Series synopsis
Upstairs Downstairs is a British drama television series that premiered on BBC One on December 26, 2010. It ended on March 25, 2012. It was created by Heidi Thomas. It stars Keeley Hawes, Ed Stoppard, Adrian Scarborough and Neil Jackson.
Set in 1936, the show takes viewers, old and new, back to the lavish world of Belgravia, London. A new set of occupants reside at 165 Eaton Place and viewers see how external and internal influences of the tumultuous pre-war period shape and mould the lives of this wealthy family and their servants.
Premise
Set in 1936, the show takes viewers, old and new, back to the lavish world of Belgravia, London. A new set of occupants reside at 165 Eaton Place and viewers see how external and internal influences of the tumultuous pre-war period shape and mould the lives of this wealthy family and their servants.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Keeley Hawes as Lady Agnes Holland
- Ed Stoppard as Sir Hallam Holland
- Adrian Scarborough as Mr Warwick Pritchard
- Neil Jackson as Harry Spargo
- Claire Foy as Lady Persephone Towyn
- Anne Reid as Mrs Clarice Thackeray
- Art Malik as Mr Amanjit Singh
- Laura Haddock as Beryl Ballard
Supporting cast
- Ami Metcalf as Eunice McCabe
- Nico Mirallegro as Johnny Proude
- Blake Ritson as The Duke of Kent
Guest cast
- Jean Marsh as Mrs Rose Buck
- Eileen Atkins as Maud, Lady Holland
- Alexia James as Lotte Perlmutter
- Sarah Gordy as Pamela Holland
- Alex Kingston as Dr Blanche Mottershead
- Ken Bones as Lord Halifax
- Michael Landes as Casper Landry
- Jemma Churchill as Nanny Lyons
- Edward Baker-Duly as Ribbentrop
- Ian Barritt as Dr Gascoigne
- Lucy Cohu as Mrs Sylvia Fuller
- Peter Stark as Friedrich Erlichman
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 9 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 3 | December 25, 2010 | December 28, 2010 |
| Season 2 | 6 | February 18, 2012 | March 25, 2012 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Fledgling Diplomat Sir Hallam Holland moves into the iconic townhouse along with his wife, Lady Agnes. With the help of former parlormaid Rose Buck, they launch a whole new era for the sumptuous home at the heart of Upstairs Downstairs. |
December 26, 2010 |
| 2 |
The Ladybird With no sign of a thaw in relations between Lady Agnes and Maud, Hallam finds his diplomatic skills put to the test at home as well as at work. The servants are intrigued by a mysterious new addition to the household, while a restless Lady Persie embarks on a dangerous flirtation, and is drawn to the thrill of radical politics. |
December 27, 2010 |
| 3 |
The Cuckoo Sir Hallam finds himself at the centre of a national crisis when his friend, the Duke of Kent, asks for help. Meanwhile, storm clouds are gathering within 165 Eaton Place, with Lady Agnes's growing fear over the imminent arrival of her baby, and the servants' concern for Lotte, who refuses to speak. But, as the king finally abdicates, Hallam makes a discovery that will change his life forever. |
December 28, 2010 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
A Faraway Country About Which We Know Nothing As 165 Eaton Place reopens its doors, two new arrivals make their mark. But whilst Sir Hallam's forthright aunt Blanche disrupts life upstairs, feisty new maid Beryl struggles to adjust to life in service. Meanwhile, Lady Agnes' concern for her children reveals a dark secret about Mr Pritchard. Sir Hallam's preoccupation with burgeoning Nazi Germany leads him into dangerous waters, and a chance meeting with an unexpected face unlocks a hidden desire within. |
February 19, 2012 |
| 2 |
The Love That Pays the Price Lady Agnes catches the eye of charismatic American millionaire Caspar Landry but, as she and Sir Hallam look to their future, a tragic turn of events leaves their promised dreams - and a close family member - in jeopardy. Downstairs, Mrs Thackeray makes a momentous decision, which throws the running of the house into chaos. Blanche and Mr Amanjit continue to clash, until a heart-breaking cause compels them to reconsider their differences. |
February 26, 2012 |
| 3 |
A Perfect Specimen of Womanhood Blanche comes face to face with her former lover when a scandalous novel is published and, when the passion between the pair reignites, begins to consider a life away from Eaton Place. Downstairs, Beryl's decision to take a stand causes serious ructions to the running of the house until a familiar face offers wise words. Meanwhile, when Lady Persie reveals a shocking secret to Sir Hallam, the pair get ever closer as Persie is forced to make a life changing decision about her future. |
March 4, 2012 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC One |
|---|---|
| First aired | December 26, 2010 |
| Last aired | March 25, 2012 |
| Runtime | 60 minutes |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Sunday at 21:00:00 |