Fans of period drama are in for a star-studded treat with upcoming series The Forsytes, featuring Doctor Who and Downton Abbey actors.
An adaptation of John Galsworthy’s Forsyte Saga novels, the late Victorian-era series The Forsytes chronicles a family of stockbrokers feuding for power across multiple generations.
Premiering on 5 on 20 October, the six-part drama seems one not to be missed as it’s penned by Poldark screenwriter Debbie Horsfield.
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At the centre of the family feud are cousins Soames Forsyte, played by Home and Away’s Joshua Orpin, and Jolyon, portrayed by Fate: The Winx Saga’s Danny Griffin.
The two characters butt heads to decide who will take over the family firm, with The Forsytes focusing on their professional and personal lives.
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Orpin and Griffin are joined by Millie Gibson, known for her roles on Coronation Street and Doctor Who.
Trading her blonde locks for copper ringlets, Gibson stars as Soames’s wife, Irene Heron, while Eleanor Tomlinson, seen in The Couple Next Door, is set to play Jo’s first love, Louisa Byrne.
Channel 5
The ensemble is rounded out by Sense8 and Downton Abbey: A New Era star Tuppence Middleton as Frances Forsyte and True Blood’s Stephen Moyer as Jolyon Forsyte Senior, while The Assassin’s Jack Davenport play James Forsyte.
It may not have aired just yet, but The Forsytes has already secured a season 2 order, with Outlander’s Richard Rankin, Pennyworth’s Sarah Alexander and Bob Marley: One Love star Nia Ashi added to the ensemble for the new chapter.
Channel 5
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“We are excited to announce that production has begun on the second series of The Forsytes,” Commissioning Editor of Drama for 5 Paul Testar said in June.
“With the first series set to air soon, this early commitment to a second chapter is a testament to the strength of the stories and characters that we know our audience will embrace.
“We look forward to sharing even more of this rich and compelling series.”
Damien Timmer, CCO & Founder of Mammoth Screen Damien Timmer teased more “irresistible” scripts and a bigger cast for the new season.
“We can’t wait for the world to see series 1 of The Forsytes,” Timmer said, “and we’re so pleased to be getting ahead of ourselves and starting on this thrilling second series with Debbie Horsfield’s irresistible scripts and our glorious – and ever expanding – cast.”
The Forsytes will premiere on 5 on 20 October at 9pm. Episodes will air weekly.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).