Upstairs Downstairs

It is January 1936 and diplomat Sir Hallam and Lady Agnes Holland move into 165 Eaton Place, closely followed by his widowed mother and her wayward sister. But they also need a full serving staff, for which Lady Agnes turns to an agency run by none other than Rose Buck, who used to work at the house. But the arrival of an unwelcome guest puts a strain on relations both, upstairs and downstairs.

It is five months since the Holland’s moved into Eaton Place, and Rose is officially installed as housekeeper, while Lady Agnes has maneuvered the house to the center of London society. But storm clouds are gathering in Europe, Lady Persie falls under the spell of Oswald Mosley and his radical political views. Meanwhile, the servants are intrigued by a mysterious new addition to the household.

Lady Persie's life has become increasingly complex, as she continues her illicit affair and pursues her right-wing political interests with little regard of the potential danger to those she loves. Meanwhile, Lady Agnes prepares for motherhood by having her picture taken by celebrated photographer Cecil Beaton and Sir Hallam finds himself dragged into the abdication crisis facing the monarchy.

As 165 Eaton Place reopens its doors, two new arrivals make their mark. But whilst Sir Hallam's forthright aunt Blanche disrupts life upstairs, feisty new maid Beryl struggles to adjust to life in service. Meanwhile, Lady Agnes' concern for her children reveals a dark secret about Mr Pritchard. Sir Hallam's preoccupation with burgeoning Nazi Germany leads him into dangerous waters, and a chance meeting with an unexpected face unlocks a hidden desire within.

Lady Agnes catches the eye of charismatic American millionaire Caspar Landry but, as she and Sir Hallam look to their future, a tragic turn of events leaves their promised dreams - and a close family member - in jeopardy. Downstairs, Mrs Thackeray makes a momentous decision, which throws the running of the house into chaos. Blanche and Mr Amanjit continue to clash, until a heart-breaking cause compels them to reconsider their differences.

Blanche comes face to face with her former lover when a scandalous novel is published and, when the passion between the pair reignites, begins to consider a life away from Eaton Place. Downstairs, Beryl's decision to take a stand causes serious ructions to the running of the house until a familiar face offers wise words. Meanwhile, when Lady Persie reveals a shocking secret to Sir Hallam, the pair get ever closer as Persie is forced to make a life changing decision about her future.