Channel 5's must-watch period drama The Hardacres is back on our screens again as its second season is in full swing, with the third episode airing this evening (28 May).
The new season has reunited us with the Hardacre family in Yorkshire, who last series had the ultimate rags to riches tale last season when they were propelled from a small fishing town to the upper echelons of Yorkshire society.
And they've got a lot on their hands this season. According to the show's synopsis, the second season will see the Hardacres' "Hungry for new challenges, Mary champions adult education, while Sam takes steps amid a looming recession to expand the family business. Not least while wondering if Joe is truly ready to take the reins.
"A chance encounter starts an intense romance for Liza. Harry’s passion for education is reignited with the help of a new tutor, and Joe embraces married life with Betsy."
And tonight's episode will see the family go into quarantine after Sam gets ill, and Adella spies on a romantic moment between Liza and Edward that leaves her feeling betrayed.
Well before we get into that here's you reminder of the cast of The Hardacres:
- Liam McMahon as Sam Hardacre
- Claire Cooper as Mary Hardacre
- Julie Graham as Ma
- Adam Little as Joe Hardacre
- Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre
- Zak Ford-Williams as Harry Hardacre
- Holly Sturton as Lady Adella Fitzherbert
- Cathy Belton as Lady Emma Fitzherbert
- Owen Roe as Lord George Fitzherbert
- Michele Dotrice as Lady Imelda Hansen
- Ingrid Craigie as Mrs Dryden
- Siobhan O'Kelly as Lena
- Sarah Agha as Betsy
- Taheen Modak as Saunders
- Niall McNamee as Edward Blackwood
- Edward Mitchell as Arthur Lewis
And here's everything you need to know about them.
The returning cast for The Hardacres season 2
Liam McMahon as Sam Hardacre
Who is Sam Hardacre? Sam is the head of the Hardacre family, who had humble beginnings working as a fisherman but now the family are within the high society of Yorkshire.
What else has Liam McMahon been in? Liam is best known for his appearances in series such as Silverpoint, Joan, The Secret, Warrior Nun and The Fall.
Claire Cooper as Mary Hardacre
Who is Mary Hardacre? Mary is the matriarch of the Hardacre family and this season is looking to champion eduction for adult dock workers.
What else has Claire Cooper been in? Claire is best known for starring in Hollyoaks as Jacqui, which she began in 2007 and only left the role in 2023, appearing in over 500 episodes of the soap. She's also starred in Snatch, Secrets of the Six Wives and The Witcher: Blood Origin.
Julie Graham as Ma
Who is Ma? Ma is Mary's mother and is very outspoken in her opinion and this season is said to form an unexpected bond.
What else has Julie Graham been in? Julie has been on our screens since the mid 80's and is best known for her roles in Shetland, Being Eileen, Ridley, and Queens of Mystery, amongst many others.
Adam Little as Joe Hardacre
Who is Joe Hardacre? Joe is the eldest of the Hardacre children and this season is expected to struggle with working in the family business.
What else has Adam Little been in? Adam is best known for starring in shows including Coronation Street and Ackley Bridge.
Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre
Who is Liza Hardacre? Liza is the middle child of the Hardacres and following her heartbreak last season, it appears things may be looking up romantically for Liza in season two.
What else has Shannon Lavelle been in? Shannon has also appeared in the BBC series Riot Women.
Zak Ford-Williams as Harry Hardacre
Who is Harry Hardacre? Harry Hardacre is the youngest of the Hardacre children and is thinking about abandoning school, until a new tutor may change his mind.
What else has Zak Ford-Williams been in? Zak has previously appeared in Bridgerton as Lord Remington and an episode of Midsomer Murders.
Holly Sturton as Lady Adella Fitzherbert
Who is Lady Adella Fitzherbert? Lady Adella is the daughter of the Hardarces' neighbours the Fitzherberts and is keenly aware of her position within society.
What else has Holly Sturton been in? Holly is best known for starring in Netflix's The School for Good and Evil and series Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale.
Cathy Belton as Lady Emma Fitzherbert
Who is Lady Emma Fitzherbert? Lady Emma is the matriarch of the Fitzherbert clan and this season she has her mother's arrival to contend with.
What else has Cathy Belton been in? Cathy is best known for her roles in Philomena, A Little Chaos, Hidden Assets, Red Rock and Miss Scarlet and The Duke.
Owen Roe as Lord George Fitzherbert
Who is Lord George Fitzherbert? George is the patriarch of the Fitzherberts and will have his mother-in-law's arrival to deal with in season two.
What else has Owen Roe been in? Owen is best known for his roles in movies such as Michael Collins, Breakfast on Pluto and Intermission.
The new cast for The Hardacres season 2
Michele Dotrice as Lady Imelda Hansen
Who is Lady Imelda Hansen? Lady Imelda is Lady Emma's mother and is here this season to cause all kinds of trouble for both families.
What else has Michele Dotrice been in? Michele is best known for her role in the sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, along with appearances in Not Now, Comrade, Jane Eyre, Vanity Fair, and more recently Inside No.9, and Unforgotten.
Hardacres starts tonight on Channel 5 at 9pm
