The BBC's Upstairs Downstairs has surged into the Netflix charts, which comes as little surprise given its stellar cast. Period drama fans were captivated by the iconic 1970s series Upstairs Downstairs, which was subsequently revived in 2010 for BBC One. Now, the two-series drama has arrived on Netflix, chronicling diplomat Sir Hallam Holland (portrayed by Ed Stoppard) and his wife Lady Agnes Holland (Keeley Hawes) as they breathe new life into the crumbling 165 Eaton Place. Here's a closer look at the stars bringing this Upstairs Downstairs remake to life.
Lady Agnes Holland - Keeley Hawes
As mistress of the household, Lady Agnes is fiercely ambitious and impeccably refined, yet harbours hidden complexities known to very few. She is brought to life by acclaimed actress Keeley Hawes, renowned for her performances in major productions including Line of Duty, Bodyguard, The Assassin, Spooks, Ashes to Ashes and, most recently, Falling on Channel 4.
Sir Hallam Holland - Ed Stoppard
Sir Hallam is guided by a powerful sense of morality, though his political ambitions are frequently undermined by his personal frailties. Actor Ed Stoppard has appeared in The Pianist, The Undeclared War, Trackers and Brave New World.
Lady Persephone Towyn - Claire Foy
Claire Foy is well-versed in acclaimed period dramas, most famously embodying Queen Elizabeth II in the opening two series of The Crown on Netflix. She has also taken on roles in Wolf Hall, Savage House, Women Talking and A Very British Scandal, amongst others. Having grown up in rural Wales before relocating to London, Lady Persephone yearns for excitement and possesses a rebellious nature that draws her towards more scandalous pursuits.
Mr Warwick Pritchard - Adrian Scarborough
Actor Adrian Scarborough is perhaps best recognised for his role as Pete Sutcliffe in Gavin and Stacey, though he has also appeared in Vera Drake, Mr Big Stuff, Falling, Bloods and Sanditon. Scarborough portrays Mr Warwick Pritchard, a "priggish and highly strung" man who conceals a surprisingly troubled past.
Miss Whisset - Sarah Lancashire
Happy Valley devotees will be thrilled to see Catherine Cawood actress Sarah Lancashire appear in this BBC and Netflix period drama. Beyond Happy Valley, Lancashire is equally well known for Last Tango in Halifax, Black Doves and Lark Rise to Candleford, amongst many other notable roles. She plays Miss Whisset, a no-nonsense woman who is fiercely secretive and steadfastly refuses to wed Mr Pritchard.
Clarice Thackeray - Anne Reid
Widow Clarice Thackeray is a passionate and sharp-minded character who runs the kitchen with exceptional precision. Actress Anne Reid is celebrated for leading the cast in Last Tango in Halifax, and is also fondly remembered for portraying Valerie Barlow in Coronation Street and Jean in the beloved sitcom Dinnerladies.
Blanche Mottershead - Alex Kingston
ER, Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing star Alex Kingston takes on the role of Dr Blanche Mottershead. She is portrayed as a fiercely independent and forward-thinking archaeologist who makes no apologies for her feminist convictions.
Other cast members include:
- Lady Maud Holland - Eileen Atkins
- Harry Spargo - Neil Jackson
- Ivy Morris - Ellie Kendrick
- Johnny Proude - Nico Mirallegro
Upstairs Downstairs is available to watch on Netflix.
