Downton Abbey star and Coronation Street actress in 'scandalous' Channel 5 period drama
The Forsytes, a six-part series, is based on the novels of John Galsworthy and comes after a 1967 adaptation on the BBC, The Forsyte Saga
Channel 5 has unveiled a tantalising first-look trailer for its forthcoming period drama, The Forsytes.
Drawing inspiration from John Galsworthy's acclaimed novels, this six-episode series follows in the footsteps of the BBC's 1967 adaptation, The Forsyte Saga.
The cast boasts Home and Away's Joshua Orpin, Coronation Street favourite Millie Gibson, One Day's Eleanor Tomlinson, This Life's Jack Davenport, and Downton Abbey's Tuppence Middleton.
Additional stars include Stephen Moyer, Francesca Annis, Jamie Flatters, Susan Hampshire and Danny Griffin.
Set during the late-Victorian period, The Forsytes follows the bitter family feud between cousins Soames Forsyte (Joshua) and Jolyon (Danny) as they clash over control of the family business, reports the Express.
As marital drama unfolds and long-buried secrets emerge, the trailer offers a glimpse of the explosive storylines ahead.
The preview opens with the Forsyte matriarch's ominous warning: "A Forsyte is someone who knows the value of family and loyalty."
Friction escalates between the cousins as Soames declares: "Do I think I'd be a better chair, of course. Do I need to stoop to scheming to achieve it?"
A first-look at Millie's character is also given, unrecognisable from her Doctor Who and Coronation Street roles, as Soames seeks an "ambitious wife" by his side.
Meanwhile, Tuppence plays a widowed mother who marries Jolyon to strengthen his standing, while her daughter struggles in the world she's presented in as she works to break down barriers for women.
Their family is further upended when Jolyon's lover from a past life resurfaces, though his wife warns him: "We all deserve our moments of madness, and then we grow up."
The trailer then hints at the "scandal" to come as successions are challenged.
The synopsis previously teased: "Sticklers for tradition and status, the older Forsytes prize duty and reputation above all else, whilst the younger members rail against the rigidity of family expectations.
"The question of who will take over the family firm puts Soames Forsyte and his cousin Jolyon in conflict just as their lives are turned upside down by the arrival of two remarkable women.
"Ultimately each Forsyte family member grapples with the same dilemma - is it better to be ruled by the head or the heart?"
Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, 5 said: "We are excited to give The Forsytes its UK home on 5. This lavish new adaptation is a great addition to our rich portfolio of period dramas. With a stellar cast, stunning production, and rich ensemble of characters, it has all the components our audience loves."
Damien Timmer, Chief Creative Officer and Founder, Mammoth Screen, said: "It's been a joy working with Debbie Horsfield and our magnificent cast on series 1 of The Forsytes for MASTERPIECE on PBS, and we're thrilled UK viewers are going to be able to watch it on 5, which has become such a destination for drama audiences. Let the saga commence!"
Susanne Simpson, Head of Scripted Content and Executive Producer at MASTERPIECE said: "We can't wait to bring The Forsytes to our MASTERPIECE viewers in the US, and we're thrilled that the series has a UK home at 5. With brilliant actors and an amazing crew, Mammoth Screen has created a sumptuous reimagining of a classic that will delight audiences around the world."
The Forsytes, coming this autumn to 5