New Upstairs Downstairs

[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.

[alan45]

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.

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

[Dazzle]

Absolute CRAP

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.

[alan45]

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.

Its supposed to be a drama, not a comedy

[alan45]

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.



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

[parkerman]

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

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.

[Perdita]

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.

[Perdita]

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.

[Perdita]

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.

[tammyy2j]

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.