Yorkshire-set period drama The Hardacres is returning for a second instalment, with a new trailer confirming that the feud between old and new money is far from over.
Based on the Hardacre book series by CL Skelton, 5's period drama chronicles the rags-to-riches trajectory of a working class family in Yorkshire, going from gutting fish for a living to becoming the owners of an estate after a lucky investment pays off.
Returning this spring, season 2 of the "smash-hit" series developed by Amy Roberts and Loren McLaughlan continues in 1895, which brings electricity and new enemies for the Hardacres.
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The trailer teases that Mary (Claire Cooper), Sam (Liam McMahon) and their children will need to put up a united front if they're to navigate the world of the wealthy, particularly when Lady Imelda Hansen (Michele Dotrice) arrives at the Fitzherbert's home determined to "stop" the Hardacres.
"I want to make an example of them, a warning to anybody who thinks they can buy class," Lady Imelda tells her daughter, Lady Emma (Cathy Belton).
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The clip also sees Mary working to champion adult education for dockworkers, while the synopsis teases that a disagreement between Sam and Joe (Adam Little) on how to conduct the family business may lead to "impulsive choices" on Joe's part.
Following a romantic disappointment in season one, Liza (Shannon Lavelle) has a chance encounter with a handsome stranger, while Harry (Zak Ford-Williams) has to rethink his plans to abandon school after meeting an inspiring new tutor.
An "unexpected bond" is in store for Mary's mother, Ma (Julie Graham), who happily challenges Lady Imelda at a game of cards with no intention to lose.
Also returning from season one are Holly Sturton and Owen Roe as Lady Adella and Lord George Fitzherbert respectively, with Ingrid Craigie as Mrs Dryden, Sarah Agha as Betsy Hardacre and Taheen Modak as Callum Saunders also coming back.
Alongside Dotrice as Lady Imelda, season two newcomers also include Bad Sisters' Niall McNamee as Edward Blackwood, and Edward Mitchell as Arthur Lewis.
Upon premiering in 2024, The Hardacres received mixed reviews, with Decider calling it an "enjoyable period drama" and The Daily Telegraph suggesting to forget "gritty realism" and regard the series "as an old-fashioned taste of how TV used to be".
The Hardacres season 2 premieres on 5 this spring. Season 1 is available on 5's streaming service.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
