In the early 70s, Debbie Gayle was one of Britain’s most promising young ballerinas. At the age of 17, she was chosen to go to the Soviet Union and become the first Westerner to train at Russia’s finest ballet academy. It was a dream come true for her, but just a few months later, things took a near deadly turn for her. She made it out of the country thanks to a young girl named Natasha who she never saw or heard from again.
In Finding Natasha, Debbie’s son Jake Warren – a journalist and podcaster – sets out to understand the story of his mum’s past, and to find the woman who saved her 50 years ago.
8 Available Episodes (8 Total)Average duration: 00:22:16
Oct 25, 2022
Bonus Episode: The Reunion
00:43:40
Over a year ago, Jake Warren set out to find Natasha – the mysterious teenager who helped his mum Debbie escape from the USSR in 1974. And still to this day, Natasha and Debbie have not met in person… until now. In this special episode of Finding Natasha, Jake and Debbie travel over 1000 miles away to Helsinki. Debbie prepares to meet Natasha face to face for the first time in nearly 50 years, while also coming to terms with the fact that in just 36 hours she’s going to have to say goodbye again, possibly forever.
Over a year ago, Jake Warren set out to find Natasha – the mysterious teenager who helped his mum Debbie escape from the USSR in 1974. And still to this day, Natasha and Debbie have not met in person… until now. In this upcoming episode, Jake and Debbie travel over 1000 miles away to Helsinki to finally meet Natasha.
Don't miss the anticipated reunion on October 25th.
Jake Warren explores a family myth about a mysterious woman in his mum’s past, and begins his search for her. Debbie Gayle recounts her difficult childhood and her dreams of ballet stardom.
In 1974, a young woman saved the life of up-and-coming prima ballerina, Debbie Gayle – never to see each other again. Fifty years later, Debbie’s son, journalist Jake Warren, sets out to find her.