Emmerdale star Louise Jameson appears in the BBC period drama Tenko, a series described by viewers as 'unforgettable' and 'never to be repeated'. The 1980s drama, based on true stories, is currently free to stream on the U platform.
Louise Jameson's Role in Tenko
Louise Jameson, who plays Mary Goskirk on ITV's Emmerdale, portrayed Blanche Simmons in the first two series of Tenko. Blanche is a prominent working-class character. Jameson is also known for her role as Leela in Doctor Who and appearances in The Omega Factor, Bergerac, EastEnders, and River City.
About Tenko
Tenko follows a diverse group of British and Dutch women captured by Japanese forces during World War II. The series was created by Lavinia Warner after she researched the internment of nursing corps officer Margot Turner for This Is Your Life. Warner saw dramatic potential in the stories of women prisoners of the Japanese.
The official synopsis states: 'As the war in Europe suddenly erupts into a world war, a group of British and Dutch women find themselves forced to cope with captivity in a Japanese internment camp. They also must find a way to live together as a community, breaking down the barriers of class and race between them, if they are to survive.'
Production and Availability
A total of 30 episodes were produced across three series between 1981 and 1984, followed by a one-off special, Tenko Reunion, in 1985. All episodes are now streaming for free on U. The cast includes Ann Bell, Stephanie Cole, Stephanie Beacham, Patricia Lawrence, Emily Bolton, and Veronica Roberts.
Critical Acclaim
Viewers have praised the series highly. One IMDb user called it 'all round perfection', adding: 'I can't think of a single flaw.' Another said: 'The best BBC series.' A third remarked: 'Tenko is a true masterpiece. Layered, engaging, challenging, compelling, it has stayed with me for years and I often think about the characters as real people...wondering how their lives continued, wondering what I would do in their company.'
One fan branded the series 'unforgettable' and 'never to be repeated on BBC television', calling it 'one of the most intense and powerful pieces of television I have ever seen.' Another viewer shared: 'Best war drama ever made. Truly exceptional. I was in tears watching it.'
