“THERE was something shocking or surprising at every single turn.
“One in five women in London were involved in the sex industry at this time.”
Jessica Brown Findlay talking to me about new drama series Harlots.
Set among the brothels of Soho in the 18th century, this ITV / Hulu production begins in the UK on ITV Encore at 10pm on Monday (March 27).
An ensemble cast of serious acting talent attracted by the intelligent, thought-provoking and witty scripts.
“THERE’S nothing so dangerous as a headstrong girl who knows her own mind.”
Jessica Brown Findlay is mean, moody and muddy as Mary Yellan in a terrific three-part BBC1 adaptation of Jamaica Inn.
The former Downton Abbey star deserves to shake off all mentions of Lady Sybil and sentences that begin like this one after her dark and brooding performance as Mary.
Screenwriter Emma Frost stays faithful to Daphne du Maurier’s novel while adding her own stamp on the Cornish classic.
With BAFTA award-winning director Philippa Lowthorpe weaving yet more screen magic across three hours of drama.
“I’m looking forward to all sorts of things,” exclaims Matthew Crawley.
He’s talking to his wife-to-be Lady Mary in the first episode of Downton Abbey series three.
I’m guessing you’re also looking forward to all sorts of Downton fun in the coming weeks.
So you will find only the mildest of spoilers below.
Will Matthew (Dan Stevens) and Mary’s (Michelle Dockery) wedding go ahead without a hitch?
Or will there be last minute complications?
Can Downton be saved in the face of a financial crisis?
And how long before Mr Bates (Brendan Coyle) hits his cell mate?
I saw the 90 minute opening episode and highlights from the rest of the series at the London press launch way back in July.
The verdict of the massed ranks of Her Majesty’s Press?
Julian Fellowes’ Downton is very much back on top form.
I know Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and co have their critics.
But, frankly, I could watch Mr Carson (Jim Carter) saying, “That treacle tart just hit the spot,” all night long.
WHO lives? Who dies? And who gets married?
Those questions are answered in the final episode of Downton Abbey series two on ITV1 at 9pm this Sunday.
With ITV having confirmed a few minutes ago that series three has, indeed, been commissioned.
As if there was any doubt.
It will again consist of eight episodes covering a period of 18 months in 1920 and 1921.
You can read the full press release at the bottom of this blog.
JUST under 36 hours to go now until the second series of Downton Abbey begins on ITV1.
As promised, below is my latest feature – published today in the MEN.
“YOU’LL find there’s never a dull moment in this house.”
Just one of many classic new lines from Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith) in the second series of Downton Abbey.
The press were invited to Downton on Friday for the launch of the eight-part 2011 series, which will be followed by a Christmas special.
Or rather Highclere Castle in Berkshire, the real life location for the “upstairs” scenes in ITV1’s Yorkshire-set global hit.
Life of Wylie 