MASTERPIECE Studio

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 2 of The Forsytes Season 1.Screenwriter Debbie Horsfield was last on the podcast in 2019 to talk about the series finale of her adaptation of Poldark. Today we welcome her back to talk about her latest project, The Forsytes. In this episode, Debbie discusses the choices she made reimagining John Galsworthy’s novels about the landmark British family saga for a modern audience.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1 of The Forsytes Season 1.For acting legend Susan Hampshire, playing Fleur in the 1967 adaptation of The Forsyte Saga was a huge moment in her career. Now, nearly 60 years later, she returns to the story as the wealthy Lady Carteret in The Forsytes. In this conversation, we talk about how Susan approached playing Lady Carteret, as well as her decades long career.

The Forsytes is a modern reimagining of John Galsworthy’s landmark novels which chronicle the lives and loves, trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian stockbroking family. Written by Debbie Horsfield, who also wrote MASTERPIECE’s 2015 adaptation of Poldark, this new series depicts the tensions between tradition and self-sacrifice, and personal happiness and the pursuit of love. In preparation for The Forsytes, coming to MASTERPIECE on Sunday, March 22, we’re joined by MASTERPIECE mainstay, actor Tom Durant-Pritchard, who plays Montague Dartie, to take a sneak peek at this highly anticipated upcoming drama.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 7 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 6.With the war over, Darrowby’s residents are eager to indulge in the merriment of the holidays. For some, this will be the happiest Christmas yet. But for many others, it serves as a painful reminder of the loved ones who never made it back. In this episode, actors Callum Woodhouse and Gaia Wise reflect on how their characters, Tristan Farnon and Charlotte Beauvoir, simultaneously handle loss and celebration in this poignant Christmas episode of All Creatures Great and Small.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 6 of Miss Scarlet Season 6.At the start of Episode 6, Eliza Scarlet and Alexander Blake are told they cannot work together and be romantically involved. But things have a way of working out for Eliza Scarlet. In this bonus episode, actor Kate Phillips and writer Rachael New return to the podcast to look back on this riveting season, and glance towards the future where all the stars seem to be aligned for our favorite Victorian-era private detective.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 6 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 6.In this season of All Creatures Great and Small, actor Callum Woodhouse’s Tristan Farnon arrives back in Darrowby on leave from the war. While his sense of humor and playful spirit are still intact, it’s clear something is eating away at Tristan. In this conversation, Callum talks about how Tristan has been changed by the war and the struggles he faces, but also how those experiences deepened his relationship with Siegfried and enabled him to bond with his new love interest, Charlotte.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 5 of Miss Scarlet Season 6.For actor Sam Buchanan’s Detective George Willows, Episode 5 of Miss Scarlet is a baptism by fire, as he and Tom Durant-Pritchard’s Inspector Blake team up on a dark and stormy night to keep things at Scotland Yard under control amidst strange and mysterious circumstances. Sam discusses joining the cast and how he approached playing the loyal and hardworking detective. Plus, Tom returns to the podcast to discuss this high-stakes bottle episode of Miss Scarlet.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 4 of Miss Scarlet Season 6.Miss Scarlet writer and creator Rachael New likes to have fun with her Victorian-era mystery series. Whether it’s having Eliza out of her element in a new relationship, or watching Moses and Clarence team up on a jewelry caper, Rachael delights in juxtaposing these moments of humor alongside serious crimes. In this episode, Rachael explores the twists and turns in this labyrinthine season of Miss Scarlet.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 3 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 6.Actor Gaia Wise joins the cast of All Creatures Great and Small this season playing the down to earth Charlotte Beauvoir. In this conversation, Gaia shares what it was like being welcomed onto set, what she shares with her character, and how Charlotte and Tristan bond over their shared experiences in the war.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 2 of Miss Scarlet Season 6.For actor Tom Durant-Pritchard, Eliza Scarlet and Alexander Blake’s new relationship is delightfully complicated. In this conversation, we hear about Blake’s side of this relationship and how he maintains a level head while keeping his romance with brilliant private detective Eliza a secret.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1 of Miss Scarlet Season 6.Actor Kate Phillips joins us today to discuss how her character, Eliza Scarlet, deals with all of the new challenges in Season 6 and how she balances the professional with the private.

December 16, 2025 marks a special day in the world of arts and culture; the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. Here at MASTERPIECE, we are admirers of Jane Austen. Through interviews with historian and television presenter Lucy Worsley, Miss Austen novelist Gill Hornby, screenwriter Andrew Davies, and MASTERPIECE’s Senior Series Producer, Erin Delaney, we’re looking back at Austen’s life, her legacy, and what her novels mean to us. Now join us in the drawing room as we gather round to celebrate our beloved Jane Austen in this special episode.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 1 of The Gold.In preparation for Season 2 of The Gold, coming to MASTERPIECE in 2026, we wanted to wrap up Season 1 with this special postscript episode. You’ll hear first from The Gold writer and executive producer Neil Forsyth about a few final details of the real-life story, followed by actor Hugh Bonneville who shares his thoughts on the surprising reveal at the end of Season 1.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Maigret.Actor Benjamin Wainwright is no stranger to MASTERPIECE audiences, having appeared in Endeavour, World on Fire, and Unforgotten. Today, he joins the podcast to talk about his latest MASTERPIECE role as the lead actor in a new production of Maigret. In this conversation, we discuss stepping into the long line of Maigrets, and how his character balances solving crime with his personal duty to the social contract.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 1, Episode 5 of The Gold.Actor Hugh Bonneville is a familiar face here at MASTERPIECE, having appeared in Downton Abbey, Miss Austen Regrets, The Cazalets, and more. Today, Hugh joins us to talk about The Gold and playing the ethical, determined, and legendary DCI Brian Boyce. Hugh shares what he took away from meeting the real-life Boyce to inform his stunning performance.