Hi, I’m Tony McMahon – investigative historian, author, and journalist.
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
Here I am with Dr Alice Roberts in her 2026 quest for the Holy Grail, produced by 9 of Cups and broadcast by Hearst Networks/History. We were examining an alleged Templar relic in the Somerset village of Templecombe. I film in the studio and on location in the UK and globally. As a former BBC news producer and print journalist, I also muck in with the writing, research, and identifying the best locations.
Shows I’ve appeared on as a regular contributor include: Secrets of the Royal Palaces (Channel 5/Viacom), William Shatner’s The UnXplained (History/Prometheus), Laurence Fishburne’s History’s Greatest Mysteries (History/A+E), Deadly Science (Super Channel/Go Button), Truthseekers (History/Big Media/RMC), Forbidden History (History/UKTV/Like A Shot), Strange Evidence (Blaze/Wag), and many more.
I cover many areas of history and popular science with storytelling being my key strength on camera. Topics where my knowledge is appreciated by producers, distributors, and networks include: Knights Templar, True Crime, 20th century history and culture, UFOs, NASA and popular science, royal scandals, etc.
In 2025, I appeared alongside Bradley Walsh as he investigated various theories about the builders of the Pyramids and other wonders of Ancient Egypt. I take complex ideas and involved stories and make them relatable to mass audiences in a way that is compelling and entertaining.
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
In February 2026, I was once more in Toronto filming with some great Canadian producers – in this case, Blue Ant. We nailed eight episodes for an amazing new documentary series. For every shoot, I come prepared having immersed myself in the topics and coming up with additional angles.
I’m an award short-listed author who has penned biographies, political analysis, history, and true crime. Over the last two years, I’ve been writing a trilogy on the Knights Templar for the publisher, Pen & Sword.
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
Always enjoy speaking at book festivals, meeting the reading public and history enthusiasts. Recent highlights were the Battle of Evesham festival and the Oundle festival.
I was a reporter and producer at Sky News and the BBC in the early days of rolling news. So, I’ve always felt at home in a newsroom environment. Of late, I’ve been appearing on live TV news as an expert historian – and on occasion, having my own books reviewed.
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
Discussing the mysteries of Ancient Egypt
Whether it’s the unresolved questions over how the pyramids were built or the strange religious revolution of the Pharaoh Akhenaten or the death of Tutankhamun – or the tragic story of Cleopatra … I have been interviewed or presented on TV about these amazing stories regarding the greatest and most enigmatic civilisation in history.
True Crime: My book and investigation of Jack the Ripper
In May 2024, Troubador/Matador published my latest historical book: Jack the Ripper and Abraham Lincoln. It got some excellent reviews which you can read on the book website including two BBC radio interviews: https://jacktheripperandabrahamlincoln.com/ But I have a broader interest in true crime, especially 19th and 20th century unsolved murders.
Pop science, the paranormal, and UFOs
I’ve covered UFOs, NASA, and popular science on multiple seasons of Strange Evidence, NASA’s Unexplained Files, Evidence of the Unexplained, and Alien Corridors.
In terms of popularising science, I had lots of fun in every episode of Curiosity Stream’s Oops I Changed the World (Arrow Media) and Super Channel’s Deadly Science (Go Button Media). I’ve also been a regular on Prime Suspect Earth (Bigger Bang).
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
Royal scandals from the Tudors to the Windsors
Royal scandals are something I am often asked to speak about. I’ve done all the top stories from Henry VIII to Princess Margaret and the current king on shows like Secrets of the Royal Palaces (Viacom and Coming Up Roses), Forbidden History (Like A Shot/Argonon) and Secret Lives of the Monarchs (Like A Shot/Argonon).
Whether I’m being filmed on location or in the studio, on my own or with fellow contributors and experts – my role as a former journalist as well as historian and author is to bring my investigative skills to the past. Examining with forensic precision those mysteries that have enthralled us for centuries, even millennia. No stone is left unturned as I ask the uncomfortable questions in my quest for the truth.
In my career, I have been a BBC news producer, award short-listed author, print journalist, historian, on-screen TV expert, documentaries producer, and communications consultant to government clients on terrorism and other social harms. Quite a portfolio!
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
