Series 2 of The Hardacres has come to a close and viewers are sad to see it go. Based on the book series of the same name by C. L. Skelton, the show is set in 1890s Yorkshire and follows the Hardacres' sudden rise to wealth after acquiring a large estate.
However, the family faces constant threats to their new social standing, and in the final episode of series 2 tonight (18 June), it almost came crumbling down following a huge scandal with potential legal consequences.
The clash between the Hardacres and Imelda Hansen only grew deeper as Imelda continued her quest to remove the family from higher society. And it seemed as though she'd gotten her way when Ma bet Hardacre Hall in a card game - and lost.
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But Ma had an ace up her sleeve and instead put up the deeds to their other house in Yorkshire, leaving Imelda utterly displeased, though she wasn't going to give up that easily. And the chance arrived again when a letter written by Harry Hardacres ended up in her possession.
After Adella Fitzherbert stole the letter Harry had slipped underneath the door of his tutor Arthur Lewis confessing his romantic feelings for him, she showed her grandmother Imelda, who was quick to capitalise on the "scandalous letter".
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Arriving at Hardacre Hall, she threatened to "hand over the letter to the Magistrate" if the family didn't leave the home immediately, putting Harry's budding Oxford studies in jeopardy and leading Arthur to leave for Harry's safety.
However, Adella and Harry took matters into their own hands and announced their engagement, much to Imelda's objection. While Emma had initially avoided confrontation with her mother, she took Adella and Harry's side, banishing Imelda from the house along with her "poison dowry".
It wasn't over for the Hardacres though, as Joe and Sam's arguments about the family business came to a head after Sam suggested a joint collaboration with Joe and Liza both running the business - something Joe objected to.
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At a family dinner, Joe announced his intention to move to America with his wife Betsy and their baby, which Sam was devastated by. Although when the family got together to see them off, Sam came around to the idea, telling Joe that he was proud of him as the series came to a close.
On social media, viewers were left demanding for season three, as one person said on X: "I’m actually sobbing at this ending. please can we get series 3 confirmed????" Meanwhile, a second commented: "Give me them in series 3 i beg."
A third wrote: "Please confirm #thehardacres will return for a season 3. I will greatly miss Lady Hansen. Brilliantly acted by Michelle Dotrice. Deserves an award!"
So far, there's been no confirmation of a series three. Digital Spy has reached out to Channel 5 for comment, but bosses are remaining tight-lipped. However, the book series explores future generations of the Hardacres, so there's a ton of potential there.
Series 1 and 2 of The Hardacres is available to stream on Channel 5.
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