I thought I was a movie star but it was a delusion

Available for over a year

Scout Tzofia Bolton has a long history of psychosis and mental illness. During a manic episode in 2023, they believed they were starring in a film of their own life. While acting out what Scout thought was an action sequence, they held up a shop with a toy gun. To Scout it was play-acting - to onlookers it was terrifying. Six months in prison led to a much-needed diagnosis and a transformative new vocation: Scout got involved with National Prison Radio, which broadcasts to prisoners across England and Wales. Since leaving prison, Scout made a documentary - together with the Prison Radio Association - about leaving prison. The Ballad of Scout and the Alcohol Tag, which includes some of their poetry, was broadcast on BBC Radio 4. And now Scout also presents a weekly rock show on National Prison Radio, which is broadcast to prisons in England and Wales. In May 2025, Scout won two gold Arias - the UK's top audio and radio awards - including the award for best new presenter. Scout speaks honestly to Mobeen Azhar about their experience of mental illness and how they finally got the help they needed in prison. Presenter: Mobeen Azhar Producers: Vibeke Venema and Thomas Harding Assinder Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: Scout Tzofia Bolton. Credit: Courtesy of Prison Radio Association)