Downton Abbey star Phyllis Logan has been cast in the reboot of beloved BBC drama Monarch of the Glen. Channel 5 is planning a "fresh reimagining" of the iconic series, described as a "rich, romantic and humorous family saga rooted in legacy, love and survival," returning to the Scottish Highlands for a new generation.
Original Series Legacy
The original programme aired from 2000 to 2005 and starred the late Richard Briers. It was a big hit and was hailed as "brilliant" by fans. The show followed a young Londoner who discovers he's a hereditary Laird in Scotland, only to later find out the estate is close to bankruptcy.
Reboot Cast and Plot
The reboot will see Julia Brown as lawyer Isla Campbell, who returns to the Highlands and inherits a huge debt. Phyllis Logan, who starred as Mrs Hughes in Downton, will play a character named Morag.
Julia Brown said: "Monarch of the Glen holds such a special place in people's hearts, so it's a real privilege to be part of its return. The scripts are full of wit, warmth and wonderful characters, and I'm delighted to be working alongside this brilliant cast and crew. It will be great fun to welcome audiences back to Scotland."
A synopsis for the show reads: "The series will see Julia Brown as high-flying London lawyer Isla Campbell, who finds herself back at her family's crumbling Highland estate for her estranged father's funeral, expecting to be gone in days. Instead, she discovers she has inherited a million-pound debt, a bank closing in, and a brother, Alasdair, played by Chris Fulton, refusing to let go of their ancestral home. Under the same roof for the first time in years, brother and sister must find a way to save the struggling estate before time runs out and they lose it for good."
Additional Cast and Production
Other cast members include Ewan Miller as gamekeeper and family friend Ewan, Rishi Nair as businessman Daniel, John Gordon Sinclair as longtime family lawyer Fergus, and Gordon Kennedy as stockman Angus.
Julia Brown added: "I'm so excited to be stepping into the world of Monarch of the Glen and bringing Isla Campbell to life. Isla is ambitious, sharp and fiercely independent, but returning home to Scotland forces her to confront her past, her family and a future she never expected. I am so, so proud to be joining such a talented cast and cannot wait to bring this heartfelt story to audiences."
Production for the new series is currently taking place in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The series is expected to air on 5 and MASTERPIECE PBS in 2027, with further details to be announced in due course.
