Tony McMahon

Tony McMahon is an on-screen contributor and panelist for TV documentaries on history, science and social/political issues. He is a former journalist and BBC producer who brings an investigative approach to topics as varied as UFOs/UAPs, Nazis and the occult, ancient empires and looking afresh at biblical mysteries. He has appeared in several seasons of Forbidden History (Discovery/UKTV), Secrets of the Royal Palaces (Channel 5), Strange Evidence (Discovery), William Shatner's The UnXplained (Sky History) and NASA's Unexplained Files (Discovery). Increasingly, he has worked on series popularizing science for young audiences bringing his on-screen enthusiasm and ability to explain complex ideas simply. Using his journalism skills, he's also called on to get involved in historical investigations tackling mysteries from the past. Tony films in the studio and on location and often works with production companies on original ideas taking them from concept to broadcast. He also has co-founded two small production companies registered in the United Kingdom (Bluebook and Rostra Productions) that originate ideas and then work with other producers to take them to broadcasters. Tony works well as a 'presenter's friend' helping the main presenter to relay a story to audiences. So, he co-presented with Scott Wolter on America Unearthed (Discovery) on location in Scotland looking for evidence of Templar activity and co-presented with Rob Riggle, formerly of Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show, in his humorous investigation of old mysteries: Rob Riggle Global Investigator (Discovery). Recent shows have involved performing in front of a green screen in a very animated style for a youth program on science and joining a panel show on location in Europe to look at mysteries like the Bermuda Triangle. Tony has covered all the key topics that are the staple of most documentary series: The Holy Grail, Ark of the Covenant, Crystal Skulls, King Arthur, etc In recent years, Tony has worked as a consultant to government clients on counter-terrorism and counter-extremism. He wrote a book on Islamism in Britain titled The Battle for British Islam with Sara Khan. He is keen to look at terrorism in history as a topic in the future. He has also written award short-listed biographies including that of Neville Staple of legendary 1980s ska band The Specials: Original Rude Boy (Aurum Press/Quarto). And the biography of black British boxer Errol Christie: No Place To Hide (Aurum Press/Quarto). Tony is deeply interested in issues around race and integration. Tony runs several very popular blogs on the Knights Templar, the history of London and general history topics. He is very active on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. For on-screen TV work, Tony is represented by Past Preservers. For books, he is represented by Futerman Rose.