Episodes

  • S2 Flash Fiction Friday 03 - The Ghost on the Staircase by John Gorman (a quick ghostly chill)

    S2 Flash Fiction Friday 03 - The Ghost on the Staircase by John Gorman (a quick ghostly chill)
    Mar 27 2026
    Should people tell their guests about the ghosts lingering in their homes...?

    “The staircase was just behind the sofa in the open-plan living room and once, a coat hanger tumbled down the stairs unaided. There was nobody upstairs, however there was a small pile of hangers on the top step and maybe one of them was loose. These odd events I could explain logically. Ghosts don’t exist…”

    Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

    In today’s Flash Fiction Friday episode, we’ll be reading The Ghost on the Staircase which was sent in to us by John Gorman. Born and raised in Preston, John spent 16 years in London before returning to the Northwest in 2018. As a forensic scientist, he focuses on facts and evidence but has always had an interest in the unexplained. For years, he’s been drawn to the haunted history of Lancashire, from his visits as a student to Chingle Hall to more recent trips to Samlesbury Hall. His own experiences with the paranormal have further spurred this interest and inspired him finally put pen to paper and write his first short story, which he has graciously shared with us.

    We truly hope you enjoy this bite-sized ghostly tale stay tuned to Haunted UK Fiction as John is currently working on another short story and we have many more fantastic story submissions to share.

    If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to hauntedukfiction@hotmail.com

    Until next time, stay safe, and take care.

    Episode Credits:
    Story by John Gorman
    Narrated by Steven Holloway
    Script prepared by Melissa West
    Produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.
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    11 mins
  • S02 - Ep09 - Fossils by Willerby (a terrifying time-slip story)

    S02 - Ep09 - Fossils by Willerby (a terrifying time-slip story)
    Mar 25 2026
    The past does not always stay buried...

    “When Lisa tried to leave the village to go shopping, she found the turn onto the main road going to Beckworth blocked. The hedges had grown to an enormous size and intertwined themselves over the tarmac like the fingers of two clasping hands. By pushing the leaves aside, she could just see through. Cars were rushing past, but none slowed, and Lisa wondered if Willerby was being forgotten…”

    Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

    We have something special to share today. We’ll be reading Fossils, a story hailing from the strange town of Willerby. We aren’t sure who, exactly, is behind this story. We stumbled upon the Willerby website, which features a collection of stories about the town’s inhabitants, whilst in the early stages of planning Haunted UK Fiction and were able to reach the webmaster, who would not share their identity but granted permission to share these stories after we agreed to a number of bizarre conditions we aren't allowed to give any more details about.

    You can find more of Willerby’s stories in Season 1 of our podcast, and on their website, welcometowillerby.co.uk

    We truly hope you enjoy this from the eerie and mysterious town of Willerby, which seems as though it exists in a different plane to the rest of the world. Stay tuned for more of these stories, and if you would like to read some of them for yourself you can visit Willerby’s website at WelcomToWillerby.co.uk, or follow the village on Instagram @WillerbyVillage.

    If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to hauntedukfiction@hotmail.com

    Until next time, stay safe, and take care.

    Episode Credits:
    Story by Willerby
    Narrated by Steven Holloway
    Script prepared by Melissa West
    Episode produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.
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    28 mins
  • S02 - Ep08 - Sukie in the Graveyard by Robert McDermott (a touching ghost story)

    S02 - Ep08 - Sukie in the Graveyard by Robert McDermott (a touching ghost story)
    Mar 18 2026
    A quiet afternoon in a graveyard becomes something lasting and bittersweet...

    “What struck me about the cemetery, aside from the pounding heat, was the serene atmosphere. There was a keenly felt tranquillity to the place which enhanced every aspect of the experience. The definition on the faces of the strikingly realistic statues, the stately mausoleums and the vividness of the ivy snaking up the ornate crypts like verdant tattoos gave the place a sense of life. It was surreal and difficult to articulate. This was a place existing in the space between both words and worlds…”

    Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

    In today’s episode we’ll be reading Sukie in the Graveyard, a touching ghost story that is part of an anthology called The Occulting Light written by Robert McDermott who lives and works in Dublin. Robert’s debut novel, 'Jone$town' was published by Riversong Books in 2021 and followed in 2024 by a collection of short stories 'The Occulting Light' also with Riversong Books. His stories have been widely published in anthologies both in print and online. When not writing he enjoys listening to podcasts (especially Haunted U.K.) and walking with his cocker spaniel, Alfie. His influences include Kurt Vonnegut, M.R. James, Kelly Link, Denis Johnson, and Kevin Barry.

    We truly hope you enjoy this this haunting tale. If you would like to hear more from Robert McDermott, you can listen to two of his stories in Season 1 of Haunted UK Fiction. You can also find a link to his work, including his newest release, a detective thriller called The Fifth Shot, and his social media and contact information below:

    MOST RECENT WORK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208460257-the-occulting-light
    SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/robertmcdermott73author/
    EMAIL: robertmcdermott@gmail.com

    If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to hauntedukfiction@hotmail.com

    Until next time, stay safe, and take care.

    Episode Credits:
    Story by Robert McDermott
    Narrated by Steven Holloway
    Script prepared by Melissa West
    Episode produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.
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    21 mins
  • S2 Flash Fiction Friday 02 - TriskaideCATphobia by Willerby/Susan Ballinger/Melissa West (Superstition and Cats)

    S2 Flash Fiction Friday 02 - TriskaideCATphobia by Willerby/Susan Ballinger/Melissa West (Superstition and Cats)
    Mar 13 2026
    TriskadeCATphobia - a Friday the 13th special featuring 3 short cat tails... er, tales.

    “When I first arrived, the spirits were no more than shadows and mist. As a kitten, I’d pounce and tumble on tendrils of fog. Madame was angry at first, but soon discovered that her visitors willingly accepted my mewling as the sounds of spirits from beyond the veil…”

    Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

    To celebrate Friday the 13th we’ve assembled a trilogy of stories featuring one of the world’s most fearsome and wonderous creatures… the domestic cat.

    Our first story "All the Cats are Black" was written by one of the villagers from Willerby, a strange and mysterious little town whose eeriness even affects the feline population. We aren’t sure who, exactly, is behind these stories, or even whether they’re authored by one person, or many. We stumbled upon the Willerby website earlier this year and found a collection of stories about the town’s inhabitants. After agreeing to a number of bizarre conditions, to which we’ve been sworn to secrecy, we were given permission to share some of these stories

    Then, The Medium’s Cat, a story sent in by Susan Ballinger, a history buff with a bent towards the unexplained and a head full of trivia, her subjects reflect her diverse interests. Semi-retired in St. Petersburg FL, Susan spends her free time focusing on nature photography and checking the darkest corners for the weird and wonderful. The which you are about to hear was originally published in the UK by Mslexia.

    Last, a story by Melissa West which features a sweet old cat whose appearances may be deceiving. Melissa grew up in both French- and English- Canada before moving to the Midwest U.S. several years ago. Her passion for writing stories and composing music began in childhood, as did her love of all things spooky and supernatural. Bringing all these elements together to co-create the Haunted UK Fiction podcast has been an incredible adventure, and connecting with other writers and creatives has been an inspiration. She loves all creatures great and small, but holds onto the sneaking suspicion that all cats are murderous fiends below their lush velvety exterior.

    Get comfortable, grab a little something to sip on, perhaps cuddle up under a blanket to help offset the chills coming your way…We truly hope you enjoy these frightening feline stories!

    If you would like to hear more from the eerie town of Willerby, you can find 50 more stories on their website and follow them on Instagram and Bluesky
    Website: www.welcometowillerby.com
    IG: @willerbyvillage
    Bluesky: @willerbyvillage.bsky.social

    Susan Ballinger is currently working on a book about the history of investigating spirit mediums (like the Madame!) which has the working title: Life Among the Spirits
    Bluesky: @PeculiarSusan.bsky.social
    IG: @birdshot127 and @cemetery_plots
    Email: ballingersj@gmail.com

    Melissa West is currently working on a full-length story for the Haunted UK Fiction podcast. She is also planning a relaunch of The Skylark Bell podcast for late 2026.
    Website: www.theskylarkbell.com
    IG: @theskylarkbell
    Email: theskylarkbell@gmail.com

    If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to hauntedukfiction@hotmail.com, that’s hauntedukfiction@hotmail.com

    Until next time, stay safe, and take care.

    Episode credits:
    Stories written by: Willerby, Susan Ballinger, Melissa West
    Narrated by: Steven Holloway
    Script prepared by: Melissa West
    Produced by: Pink Flamingo Home Studio

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.
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    30 mins
  • S02 - Ep07 - The Pale One at the Window by Ian Harris (a supernatural horror story)

    S02 - Ep07 - The Pale One at the Window by Ian Harris (a supernatural horror story)
    Mar 11 2026
    Not every reflection belongs to the person standing before it...

    “It wasn’t dramatic at first. Just little things. A prickle on the back of her neck whenever she passed the hallway mirror. The way her phone screen sometimes lit up on its own, reflecting her face too pale, too elongated. The kitchen window fogging faintly when she stood near it, though the air was dry…”

    Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

    In today’s episode we’ll be reading The Pale One at the Window which was sent in to us by Ian Harris. You heard one of Ian’s other stories, The Hollow Rooms, in Season 1 of the podcast. Ian grew up with paranormal occurrences and, to this day, more than 30 years on, they still happen. His real-life experiences can be found on the Haunted UK podcast episode 62 titled 30 Years and Counting. Ian is very empathetic and can sometimes even see people’s auras and moods or read the atmosphere and energy of a room. He is heavily inspired by local folklore and stories.

    We truly hope you enjoy unsettling tale. If you would like to hear more from Ian Harris, stay tuned to the Haunted UK Fiction podcast as he has graciously sent in more of his work for us to share.

    If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to hauntedukfiction@hotmail.com

    Until next time, stay safe, and take care.

    Episode Credits:
    Story by Ian Harris
    Narrated by Steven Holloway
    Script prepared by Melissa West
    Episode produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.
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    22 mins
  • S02 - Ep06 - Deathly Cold by Harrie Tabor (a winter horror story)

    S02 - Ep06 - Deathly Cold by Harrie Tabor (a winter horror story)
    Mar 4 2026
    Some cold cuts deeper than expected...

    “Her mum had been right. It was cold. She worked her fingertips into the ice, appreciating the smoothness of the whale’s skin. The longer she held her hand there, the damper her palm became. She could even feel the water seeping into the edge of her sleeve. The guilt struck her like a sledgehammer. There shouldn’t be that much water, surely. Was the sculpture even there any more? She must’ve single handedly melted it…”

    Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

    In today’s episode we’ll be reading Deathly Cold which was sent in to us by Harrie Tabor. Harrie is, in her words, finally getting her act together and actually writing some stories, instead of just daydreaming about writing some stories. She loves the look of stained glass, and thinks fancy rats are extremely underrated as pets.

    We truly hope you enjoyed this, quite literally, bone-chilling story by Harrie Tabor. If you would like to hear more from Harrie, stay tuned as we have more of their stories to share, or get in touch with them here: https://www.tumblr.com/harrietabor

    If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to hauntedukfiction@hotmail.com

    Until next time, stay safe, and take care.

    Episode Credits:
    Story by Harrie Tabor
    Narrated by Steven Holloway
    Script prepared by Melissa West
    Episode produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.
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    22 mins
  • S02 - Ep05 - Angel of Lincoln by James West (a tale of lore, bound in stone)

    S02 - Ep05 - Angel of Lincoln by James West (a tale of lore, bound in stone)
    Feb 25 2026
    For hundreds of years it stood silent, waiting...

    “This city is mental!” Tom went on, “Seems everywhere has its own ghosts. I’ve heard all the stories, the thing I don’t know is why Lincoln is so bloody haunted!” “I can tell ye,” said a voice. The two friends turned their heads to the table next to them. An old man in his late 70s, peaked cap and waxed jacket, sat beside them. They had seen him there before many times, he always sat alone, often deep within the pages of the telegraph. “I can tell ye,” he repeated, leaning on his elbow with his hand under chin...”

    Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

    In today’s episode we’ll be reading Angel of Lincoln, which was sent in to us by James West. You may recall James’ other story HMP Signal’s End was the very first story released on Haunted UK Fiction way back in August of last year. That story continues to scare listeners and accrue positive feedback – so we’re very excited to share another of James’ stories.

    We truly hope you enjoy this eerie, inventive tale. Stay tuned to Haunted UK Fiction because we have many more fantastic spooky, scary, and downright terrifying stories to share with you!

    If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to hauntedukfiction@hotmail.com

    Until next time, stay safe, and take care.

    Episode Credits:
    Story by James West
    Narrated by Steven Holloway
    Script prepared by Melissa West
    Episode produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.
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    17 mins
  • S02 - Ep04 - Bleakmore: A Gothic Tale (Part 2) by Emma Hudairi

    S02 - Ep04 - Bleakmore: A Gothic Tale (Part 2) by Emma Hudairi
    Feb 20 2026
    A guest at a manor house bears witness terrible events unfolding again and again...

    “The swell of the waves was much higher now and I could hear them crashing against the cliffs, white spray occasionally shooting high over the cliff top. The shrubs in the garden swayed in the wind. The scene was almost unrecognisable as the location of my walk earlier in the day. My eyes glanced to the left along the path that I had used. A sudden flash of lightning highlighted the way and that’s when I first saw her…”

    Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

    In today’s episode we’ll be reading the second and final part of Bleakmore: A Gothic Tale which was sent in to us by Emma Hudairi. Emma has always had a fascination for ghost stories and supernatural tales, from hiding under the covers as a child reading Aidan Chambers library books, to hiding behind cushions as an adult watching paranormal investigations and listening to podcasts. Bleakmore: A Gothic Tale, is Emma’s tribute to some of the great gothic horror tales of the past and was written as a birthday gift for her daughter, Emily, during the first lockdown of the pandemic - a dark and uncertain time where many families found themselves divided by distance with no certainty of when they might be reunited. For Emma this was a welcome creative release and for her daughter it was great surprise and a personal connection despite the miles.

    Though the places in the story are entirely made up, they are based on places in Yorkshire - a beautiful part of the country where stunning coastline, historic buildings and sometimes desolate landscapes lend themselves well to a fertile imagination and the possibilities of spooky goings on.

    We truly hope you enjoy this atmospheric tale. If you would like to hear more from Emma Hudairi, stay tuned to the Haunted UK Fiction podcast as she is currently working on a modern short story that blends the everyday mundane with the supernatural.

    If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to hauntedukfiction@hotmail.com

    Until next time, stay safe, and take care.

    Episode Credits:
    Story by Emma Hudairi
    Narrated by Steven Holloway
    Script prepared by Melissa West
    Episode produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.
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    44 mins