Michele Dotrice, best known for her role as Betty Spencer in the classic BBC sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, has joined the cast of Channel 5's period drama The Hardacres. The 77-year-old actress plays Lady Imelda Hansen, the mother of neighbour Emma, who becomes a formidable new force at Hardacre Hall.
The second series of the rags-to-riches drama, set in 1895, sees the Hardacre family facing new challenges. Mary Hardacre (Claire Cooper) champions adult learning, while Sam (Liam McMahon) expands the family business amid an economic downturn. However, their greatest test comes from the arrival of Lady Imelda Hansen.
Dotrice, who hails from a distinguished acting dynasty, is the daughter of actors Roy and Kay Dotrice. Her sister, Karen Dotrice, famously played Jane Banks in Disney's Mary Poppins. Michele was married to actor Edward Woodward until his death in 2009.
Co-star Julie Graham, who plays Ma Hardacre, praised Dotrice, calling her 'a legend' and saying she 'slotted right in' as 'the most perfect addition' to the show. Dotrice's recent credits include Unforgotten, Death in Paradise, and Midsomer Murders.
