The Forsytes | Preview (5)

Sweeping period drama The Forsytes (6x60’), the major reimagining of John Galsworthy’s novel series The Forsyte Saga. Penned by acclaimed British screenwriter Debbie Horsfield (Poldark) the series chronicles the lives of four generations of an upper-class family of stockbrokers, set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving late-Victorian world.

BAFTA winner Francesca Annis (Flesh and Blood) plays formidable Forsyte matriarch Ann, with Stephen Moyer (True Blood) as her eldest son, Jolyon Snr, head of the family stockbroking firm Forsyte & Co. Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga) plays his bohemian son Jolyon Jnr, Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era) is Jolyon Jnr’s status-driven wife Frances and Eleanor Tomlinson (One Day) is Louisa Byrne, a Soho dressmaker and Jolyon Jnr’s first love.

Jack Davenport (The Morning Show) plays Ann’s competitive younger son James, with Joshua Orpin (Titans) as James’ ambitious son Soames. Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) is Irene Heron, the dancer whom Soames falls in love with. Tom Durant-Pritchard (Baby Reindeer) plays Monty Dartie, James’ son-in-law

The Forsytes chronicles the lives, loves, trials and triumphs of a wealthy late Victorian stockbroking family, whose generations are torn between tradition and self-sacrifice versus personal happiness and the pursuit of love.

Family stability is threatened by two chance encounters for rival cousins, Jolyon and Soames, throwing their previously steady lives into disarray. Married Jolyon contends with the reappearance of his former lover, Louisa, a lady’s maid-turned-dressmaker, while daughter June falls for a penniless architect. Soames, meanwhile, is enchanted by the beautiful and free-spirited dancer Irene.

All must decide whether to be ruled by the head or the heart. In the first episode: Ten years after Jolyon’s marriage to high society favourite, Frances, the Forsytes prepare to celebrate daughter June’s 18th birthday and entrance into society.

Ambitious Frances is determined to secure her an advantageous marriage. Meanwhile, the question of the succession of the family firm, Forsyte & Co., hangs heavily in the air with brothers – and rivals – Jolyon Senior and James battling for their own sons, Jolyon and Soames, to triumph as chairman.

Despite Jolyon’s protests, Soames wastes no time in demonstrating his ruthless business acumen by seizing an opportunity to offload risky shares in a mining company, consequently causing its collapse, and the destitution of many of its shareholders.

Elsewhere, Soames finds himself utterly captivated by the beautiful dancer Irene Heron, leaping to her assistance after her father’s sudden collapse. Just as Soames and James’s plans to conspire against them escalate, Jolyon Senior makes a shock announcement at June’s birthday party. Frances, meanwhile, suspicious of her husband’s unceremonious disappearance from their daughter’s party, follows him and makes a shocking discovery.

Earlier this year Channel 5 also announced that The Forsytes is to return for a gripping second series. In this next chapter the proud dynasty faces a new era of scandal, ambition, and shifting loyalties. As love, legacy and reputation collide, the cracks in the family’s polished façade grow ever deeper.

The Forsytes begins Friday 24th October at 9pm on 5.