BBC Resurrects Upstairs Downstairs

LONDON: The BBC is reviving the classic British series Upstairs Downstairs, with two feature-length scripts on order for a 2010 broadcast on BBC One.

The award-winning Heidi Thomas (Cranford, Madame Bovary, Ballet Shoes) is writing the two scripts, which will be set in 1936—six years after where the original left off—back at the townhouse at 165 Eaton Place. The series was originally co-created by Jean Marsh, Dame Eileen Atkins and Sagitta Productions. 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. The show is set against the backdrop of the run-up to WWII, when Edward VIII has ascended the throne and fascism is on the rise. 

In its original run from 1971 to 1975, the series won seven Emmys, two BAFTAs and a Golden Globe and aired in more than 70 countries.

Thomas said: "I am both thrilled and humbled to have this opportunity. 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."

Piers Wenger, the head of drama at BBC Wales, added: "We are delighted to have secured the rights with the full blessing and support of the original co-creators. This is not a remake but a completely new version, set in a different era with a whole new cast of characters."

Filming for the two 90-minute specials begins next spring. Casting will be announced next year.