New Upstairs Downstairs

The Ashes To Ashes’ actress stars as the sexy chatelaine of Eaton Place, parlour maid Rose in charge below stairs... plus a storyline set in the 1930s that’s ‘shot through with sensuality’

She has already travelled to the Eighties as Ashes To Ashes’ DI Alex Drake – now actress Keeley Hawes is heading even further back in time for an updated revival of classic period drama Upstairs, Downstairs.

The 34-year-old leads a stellar cast for the lavish new series, set in pre-war London and promising a plot ‘shot through with sensuality’.

Originally, the show was a hit for ITV in the early Seventies, but it is the BBC that is reviving it, with the help of American backers.

Lady of the house: The beautiful and ambitious Lady Agnes Holland, played by Keeley Hawes (right), will be responsible for the running of 165 Eaton Place – just like her predecessor, the imperious Lady Marjorie Bellamy. Lady Marjorie, who was played by Rachel Gurney (left), had an affair with an Army officer in 1906 and lost her life on the Titanic six years later. Ms Gurney, who went on to enjoy success on Broadway, died in Norfolk in 2001, aged 81

Art Malik, Anne Reid and Ed Stoppard are also among the distinguished cast, while Jean Marsh is to revive her role as Rose Buck, originally a lowly parlour maid but now elevated to housekeeper. She is the only character from the original series to return.

There is also a part for Dame Eileen Atkins, who first came up with the idea for the Seventies series with Ms Marsh, and now plays the formidable matriarch of the aristocratic family who move in ‘upstairs’ at 165 Eaton Place.

In the new series, which takes up the story six years after the original left off in 1930, Rose makes an emotional comeback to the London townhouse to serve the new family, under the steely Lady Agnes Holland.
upstairs downstairs cast

Played by Ms Hawes, the lady of the house is described as ‘fragrant but ass-kicking’.

Writer Heidi Thomas, who also scripted the successful BBC’s drama Cranford, said: ‘The series will be shot through with sensuality. This is a drama very much about warm-blooded human beings.

‘In a house like Eaton Place, there is a limit to what you can keep behind closed doors. The place is a pressure cooker and the tensions continue to rise and rise until they boil over.

‘Whether the characters are upstairs or downstairs they are *living in close proximity to each other and these are the dramas that will engage viewers.’

The original series, which was broadcast between 1971 and 1975, charted the lives and loves of the Bellamy family and their servants in the first 30 years of the last century.

Key characters below stairs included loyal butler Hudson, played by Gordon Jackson, who went on to star as George Cowley in The Professionals, and the *autocratic cook Mrs Bridges, played by Angela Baddeley.

Thomas said: ‘When people hear you are bringing Upstairs, Downstairs back, they sort of stop breathing for a moment because they love the *programme so much.
upstairs downstairs cast

‘Everyone involved in the new version is very much aware of that feeling and they have an extraordinary desire to do it justice.

‘The original ended rather abruptly and there was a feeling the story had not run its full course. People quite rightly felt there was years’ more drama to go.’

The BBC is certainly confident of success. At first a series of three hour-long shows was commissioned for a Sunday-night slot – but the *corporation has believed to have ordered another six scripts.

And a full-scale replica of Eaton Place has been built at studios in Cardiff by producers eager to avoid *criticisms of cheap sets and limited locations that were levelled at the nonetheless much-loved original.

In the new series, set against the drama of the 1936 abdication crisis, the house has been inherited by the wealthy Sir Hallam Holland, a young and well-connected diplomat, *following the unexpected death of his Baronet father.

Holland, who is played by 35-year-old Ed Stoppard, the son of playwright Sir Tom, takes up residence with his wife and his imposing mother Lady Maud, a free-thinking intellectual played by Dame Eileen who keeps a pet monkey called Solomon.

Art Malik plays Lady Maud’s brooding private secretary Mr Amanjit, brought over from her *previous residence in India and now struggling to find a place in a *household where he is considered *neither upstairs nor downstairs.

The new butler Pritchard, played by theatre actor Adrian Scarborough, is described as a complex character who is ‘a very different kettle of fish’ from the stern Hudson.
upstairs, downstairs cast

The way they were: A scene from the original series, starring Angela Baddeley as Mrs Bridges and Gordon Jackson as Hudson

The younger servants include a spirited parlour maid called Ivy, played by 20-year-old Ellie Kendrick, best known for taking the title role in the BBC’s mini-series The Diary Of Anne Frank last year, and a *footman called Johnny, played by 19-year-old *Hollyoaks star Nico Mirallegro.

Meanwhile Rose commands the staff with the aid of the fastidious Mrs Thackery, played by veteran Dinnerladies star Anne Reid.

The new series, which begins filming next month, is being jointly funded by the American TV drama producer Masterpiece, and will be broadcast in the US shortly after it makes its British debut.

The original was not just a hit in the States, but was broadcast in more than 70 countries to an audience of more than a billion.

The BBC is planning to screen the drama as early as autumn in an attempt to steal the thunder from a new ITV drama called Downton Abbey, which also focuses on the lives of masters and servants in a single home.

Piers Wenger, head of drama at BBC Wales where the series is being made, said: ‘We are delighted to have secured the rights to Upstairs, Downstairs with the full blessing and support of the original co-creators.

‘This is not a remake but a *completely new version, set in a different era with a whole new cast of characters.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...#ixzz0ufkdCLIK

Still enjoying the repeats of the original on ITV3 :)

I was never a fan of this tbh

I love watching the repeats on ITV3. Just a whole different experience watching this.

I used to like Gordon Jackson. Hudson the butler.

Upstairs Downstairs – The Fledgling

The wreath above the mantelpiece is furred with dust. The chandelier is festooned with cobwebs. Then a key turns in the lock – and a handsome millionaire walks in, with the woman he loves in his arms...

This Christmas, BBC One invites viewers old and new across the threshold of one of television's most famous addresses – 165 Eaton Place. Set in 1936, this lavish three-part serial sees diplomat Sir Hallam Holland move into the iconic townhouse along with his wife, Lady Agnes. With the help of former parlourmaid Rose Buck, they launch a new whole new era for the sumptuous home at the heart of Upstairs Downstairs.

As Lady Agnes remarks: "This house is going to see such life!"

But storm clouds are gathering in Europe, and servants are no longer biddable and cheap. The Hollands' first year at Eaton Place does not unfold as either Lady Agnes or Rose anticipates.

The drama that results sets exquisite domestic detail against a sweeping historical backdrop. There may be two families living in 165 – one upstairs and one down – but their fates are intimately linked. Touching, funny, romantic and savage, the revived Upstairs Downstairs is set to enrapture a whole new audience.

It is January 1936 and King George V is dying. Sir Hallam and Lady Agnes Holland return from a diplomatic posting to Washington. They have immense plans for their future at 165 Eaton Place, which they have recently inherited from Sir Hallam's father.

The house has been empty since the Bellamy family sold it in 1931, and is in need of complete renovation. Keen to organise her servants, Lady Agnes turns to Buck's of Belgravia, an agency run by Miss Rose Buck, who was formerly in service at 165.

Rose has some reservations about the commission but the lure of Eaton Place proves irresistible. She agrees to spearhead Lady Agnes's quest for the perfect staff.

The builders set to work, and the house begins its journey back to opulence. But Lady Agnes and Sir Hallam are stunned when his mother, the widowed Maud, Lady Holland, arrives from India and reveals she's moving in. She has her Sikh secretary, Mr Amanjit, in tow, and intends to write her memoirs in the morning room. This was not in any part of their plan.

Rose – hindered more than helped by Lady Agnes – strives to find servants worthy of the house she loved so much. After some persuasion, a cook, snobbish Mrs Thackeray, agrees to come aboard. Housemaid Ivy – just 15 years old – is recruited from Dr Barnardo's, and a teenaged footman, Johnny, arrives from a mining village in the north. But Rose deems the chauffeur, Harry Spargo, rather common, and searches in vain for the perfect butler. The ghost of Mr Hudson casts a long and cherished shadow.

The family upstairs is completed by the arrival of Lady Persie, Lady Agnes's wayward younger sister. Lady Agnes plans a smart party to mark the launch of the Hollands in London. Guests will include Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden and Sir Hallam's closest friend, the Duke of Kent.

But as the party approaches, tensions rise. Maud constantly interferes with Lady Agnes's plans, resulting in the addition of the King and his mistress, Mrs Simpson, to the guest list. With the clock ticking, a panicking Rose is forced to engage a rather unusual butler, Mr Pritchard.

But the party, and its aftermath, sends shockwaves through 165 Eaton Place. Before the night is out, Rose is forced to take control. It becomes clear to both families – upstairs and downstairs – that 165 needs her to stay.

Sir Hallam Holland is played by Ed Stoppard, Lady Agnes by Keeley Hawes, Rose Buck by Jean Marsh, Maud by Eileen Atkins, Mr Amanjit by Art Malik, Mrs Thackeray by Anne Reid, Ivy by Ellie Kendrick, Johnny by Nico Mirallegro, Harry Spargo by Neil Jackson, Lady Persie by Claire Foy and Mr Pritchard by Adrian Scarborough.

I really liked it
I watched it because both my parents watched the orginal series but we all enjoyed the new one

THE revived Upstairs Downstairs will return for a second BBC series next year.
Six hour-long episodes, with Jean Marsh as housekeeper Rose, will be aired.

Jean, 76, was in the 1970s original of the drama on ITV.

The actress - voted Old Maid of the Year in London yesterday - joined the mainly new cast when the BBC won an 8.4million audience for the new show last Christmas.

Actress Dame Eileen Atkins has decided not to appear in the next series of Upstairs Downstairs, the TV period drama she helped to create.

Dame Eileen conceived the idea for the original series, which ran from 1971-75, with fellow actress Jean Marsh.

She did not appear in the original, but was in the cast when the BBC revived the show for a new version last year.

However Dame Eileen, who played Lady Holland, is reportedly unhappy with the direction the new scripts are taking.

A BBC statement said: "It's with much sadness that we say goodbye to her wonderful character, the straight speaking mother-in-law Lady Holland.

"However, we respect her decision and we will be announcing new star casting soon."

The show follows the intertwined fortunes of a diplomat's family and their servants in a grand London townhouse.

The next six episodes will start filming in October and are due to be broadcast next year.

Marsh is the only person who appeared in both the original and the revived versions. She was joined in last year's series by Keeley Hawes, Ed Stoppard and Claire Foy.

When the new series was announced, writer Heidi Thomas said: "The Holland family and their servants are set for an extraordinary year and I am thrilled to be their guardian."


BBC News

Alex Kingston will join the cast of Upstairs Downstairs when it returns next year, it has been announced.

The former ER star, who recently had a role in Doctor Who, will play Blanche Mottershead - the younger sister of Dame Eileen Atkins's character Lady Holland.

"I simply couldn't resist the opportunity to get inside the iconic 165 Eaton Place," Kingston told the BBC.

The news follows Atkins's announcement that she would not be returning to Upstairs Downstairs for the new series, for which filming begins in October.

The new series of the BBC One costume drama is set in 1938 and deals with the months leading up to the outbreak of World War II. Actor Kenneth Cranham will also join the cast.

"Outside 165 Eaton Place, London and Europe are poised on the knife-edge of calamity," writer Heidi Thomas said. "Inside, there's a whole world of dark and dangerous emotions to explore."

Kingston added: "Heidi really has created a wonderfully intriguing character in Blanche who will over time reveal some secrets of her own."

Jean Marsh has been forced to pull out of the start of the next series of the BBC's Upstairs Downstairs after suffering a minor stroke.

The 77-year-old actress reprised her role as Rose Buck in the BBC One remake of the hit show last year and had signed up for further episodes.

In a statement, issued through the BBC, she said: "Unfortunately I won't be returning to Eaton Place quite as quickly as I had hoped.

"I am looking forward to spending time with Rose again, when I'm match-fit, and I miss the cast and crew tremendously."

Marsh, who co-created the original drama with fellow actress Dame Eileen Atkins, is expected to return later in the series, to be screened next year, although she will not be in the first episode.

The actress appeared in the first run of the drama, between 1971 and 1975, which followed the lives of the well-heeled Bellamys of Belgravia and their servants below stairs.

She has said of returning to the role: "I said yes, partly because it was the BBC, because it's so chic, and partly because of timing... Enough time has gone by that it won't offend people to recreate it. People aren't necessarily going to say 'How could you do that, Jean?'"

It's a shame Rose won't be back.
Do hope Jean has a speedy recovery.
I do prefer the 70 version. Maybe this next series will be better.

Laura Haddock has signed up to appear in Upstairs Downstairs.

The actress will play a nursery maid called Beryl Ballard when the show returns for its second series.

Beryl is described as a "modern young woman" who is hiding a "tragic secret". When she ends up getting involved in a romance, she has to rethink her plans.

Haddock said: "I am so excited to be joining Upstairs Downstairs. It really is a dream come true. I loved the first series and when I found out I was going to be part of the second I couldn't have been happier."

She added: "My character Beryl Ballard is a really spirited modern young woman and all set to shake things up in the house. I can't wait to play her."

Haddock recently appeared in The Inbetweeners Movie and has also had television roles in shows like How Not To Live Your Life and Monday Monday.

Alex Kingston and Kenneth Cranham have already signed up for roles in the new series of Upstairs Downstairs, while Dame Eileen Atkins has decided to leave the show.

Pic of Laura :)

UPSTAIRS Downstairs is set for a knee-trembling return – with a hot young cast and a lesbian love affair that will leave Downton Abbey out in the cold.


UPSTAIRS Downstairs hunk Neil Jackson says show has more glamour than rival
Hit drama will turn into U.S. of AbbeyDownton Abbey set for HollywoodDownton Abbey is a real Carry On2012 set to be Ab Fab year for TV
The BBC drama has cast Alex Kingston and Emilia Fox as clandestine lovers whose relationship will scandalise the upstairs and titillate downstairs.

Add in the mix a smouldering Keeley Hawes and Claire Foy plus The Inbetweeners Movie star Laura Haddock and a handsome collection of male suitors and the show will hands-down out-glam its rival when it returns next month.

It is back for six episodes after last year's three-part outing and is now set in 1938 with the spectre of the outbreak of the Second World War looming over 165 Eaton Place.

Although the cast react huffily to any suggestions of similarities between Upstairs and Downton, both are set in a pre-war period and share some similar storylines like relationships between servants and staff.

But writer Heidi Thomas — behind ratings juggernaut Call The Midwife — denies it has been influenced in any way by Julian Fellowes' award-winning ITV show.

She says: "We were only ever a three-hour Christmas pilot. Downton have had 18 hours of drama now and we are barely out of the starting blocks.
"I think this is a whole new chapter for us, we just don't reference Downton and I have only seen fragments of it myself.

"We do our own thing. We are London 1938. Downton is a country house, very much at a great distance from everything that is going on."

Notably absent this time is Dame Eileen Atkins, co-creator of the original series in the Seventies, who played Lady Maud Holland last year. The new series opens in the weeks following her funeral.

And set for an early exit is her pet monkey Solomon who comes to a sticky end in the first episode in farcical scenes involving a pram designed to protect Lady Agnes' newborn baby from a potential gas attack should war break out.

Heidi says: "Maud and Solomon were such kindred spirits that to have a poor lost soul of a monkey wandering around for six episodes was unbearable so I thought we would do the kindest thing. No monkeys were harmed in any way."

Fellow co-creator of the original series, Jean Marsh, returns as Rose Buck, despite having to battle back from a stroke.

At a preview of episode one — to air on BBC1 at 9pm on February 19 — she said: "I was determined.
Three weeks after [filming] the first episode I had a stroke and a heart attack and in three weeks time I had thrown myself out of the hospital.

"Everybody was so wonderful to me and helpful that it was comparatively easy to get better."

Corrie actress Sarah Lancashire, plays maid Miss Violet Whisset.

Keeley Hawes plays Lady Agnes Holland — who returns following the traumatic birth of her character's second child.

Claire Foy is her sister Lady Persie Towyn, who, when not busy romancing Nazis, has her sights set on her brother-in-law Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard).

Claire says of Lady Persie: "She just does what makes herself happy and doesn't see why everybody else has a problem with it. She has her own moral code.

"They've got a really difficult relationship anyway and there is so much jealousy."

Inbetweeners actress Laura is the hottest newcomer as maid Beryl Ballard, who captures the interest of Harry Spargo.

Laura says: "Her goal is to save up for a place in a beauty salon and then leave but it's not that easy. She is very outspoken and is such a modern girl for 1938 and she's not bothered about what she says and who she says it to.
"It doesn't really matter to her whether they are upstairs or downstairs — which gets her into trouble."

Neil Jackson, who plays her love-interest Harry, said: "She doesn't indulge him, he is intrigued by her because she closes the door on him every time he tries to open it.

"She is so focused she doesn't want anything to distract her."

The lesbian relationship starts to emerge in episode three, when Emilia arrives.

But writer Heidi revealed: "They are both very brilliant women intellectually. It is a romance that also has an intellectual dimension, they find an enormous amount of stimulation and satisfaction in one another. There is a real whiff of scandal in the air.

"When this relationship becomes apparent in the household there are various reactions both upstairs and downstairs. But Blanche (Alex Kingston) does get sympathy from an unexpected place."

Other highlights for fans come from Adrian Scarborough's brilliant portrayal of hapless Mr Pritchard and Art Malik's Mr Amanjit.

Writer Heidi hopes the show will be allowed to progress through the years — and if its ratings are anything like Call The Midwife's, a third series will be imminent.

She said: "You do hope that we get to the Blitz but nothing is a given."

Sunday 19 February
9.00-10.00pm
BBC ONE

Written and created by Heidi Thomas, the hotly anticipated second series of Upstairs Downstairs returns to BBC One, starring Jean Marsh, Keeley Hawes, Ed Stoppard and Alex Kingston.


It is now September 1938. Sir Hallam is anxious about affairs in Germany and determines to persuade those in power that Hitler can’t be contained. But when he is met with short shrift from his superiors and sees his wife’s concern over what the possibility of another war might mean for their young family, Hallam is forced to consider whether his approach is the right one…and when he meets an unexpected face in Germany he begins to question more than his political beliefs.

Downstairs, with Rose taken ill with TB, the staff welcome spirited new maid Beryl, who catches Harry’s eye. But Beryl struggles to adjust to life in service and has greater ambitions.

Back at Eaton Place Sir Hallam’s wife Lady Agnes is extremely frail after giving birth to their second child, but returns to 165 to support her husband. After the death of Hallam’s mother, Lady Holland, the couple are playing host to Dr Blanche Mottershead, Hallam’s aunt, who continues to make herself comfortable at 165 some weeks after the funeral, much to Sir Hallam and Mr Amanjit’s dismay.

Lady Agnes, however, is grateful for the support Blanche lends in such uncertain times. But, despite Blanche’s support, Lady Agnes remains anxious about the safety of her family and her worries set off a chain of events which leads to a startling revelation about Mr Pritchard…

26 February 2012


After being told she can have no more children, Lady Agnes distracts herself by throwing a dinner party for the Kennedys.

During the evening, she catches the eye of charismatic multimillionaire Caspar Landry, a guest at the party, who is instantly won over by her kindness. Sir Hallam and Lady Agnes are thrilled when he is offered a job in America but their reverie is short lived when the horrors of Kristallnacht hit 165.

Determined to help the Jewish children trapped in Germany, Hallam works with Mr Amanjit in beginning to coordinate a rescue effort, but the sheer administrative challenge of such a heartbreaking cause is overwhelming and Mr Amanjit is forced to consider his differences with Blanche in an attempt to save the children…

After a frantic call from Lady Persie, Lady Agnes also pleads with Hallam to help her sister return safely to London. Lady Agnes, too, strives to help the refugees, persuading Caspar Landry to donate to the cause. Charmed by Lady Agnes, he obliges, and Agnes is filled with a renewed sense of confidence in her abilities.

Downstairs, Mrs Thackeray is thrilled to re-establish contact with her only nephew and when she and Mr Pritchard continue to lock horns, resigns. But Mrs Thackeray finds it tough to settle into life away from Eaton Place. Mr Pritchard, meanwhile, struggles to run the house in her absence....

I saw the trailer for this yesterday and it looks brilliant.

I missed the Christmas episode, anybody know where I can watch it? It's not on iplayer anymore.

BBC's Downton Abbey

With just three episodes, the new Upstairs Downstairs was on our screens for far too short a time when it debuted over Christmas 2010. Thankfully, the show returns for a longer six-part run beginning this Sunday, but there's been a few changes at Eaton Place...

Digital Spy caught up with series star Neil Jackson, who plays cheeky chauffeur Harry Spargo, to find out what's coming up for his character in series two, what he made of new co-star Alex Kingston and how he feels about being compared to ITV's Downton Abbey...

The new Upstairs Downstairs picks up two years after series one. What's happened to Harry Spargo since we last saw him?
"He's kind of buried himself very much into the job. Personally he's very much carried on with his philandering ways - Claire Foy's character Lady Persie has gone to Germany. I believe that he mourned the loss of that relationship by burying himself into work, and when we pick up with him, he hasn't personally evolved a great deal - he's still very much the Jack-the-Lad who operates on a wink and a smile.

"Then a new maid joins - Beryl Ballard, played by Laura Haddock - and he instantly takes a shine to her. He tries all of his old tricks, but she shuts him down completely at every single turn. That's something that Harry's not used to and he finds something in this woman that he's never found before.

"He starts to change his character in order to win her and in the process starts to grow up. So the arc of this series for Harry is watching him mature from being this Jack-the-Lad 20-something to very much being a man in his early 30s, maturing and starting to take responsibility for his life."

How was the experience of working with Laura and developing that new relationship?
"It was incredible - Laura's a fantastic actress, very honest and generous. We would spend a lot of time talking over these scenes and plotting the development of the relationship between these two people. She spends the first couple of episodes closing the door on him, but she can't appear to close it too firmly because he wouldn't keep pursuing, and she doesn't want to seem like a harsh or nasty character.

"We're just working on the last two episodes now and we've been very lucky to have three great directors, who have all come in with some great ideas on how to allow this relationship to blossom over the six episodes. So it's a real joy to work on - we've been given some beautiful stuff. It's every line on the spectrum - painful, romantic, sometimes flirtatious, sometimes very sarcastic."

What can you reveal about the new characters joining the show this year?
"Kenneth Cranham comes in and plays a very small but vital part in the first couple of episodes - he doesn't become a major player in it. But Alex Kingston's fantastic - she's such a well-respected and brilliant actress. She's come in to in some ways fill the very large hole that was left when Eileen Atkins left - she plays her sister.

"So she keeps the same familiar tone, but she's Alex - she puts a brilliant spin on her character and has given a really refreshing element to the show. I can't reveal too much about her character, but she's a very dogmatic, opinionated, feisty woman who very much shakes up Eaton Place."

How did it feel coming back to the show without Dame Eileen Atkins?
"We all loved her and of course she's a wonderful, brilliant actress, so when we found out that she wasn't coming back... and of course Jean Marsh initially wasn't coming back either because of her illness. So to have these two wonderful, stalwart actresses who were very much the backbone of the show first time round and then come back for the couple of episodes without them there, it did feel like this series was different.

"But it's actually made the show better in some ways - it meant that the writers could service other characters to fill in some of the gaps. For example, the character of Pritchard played by Adrian Scarborough, and Anne Reid's character Mrs. Thackeray, both kind of adopted the missing place where Jean Marsh was. The result is that their characters have grown and the relationship between them has blossomed, which has given them some wonderful scenes to play, with some wonderful dialogue.

"That's really made 'Downstairs' sing a little bit more than it did last year, so out of every problem comes a solution. I think that what we all initially thought was going to be a bad thing for the series has turned out to actually make the series even better than it was before."

But Jean Marsh (Rose Buck) does return in the later episodes...
"Thankfully, yeah, she got better and she's going to be appearing in episodes three and six, I believe. She makes more appearances, and hopefully - God willing - when we get a third series, she'll be back fighting fit and resuming her place."

What do you make of the supposed rivalry between Upstairs Downstairs and ITV's Downton Abbey?
"I think it's really a media [created] rivalry - it's not a rivalry between the two shows. I had the great privilege of going to the Emmys, where both shows were nominated - I was the only representative from Upstairs Downstairs going along to Los Angeles. I was there for the entire weekend, at the pre-parties, thanks to PBS, with all of the Downton Abbey lot - the whole cast, Julian Fellowes and everybody.

"Inevitably, we're going to start talking about the shows and there's such a mutual respect between us for the other person's work. Call it competition if you will - we're very much in the same category. A period show, set pre-war - them before First World War, we're Second World War - and it's all set within one house.

"There's the inevitable comparisons, but I think that only serves to make everybody up their game and make a far better show as a result of it. I think that they're very, very good at what they do and if we are able in any way to hold a candle to the show that they have, I think we've done our job properly."

What do you enjoy most about working on a period drama?
"I've got to say, partly prestige. When I was a young kid, the best stuff on television was always the BBC period dramas - it was what we sat down as a family to watch and what people talked about and looked forward to. So now, many years on, to actually be starring in a BBC costume drama, that's one of their flagship shows, it's a real privilege.

"It's researched so thoroughly and the entire production team set everything up so well, there are moments where it's honestly felt like I'm standing in history. Last series, I got goosebumps and the hairs stood up on the back of my neck when I was in the Cable Street riots. Everywhere you looked was authentic to the period - they'd completely dressed two streets and they had hundreds of extras, mounted police, period cars...

"You just suddenly felt like you were in the middle of history, because they'd done it so well. And it's happened a couple of times this year and to actually feel that connection to the material is very, very special indeed."

Why should people tune in for the new Upstairs Downstairs - is it bigger and better than last year?
"It's definitely bigger and better than last year. Last year, they wrote the three episodes hoping that people would watch it, and creating characters that people could connect to. Thankfully, because last year was such a success and the writers now know the style of the show and the character's voices, everything has grown exponentially from that.

"Every single character is better, funnier, richer, with more layers and more depth, and the show has so many twists and turns and character plots that, even though I'm in it, I'm fascinated to watch it.

"We've just started work on episode six and the finale to episode six... I don't think I've ever read a script faster! It ties up so many things in a way you might not logically go to, but you suddenly realise that it's exactly what [writer] Heidi [Thomas] was plotting in episode one. There's real 'Oh wow' moments in episode six, and all the way through the show.

"The spectacle is huge - we have massive events in Alexandra Palace, where there's a big ball and a sporting event with hundreds of extras. The scope on this is infinitely bigger than last year - it's going to be a fantastic show."

4th March 2012


When a scandalous novel is published by the beautiful Lady Portia Alersford, Blanche’s unconventional lifestyle is exposed.

The reaction both upstairs and down inside 165 Eaton Place is mixed, although Blanche remains defiant amidst the controversy. Portia offers Blanche refuge from the storm - but as both happy and sad memories from their shared past stir within her, Blanche remains conflicted.

Downstairs, Beryl is perturbed when her household duties are swapped with Eunice’s. As the workload takes its toll on the younger maid she decides to take a stand - but her actions have far-reaching consequences that shake the very foundations of what being a servant means inside 165 Eaton Place. Luckily an old face is on hand to offer some welcome and wise words…

As Sir Hallam prepares for another round of negotiations in Germany, Lady Persie drops a bombshell of her own, swearing Sir Hallam to secrecy. But when his efforts to help his sister-in-law prove fruitless, Lady Persie takes matters into her own hands, with dangerous consequences for all concerned.

Cast: Lady Portia Alersford played by Emilia Fox, Dr Blanche Mottershead played by Alex Kingston, Beryl Ballard played by Laura Haddock, Eunice Mccabe played by Ami Metcalf, Sir Hallam played by Ed Stoppard,Lady Persie Towyn played by Claire Foy,Lady Agnes played by Keeley Hawes, Mr Amanjit played by Art Malik, Rose Buck played by Jean Marsh, Mrs Clarice Thackeray played by Anne Reid, Mr Warwick Pritchard played by Adrian Scarborough, Harry Spargo played by Neil Jackson, Johnny Proude played by Nico Mirallegro, Duke of Kent played by Blake Ritson and Pamela Holland played by Sarah Gordy.

I watched half an hour of last night's episode before I switched off. It doesn't have the appeal that Downton does. I found it dull to be honest.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Abigail

I watched half an hour of last night's episode before I switched off. It doesn't have the appeal that Downton does. I found it dull to be honest.

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Well said


I agree. It was a pile of dung and not worthy of some of the fine actors involved in it. It was like a comedy show. I half expected Sue Pollard to appear. Absolute CRAP

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alan45

Absolute CRAP

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Lol, I wouldn't go that far, but I must admit I don't like it much either. The trouble is I don't care for any of the characters, as I do for Downton.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

Lol, I wouldn't go that far, but I must admit I don't like it much either. The trouble is I don't care for any of the characters, as I do for Downton.

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Its supposed to be a drama, not a comedy

POSH totty Emilia Fox reckons she and Alex Kingston make a "great pair of lovers" in the new series of Upstairs Downstairs.
Alex Kingston is a knock-outEmilia plays Lady Portia Alresford in the BBC1 period drama, while Alex plays Sir Hallam Holland's aunt Dr Blanche Mottershead.

And both are thrilled with the raunchy plot lines.

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Emilia said they "weren't nervous" about their upcoming steamy lesbian love scene which will air in episode three on March 4.

She said: "Alex and I make a great pair of lovers! It was wonderful — we just went for it.

"We weren't nervous, because we just decided to have fun with it and it's good to be asked to do something you've never done before." Heidi Thomas, the writer and executive producer of the show admitted the pair's lesbian liaison will cause a big stir.

She said: "These are two brilliant, intellectual women who have a deeply romantic friendship in the tradition of the great Edwardian romantics.

"There's a real whiff of scandal in the air when this relationship becomes apparent.

"It causes a bit of a stir when it all comes out, but Blanche finds support and sympathy from an unlikely quarter."

The opening episode of the second series pulled in 7.2 million viewers last Sunday

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Originally Posted by alan45

Well said


I agree. It was a pile of dung and not worthy of some of the fine actors involved in it. It was like a comedy show. I half expected Sue Pollard to appear. Absolute CRAP

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I agree. Never mind Downton, it wasn't a patch on the original series. I couldn't care less about any of the characters - upstairs or downstairs.

Sunday 11 March 2012

Episode four of Upstairs Downstairs, created by Heidi Thomas, this episode is written by Stephen Thompson.

Determined to impress Beryl, Harry signs up to the local boxing championships and, when he is told he is too old, recruits Johnny to keep his dream of winning Beryl over alive. However, after seeing Johnny receive his call up letter, he grows to want to prepare Johnny for war by teaching him the skills he needs to survive.

Upstairs, as the distance between she and Sir Hallam grows, Lady Agnes finds herself drawn to Caspar Landry, with whom she finds she has a deep connection. Sir Hallam, meanwhile, is distracted by the looming war and his growing desire for another woman but when he gets a very public reminder of Agnes' independence, an explosive, and very public, confrontation ensues... and Sir Hallam makes a decision that will change his life forever.

Meanwhile, when Mr Amanjit’s blossoming friendship with Mrs Fuller falls foul to racial discrimination, he calls into question, not only their relationship, but also his position inside 165 Eaton Place.

Sunday 18 March

9.00-10.00pm


When Mr Pritchard receives an invitation to act as Servants’ Representative for the up and coming Servants’ Ball, he meets fellow representative Miss Whisset and a surprising courtship ensues. As the friendship deepens an engagement seems imminent…

Upstairs, the cracks in the Holland’s marriage deepen and Lady Agnes decides to take some time away from 165 Eaton Place. His wife’s absence throws Sir Hallam into turmoil and he becomes increasingly reckless, unaware that his misdemeanours are becoming more and more evident to those around him.

But when Sir Hallam is confronted with the reality of his behaviour he begins to question whether his actions have had more sinister consequences...

Meanwhile, Beryl and Harry’s relationship flourishes and the pair plan to start an exciting new life together until Harry’s past causes Beryl to reconsider their future…and causes Harry to resort to desperate measures.

Jean Marsh has admitted that she is excited to be returning to Upstairs Downstairs.

The 77-year-old actress plays Rose Buck on the BBC period drama, but suffered a stroke and heart attack before the second series began shooting.

"Everyone seems to have forgotten about it now!" she told What's On TV. "Physically, I was able to walk, I didn't look different, but it just takes time to recover. Now it is lovely to be back at work."

Marsh will now reprise her role in the third and sixth episodes of the new series.

"I'm so proud of [the show]," she revealed. "After leaving what it was, coming back and taking the show into the 1930s was very different and exciting."

Upstairs Downstairs star Neil Jackson recently told Digital Spy that Marsh will likely return as Rose full-time if the show gets a third run.

"Hopefully - God willing - when we get a third series, she'll be back fighting fit and resuming her place," he said.

Upstairs Downstairs continues this Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.

This weekend's episode of Upstairs Downstairs has sparked complaints from viewers angry over the lesbian sex scenes.

According to a newspaper report the BBC said it had received a 'handful' of complaints despite the fact that the episode has not yet been screened. However trailers, in which Emilia Fox and Alex Kingston's characters are seen kissing have reportedly left some viewers up in arms.

Tonight's episode will also see the arrival of model-turned-actress Laura Haddock, who will play housemaid Beryl Ballard.

The scenes come after actor Neil Jackson, who plays Harry Spargo in the BBC One series, branded ITV rival Downton Abbey 'sexless'.

"The women in Downton Abbey don't compare to the women in Upstairs and Dowqnstairs. Ours are stunning. We've got Laura Hancock, Keeley Hawes, Claire Foy - beautiful women," he added.

"Laura, who plays Harry's love interest Beryl Ballard, is particularly beautiful. From the little I've seen of Downton Abbey, that's a fairly sexless show."

And the show's writer Heidi Thomas said the lesbian plot would have far-reaching consequences for its characters.

"There's a real whiff of scandal in the air when this relationship becomes apparent," she said.

Nowhere near as good as Downton Abbey.
It was to bad that the monkey died in the first episode.

Sunday, 25th March

Lady Agnes returns home determined to heal the rift in her marriage.
Sir Hallam, too, is desperate to make amends and does all in his power to rectify his personal and professional mistakes. But a shocking revelation leaves the pair reeling - and a cataclysmic turn of events changes the landscape of 165 Eaton Place forever…

Downstairs, as war approaches, Harry and Beryl face a ticking clock to get their affairs in order.

Meanwhile, after his behaviour the previous evening, Mr Pritchard leaves 165 Eaton Place in shame and Johnny is left to run the household. But when Mr Prichard’s absence becomes more prolonged the house is thrown in to chaos and Johnny seeks counsel from a familiar face.

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Originally Posted by N.Fan

Nowhere near as good as Downton Abbey.
It was to bad that the monkey died in the first episode.

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Never a truer word typed.

Upstairs Downstairs has been axed by the BBC.

Neil Jackson, who plays Harry Spargo in the series, confirmed the news on his Twitter page.

"Such a shame. I have just heard that the BBC will not be making any more Upstairs Downstairs. I loved the show and will miss... [it] greatly," he wrote.

Upstairs Downstairs ended its first series with almost 7m viewers in 2011. It returned with 6.53m viewers in February of this year.

Jackson recently won a lead role in NBC pilot Notorious, created by Friday Night Lights writer Liz Heldens.

He has previously told Digital Spy that season two of Upstairs Downstairs was "infinitely bigger", describing it as a "fantastic show".

The BBC has commented on the axing of Upstairs Downstairs, saying that there are "no plans" for the show to return in the near future.

The period drama was revealed to have been scrapped this weekend when cast member Neil Jackson tweeted about its demise.

"Such a shame," he wrote. "I have just heard that the BBC will not be making any more Upstairs Downstairs. I loved the show and will miss... [it] greatly."

In a statement regarding the end of Upstairs Downstairs, which was revived after running on ITV in the 1970s, the BBC reiterated that it was proud of the other drama series to have aired in the past year.

"From Call the Midwife to Birdsong and The Syndicate, 2012 has been a great year for original British drama on BBC One," the release read. "But at this stage there are no plans for Upstairs Downstairs to return."

Upstairs Downstairs ended its first series in 2011 with almost 7m viewers. It returned with 6.53m viewers in February of this year.