explorers, and forensic researchers. Writers Alexis Zegerman and Jonathan Myerson ensured the storyline maintained a high level of authenticity, making the experience feel as real as possible.

A Global Sensation

The podcast captivated a worldwide audience, amassing over 400,000 downloads with listeners spanning more than 50 countries. Thousands of crime enthusiasts registered to submit their deductions, making it a truly global phenomenon.

Adding to its reach, COLD TAPES was licensed to Wondery+, granting early access to its first 83 episodes for premium subscribers, and also found its way onto British Airways and Aer Lingus flights, courtesy of a partnership with IAG.

What’s Next? COLD TAPES Season 2 in the Works

Gemma Batterby, Managing Director of Free Turn, hinted at exciting developments for the franchise:

“The UK podcast industry is brimming with creative brilliance, yet monetization remains a challenge. COLD TAPES was born out of a desire to innovate within the true crime genre while also exploring fresh revenue models. We’re thrilled to confirm that COLD TAPES 2 is in development and are actively working on additional interactive storytelling formats.”

Where to Listen

All episodes of COLD TAPES are now available for streaming on major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Whether you’re a seasoned detective or a newcomer to the series, now is the perfect time to dive into the mystery that took the world by storm.