Channel 5 has unveiled a first look at the second season of its hit period drama, The Hardacres, which returns to TV screens this spring.
The rags-to-riches story, inspired by the bestselling novels by CL Skelton, follows the working-class Hardacre family as they rise from poverty to immense wealth in 1890s Yorkshire.
New images reveal that change is on the horizon for the family as they head into 1895. Meanwhile, a set of new faces join the cast.
The series, created by Call the Midwife writers Amy Roberts and Loren McLaughlan and produced by the company behind All Creatures Great and Small, was a huge hit upon its 2024 release and has been hailed by viewers as an “incredible” and “must-watch” drama.
Keep reading to find out all we know about season two…
Who stars in season 2?
Fans can expect to see Claire Cooper (The Continental, The Peripheral) and Liam McMahon (Hunger, Warrior Nun) reprise their roles as Mary and Sam Hardacre, alongside Julie Graham (The City Is Ours, Shetland) as Mary’s mother, Ma, and Adam Little (Ackley Bridge, Coronation Street), Shannon Lavelle (Riot Women) and Zak Ford‑Williams (Bridgerton, Better) as their children Joe, Liza and Harry.
© Playground Television/5/Jonathan HessionAlso returning for season two are Holly Sturton (Lies We Tell, The School for Good and Evil), Cathy Belton (Hidden Assets, Philomena) and Owen Roe (Sherlock, Daughter) as Lady Adella, Lady Emma and Lord George Fitzherbert, with Ingrid Craigie (Blood, Blackshore) as Mrs Dryden, Sarah Agha as Betsy Hardacre (Layla, The Badlands) and Taheen Modak (The Bay) as Callum Saunders.
A number of new faces have joined the cast, including Michele Dotrice (A Very English Scandal) as Lady Imelda Hansen, the formidable mother of Lady Emma Fitzherbert, Niall McNamee (Saipan, Bad Sisters) as Edward Blackwood and Edward Mitchell (Zack Snyder’s Justice League) as Arthur Lewis.
© Playground Television/5/Jonathan HessionWhat to expect from season two
Following their rise to staggering wealth in season one, the new episodes find the Hardacre family on the brink of transformation in 1895, as “modernity sweeps into Hardacre Hall with electricity and shifting loyalties,” according to the synopsis.
It continues: “Mary and Sam embrace wealth and opportunity, but their children begin forging identities that challenge expectations. Mary champions adult education for dock workers, while Sam expands the family business amid a looming recession, uncertain if Joe is ready to succeed him. Determined to prove himself, Joe’s impulsive choices threaten his future.
© Playground Television/5/Jonathan Hession“Liza recovering from romantic disappointment, is swept up by a chance encounter with a handsome stranger, while Harry’s plans to abandon school are transformed by an inspiring new tutor. Ma forms an unexpected bond but as some relationships blossom, others are strained.
“As tensions rise, Lady Imelda Hansen arrives at the Fitzherbert’s home with a dangerous agenda, forcing the Hardacres to unite or risk losing everything.”
© Playground Television/5/Jonathan HessionWhen will season two be released?
While 5 has yet to announce a release date for the new season, we do know that the new episodes will arrive this spring. In the meantime, all episodes of season one are available to stream on 5.
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