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BBC goes back to Upstairs, Downstairs

The BBC is reviving Upstairs Downstairs, not as a remake but as a completely new version set six years on from where it ended.

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upstairs-downstairsThe BBC is reviving Upstairs Downstairs, the Edwardian drama that ran on ITV for five series from 1971 to 1975.

Set in 1936, six years after the original series finished, it will return to the same iconic house: 165 Eaton Place in London’s Belgravia. The series will see two new 90 minute scripts penned by writer Heidi Thomas (Cranford, Madame Bovary, Ballet Shoes).

The original series depicted the lives of the servants “downstairs” and their masters “upstairs”. Jean Marsh will reprise her role of Rose, the parlourmaid, returning to the house as housekeeper to its new residents, the wealthy and well-connected Holland family.

Thomas will create a new role for Dame Eileen Atkins. Originally co-created by Marsh and Atkins, the series became a global hit winning countless awards, including seven Emmys, two BAFTAs and a Golden Globe.

The new version is not a remake but a completely new version, set in a different era with a whole new cast of characters. It will rejoin the world of Upstairs Downstairs in the years leading up to the Second World War. Times are changing and servants are no longer cheap and obedient; Rose soon finds she has her work cut out. Meanwhile, in the wider world, Edward VIII has ascended the throne, fascism is on the rise, and Europe is inching towards catastrophe.

Thomas said, “The original Upstairs Downstairs marked the start of my love affair with televison, and I am determined that the new version will in every way be a worthy successor to the original.”

Source: BBC

14 Responses

  5. Geez, sorry David, my eyesight must be going!!!

    You’re quite right ITV is mentioned in the story.

    Next time I’ll put some glasses on when I read the articles…..!

  6. David – I think the key issue here is that it’s only 2 feature length episodes – not a series (or serial) return. Like all modern marketing it is easier (and cheaper) to produce a sequel or a flanker to an earlier succesful product – television is no different.

    @ Patrick – I think you’re right re ITV

  10. Wasn’t the show done by ITV originally?

    I don’t think it was done by the BBC back in the 70’s – even though they were known for doing such costume dramas in those days.

    If I’m wrong I stand corrected…….I wonder if The House of Elliot or The Onedin Line will be remade as well?

  12. I watched Gosford Park on Sunday and it has a similar set up. It reminded me of Upstairs Downstairs and I thought it would be ripe for a come back. God bless the BBC!

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