Adapted by acclaimed screenwriter Debbie Horsfield and UK production company Mammoth Screen (the team behind global television hit Poldark), The Forsytes is produced for 5 and Masterpiece. The six part first series follows the lives of the wealthy Forsyte family in 1880s London and is based on Galsworthy’s tale of love, loyalty, ambition and betrayal. Its stellar ensemble cast includes Francesca Annis, Jack Davenport, Tom Durant Pritchard, Jamie Flatters, Millie Gibson, Danny Griffin, Susan Hampshire, Owen Igiehon, Tuppence Middleton, Stephen Moyer, Joshua Orpin, Josette Simon and Eleanor Tomlinson.
Filming for series one began in Bristol in May 2024 and ran until the beginning of August, with around 75 crew working on the show per day and up to 150 per day for multiple unit days. The show’s producers estimate that 75% of crew were local to the South West region. A second series began filming in Bristol in June 2025, meaning that audiences will have more to look forward to after series one.
Ronnie Castillo, Head of Production at Mammoth Screen says: “The Bottle Yard Studios are a home from home for Mammoth Screen, many of our productions filming and returning for more over the last decade. Katherine, Emma and the entire team go above and beyond, ensuring we feel welcome and our teams are fully supported for the duration. The studios are versatile, affordable and sustainable within easy reach of some remarkable locations and a very talented crew. We can’t wait to return to Bristol and The Bottle Yard Studios.”
Katherine Nash, The Bottle Yard’s Head of Studios says: “The Bottle Yard has a long-standing relationship with Mammoth Screen, so it was an absolute pleasure to welcome them back for the making of this lavish new drama. We have hosted some stunning period dramas over the years, but The Forsytes team truly excelled themselves, with outstanding attention to detail, craftmanship and finishing across all departments including production design, costume, hair and makeup. We’ve since had the team back in the Studio to make a second series so there will be plenty to look forward to once series one has aired.”
Set interiors were built at The Bottle Yard Studios for rooms in Jolyon Forsyte’s Richmond Park house ‘Robin Hill’, Soames Forsyte’s Knightsbridge house on Montpelier Square, the solicitors offices of Forsyte & Co, the cottage home of Louisa Byrne, the Soho dressmaker who is Jolyon Jr Forsyte’s first love, and architect Philip Bosinney’s office.
Out on location, the series filmed extensively across Bristol with support from the city's Film Office. Christmas Steps was transformed into the Parisian setting of 1880’s Montmartre thanks to on-street set dressing and period shop frontages, and St. Mary Redcliffe Church was a prominent location that has featured heavily in the show's trailer and first look images. All Saints Lane, Denmark Street, Hobbs Lane, Orchard Lane, Frog Lane and Frogmore Street in the city centre hosted busy Soho street scenes with horse and carriages, carts and market stall dressings and even washing lines hung across the streets, whilst Tailor's Court hosted filming for cafe scenes. At the University of Bristol’s Goldney House, the Mahogany Parlour was used as the setting for a Gentleman’s Club.
Clifton’s architecture features heavily in the series - properties on Vyvyan Terrace and Christchurch Road were used as exteriors for main character residences and the beautiful surrounds of Dowry Square in Hotwells, one of the oldest squares in Bristol, also features as a prominent setting. Walking and talking scenes were filmed at Blaise Castle Estate, and Ashton Court Estate was also used for scenes set in both a park and a polo field.
Arnos Vale Cemetery was another important filming location. The grade II* listed Anglican Chapel that stands on the 45-acre Victorian heritage site was transformed into a boxing ring, with transformational results. Ann Fiddler, CEO of the Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust, explains: “In order to get the shots they needed, we had the ceiling lights removed. When you watch the final scenes, you’ll spot our tall, elegant windows in the background. Arnos Vale Cemetery is unique – as a historic site, as a place for nature and a green space for people to walk. As a charity, the income from filming provides a significant boost and helps keep the Cemetery accessible to the more than 500,000 visitors we welcome every year. It also raises our profile, for potential visitors and location managers, really showcasing what we have to offer. Bristol Film Office are incredibly helpful in connecting us with productions and we are very grateful for their support.”
Adela Straughan, Bristol Film Office Manager says: “There are few UK cities that can contend with what Bristol has to offer lavish period dramas like The Forsytes. From Clifton’s breathtaking architecture to secluded Georgian squares, the range of settings we can supply is outstanding. High-end TV drama shoots like this bring tens of millions of pounds towards Bristol’s economy each year and also put our locations on the screen tourism map, supporting visitor destinations to shine on screen and generate valuable income.”
About The Forsytes
BAFTA winner Francesca Annis (Flesh and Blood) plays formidable Forsyte matriarch Ann, with Stephen Moyer (Sexy Beast, True Blood) as her eldest son, Jolyon Senior, head of the family stockbroking firm Forsyte & Co. Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga) plays his bohemian son Jo, Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era) is Jo’s status-driven wife Frances, and Eleanor Tomlinson (One Day) plays Louisa Byrne, a Soho dressmaker and Jo’s first love.
Jack Davenport (The Morning Show, Ten Percent) plays Ann’s competitive younger son James, with Joshua Orpin (Titans) as James’ shrewd and sometimes ruthless son Soames. Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) plays Irene, the dancer whom Soames falls in love with. Tom Durant Pritchard (This Is Going To Hurt) plays Monty Dartie, James’ son-in-law.
Josette Simon OBE (Anatomy of a Scandal) is Mrs. Ellen Parker Barrington, a wealthy heiress and friend of the Forsyte family, with Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way Of Water) as architect Philip Bosinney and Owen Igiehon (Disclaimer) as lawyer Isaac Cole. Susan Hampshire OBE (star of the 1967 BBC Forsyte Saga for which she received the first of her three lead actress Emmys), plays Lady Carteret.
The Forsyte Saga is directed by Meenu Gaur (Murder Is Easy) and Annetta Laufer (Get Millie Black) and is produced by Sarah Lewis (The Long Shadow). The executive producers are Sheena Bucktowonsing, Debbie Horsfield, Meenu Gaur and Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen, part of ITV Studios, and Susanne Simpson for MASTERPIECE. The Forsyte Saga is produced in association with ITV Studios, which will handle international distribution, with PBS Distribution handling North American rights.
The Forsyte Saga was previously adapted as a Hollywood film in 1949 and for television in 1967 and 2002. The 2002 series aired on MASTERPIECE on PBS and has been streaming on Netflix in 2025.
The Forsytes begins on 5 on Monday 20 October 2025 at 9pm. It will premiere on MASTERPIECE on PBS in 2026.
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