Stephen Fry Narrates New Audiobook Podcast, ‘The Missing Lines’

Earlier this week, national icon Stephen Fry revealed he had narrated a new audiobook podcast, ‘The Missing Lines’ by upcoming author M.S. Singh. Announcing his involvement across his social media channels and supported by widespread advertising, Stephen encouraged his fans and followers to listen to the new story, promising a dark mystery about the ruthless world of county lines drug running.

However, listeners were left disappointed and frustrated when the book suddenly cut off after 2 minutes and 48 seconds, leaving the next nine chapters in silence and setting social media alight with indignation.

Stephen Fry finally revealed this was no mistake.

Through an Instagram post, he announced the audiobook was produced in partnership with charity Missing People, to impactfully bring to life what happens when a person goes missing and everything known comes to an abrupt and unresolved halt; a story without end. This campaign follows the launch of the charity’s preventative campaign launched in 2022, aimed at stopping people going missing before they make the decision.

Families and friends of missing people say that the ‘not knowing’ is the hardest part of a loved one disappearing suddenly, and with someone going missing every 90 seconds in the UK, the scale of problem is what Fry refers to as, “a national crisis”.

In a reveal video posted on Instagram, Fry commented:

“I can assure you that your listening device isn’t broken. Sadly, the rest of the story is missing. For you that would probably mean something like frustration – the break in Marcus’s story being a possible mistake or just something to ruin your day.

But when a person goes missing in real life, their loved ones are left with unimaginable loss…

I, myself went missing at a time of crisis in my life, but I was fortunate enough to be reunited with my loved ones. Not everyone gets that reunion…When someone disappears, they become invisible and many come to harm. It’s life or death.

He continued: “The charity Missing People exists to connect everyone who is missing to safety and to give them and those who miss them, hope. To find out more and ways that you can help – so that no-one’s story is left incomplete – please visit the website www.missingpeople.org.uk/missinglines.”

Missing People CEO Jo Youle commented:

“Over a million people a year in the UK either go missing, or are impacted by their loved ones going missing, so we are incredibly grateful to Stephen for bringing this seismic issue to life in such a unique way.

She continued: “As the UK’s only charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people with their loved ones, our work needs continued support so if you’ve been moved by our Missing Lines campaign, please visit our website to find out how you can help.”