WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for episode 5 of Alice & Jack

Actor Aisling Bea delights in bringing nuance to her characters and finding the humor in dramatic roles. This week, Aisling joins us to discuss playing Jack?s dynamic and resilient ex-wife Lynn in Alice & Jack, and how her character maintains her poise and dignity despite the chaos of Alice and Jack?s relationship.

For writer Gwyneth Hughes, Mr Bates vs The Post Office is the perfect culmination of her years of experience as a journalist, documentarian, and dramatist. This week, Gwyneth joins us to discuss how she adapted this true story for the screen, and the real-life impact of this drama series as the fallout from the scandal continues to echo in Parliament, the courts, and the halls of power in Britain. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Nolly.

Actor Helena Bonham Carter enjoys playing complex, dynamic roles. From Princess Margaret to Bellatrix Lestrange, she never shies away from complicated characters. This week, we talked with Helena about playing the trailblazing Noele Gordon in Russell T Davies? Nolly, a role for which she earned a BAFTA Television award nomination for Leading Actress.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Nolly.

Composer Blair Mowat has written music for a long list of film and TV productions, including Class, After The Flood, and recently, Russell T. Davies? bittersweet love letter to the Queen of the Midlands, Nolly. This week, we talked with Blair about how he approached composing the music for this eloquent and emotional real-life drama, for which he earned a BAFTA Television Award nomination for Original Music.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1 of Alice & Jack.

For Alice & Jack writer and creator Victor Levin, love is a messy business worth fighting for. It often bypasses the rules of reason and logic and throws all kinds of emotional curve balls. But in the end, it?s the best thing we have. In this interview, Victor joins us to share his feelings on the nature of love, and what he hopes viewers take away from this series.

WARNING: This episode contains significant spoilers for Season 4 of Miss Scarlet and The Duke.

For four seasons, we?ve watched Eliza Scarlet and William Wellington work together to solve a seemingly endless stream of serpentine mysteries in Victorian era London. But by the fourth episode of Season Four, Eliza and William's relationship is forever changed. Stuart Martin, who has played William Wellington for the past four seasons, will not be returning as the Duke for a fifth season. In this episode, we talk with actor Stuart Martin, and writers Rachael New and Ben Edwards about this momentous shift, and what lies ahead for the future of the show.

Dr. Mark Roodhouse, historical consultant for All Creatures Great & Small, and lecturer in History at the University of York, joins us to discuss his role on the show, and the real-life history behind rationing and black markets in World War II-era Britain. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 7 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 4. 

Lead actor Nicholas Ralph returns to the podcast to reflect on Season Four of All Creatures Great and Small, and how his character, James Herriot, learned to embrace the ever-present uncertainties of life while training a new vet, joining the RAF, and becoming a father.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 6 of Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 4. 

Writers Rachael New and Ben Edwards are back to wrap up Season Four of Miss Scarlet and The Duke. At the end of this season, Eliza steps out of the shadows cast by her father, Nash, and the Duke, and finally hangs her own shingle. This week, Rachael and Ben join us to discuss the Season Four finale, and what this huge shift might mean for Eliza and the show going forward.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 5 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 4. 

Actor James Anthony-Rose joins All Creatures Great and Small this season as new veterinarian Richard Carmody. With Tristan away and James leaving for military training, there?s a lot of pressure on Richard to succeed in the veterinary practice. Will he rise to the occasion? James discusses how he approached playing the bookish Richard Carmody, and what he shares with his character both on and off the set.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 4 of Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 4.

It?s been a trying season for actor Stuart Martin?s ?Duke?. He?s been pushed past the point of exhaustion, shot in the arm, in a coma, and now contends with rest and recovery. But as we see a more vulnerable Duke emerge, these events are hardly what occupies his mind. Stuart Martin joins us this week to explore big changes for the Duke, and what his future might hold.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 3 of Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 4. 

In episode 3 of Miss Scarlet and The Duke, writers and spouses Rachael New and Ben Edwards try something new: a flashback episode. We travel back in time to the world of young Eliza and William to witness their formative years and the origins of their relationship. Rachael and Ben join us this week to bring us inside their writing process, and discuss how they arrived at the first ever flashback episode of Miss Scarlet and The Duke.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 2 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 4.

Actor Neve McIntosh joins All Creatures Great and Small this season as the organized and rigid Miss Harbottle. Bringing order to chaos is her speciality, and that?s what she plans to do at the rather disorderly Skeldale House. But will it be a good fit for the practice? This week, Neve McIntosh shares what makes Miss Harbottle tick, her would-be romance with Siegfried Farnon, and what her long-term visions are for Skeldale House.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 4.

New beginnings are afoot as Jamie Crichton takes over as lead writer for the fourth season of All Creatures Great and Small. With Tristan away and the war encroaching, things aren?t quite the same in Darrowby. But these changes leave room for other dynamics to blossom. Jamie shares how he stayed true to the show while exploring new themes of love, humor, and loss.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 6 of World on Fire Season 2. 

This season, actor Eugénie Derouand?s character, Henriette Guilbert, moves into the foreground. As the Nazis tighten their grip on the hospital, Henriette moves her resistance efforts to the French countryside, where she hides and rehabilitates fallen RAF pilots, and helps them return home. This week, Eugénie Derouand reflects on what motivates Henriette to take such enormous risks.

Stay tuned after the interview for real WWII historical commentary from World on Fire historical advisor Richard Overy.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 5 of World on Fire Season 2. 

Actor Mark Bonnar turns up the charm this season with his suave and elegant character, Sir James Danemere. But what lies behind this sly demeanor? This week, Mark Bonnar brings us inside the head of Sir James, a man with a sharp sense of the ridiculous.

Stay tuned after the interview for real WWII historical commentary from World on Fire historical advisor Richard Overy.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 4 of World on Fire Season 2. 

Actor Ahad Raza Mir joins Season 2 of World on Fire as the heroic leader of the British Indian Army?s Sapper unit, Rajib Pal. In this interview, he discusses the complexity of his character, and how Rajib can simultaneously follow the rules while throwing caution to the wind. 

Stay tuned after the interview for real WWII historical commentary from World on Fire historical advisor Richard Overy.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for episode 3 of World on Fire Season 2. 

For director Meenu Gaur, it?s important to bring a new perspective to the stories and genres that have been around for decades. And that?s what drew her to World on Fire. In this interview, Gaur discusses how she balanced the big, dramatic moments of battle with the small, tender moments of love, longing, and domesticity. 

Stay tuned after the interview for real WWII historical commentary from World on Fire historical advisor Richard Overy.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for episode 1 of World on Fire Season 2. 

Historical advisor Richard Overy joins us as we kick off Season 2 of World on Fire. A lot happened in that first year of WWII, and because this show closely follows the real life history of the war, we want to take a moment to get oriented. If you?re confused about the North African campaign, never ending bombings in Manchester, or the U.S?s non-involvement, don?t fret. We here at MASTERPIECE Studio have got you covered. Let us bring you up to speed about everything in Episode 1.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Unforgotten Season 5. 

For actor Sanjeev Bhaskar and writer and creator Chris Lang, Season 5 of Unforgotten was full of new challenges and uncomfortable moments. But by the end of this season, we?re left with a glimmer of hope. As Sanjeev and Chris discuss the final episode of this season, we?re reminded that even in the most difficult of situations, there is always the promise of new beginnings.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for episode four of Season Five of Unforgotten.

Unforgotten creator and writer Chris Lang knew it would take time for both audiences and characters to grieve the loss of the beloved Cassie Stuart, played by Nicola Walker, and welcome in Jessica James, played by Sinéad Keenan. In this episode, Lang reveals some of the decisions he made when crafting this transition, and why the obvious choice was to lean into the unexpected.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for World on Fire Season 1.

It?s been more than three years since MASTERPIECE aired Season 1 of World on Fire in 2020 ? so don?t worry if you don?t remember exactly what happened in the first season. But rest assured: we?ve got you covered. With Season 2 of World on Fire just around the corner, let?s go back to the beginning and make sure we?re all caught up on every stolen glance, every failed mission, and every one of Robina?s withering comments as we prepare to parachute back into World on Fire.

As an Unforgotten fan herself, actor Sinéad Keenan was well aware of the boots she was filling by stepping into the role of the new DCI. And as if that wasn?t enough of a hurdle for her character DCI Jessica James, less than an hour before her first day at work, Jess?s husband Steve drops some shattering news. Sinéad joins the podcast this week to reflect on some of the challenges her character faces and how she approached playing the bristly and complex Jessica James.

At the end of Season 4 of Unforgotten DCI Cassie Stuart, played by Nicola Walker, tragically died in a car accident, sending shockwaves out to the other characters, actors, and viewers alike. But Sunny Khan is hit especially hard, given his close working relationship with Cassie. Sanjeev Bhaskar joins us to discuss how Sunny deals with this change, and what struggles and triumphs might lie ahead for his character this season.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode One of  'Little Women'.

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode.

Dame Angela Lansbury was an acting icon for more than 75 years. Her credits spanned from Gaslight, Mame, and Murder, She Wrote to Beauty and the Beast and Little Women. She died in October 2022, and left behind a rich legacy of characters that are as iconic and memorable as the actor herself. As PBS re-broadcasts MASTERPIECE?s 2018 production of Little Women, we thought we?d revisit our 2018 conversation with her as she takes us through highlights of her prodigious career and reveals what she learned on the "Little Women" set.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for the series finale of Endeavour.

For over a decade, lead actor Shaun Evans has starred as Endeavour Morse. We?ve watched him transform from the young, talented and eager Morse, into the gruff, solitary, and brilliant Morse character portrayed by John Thaw in the original Inspector Morse series. As this series draws to a satisfying conclusion, Shaun Evans joins us to reflect on this final season, and why it felt like the right time to say goodbye to Endeavour.

After 11 years of murder, mystery, and mystifying crossword puzzles, we?ve come to the final season of Endeavour. This episode is from a live conversation our host, Jace Lacob, had with Morse himself ? star, director and producer Shaun Evans ? during PBS?s virtual Endeavour event. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Endeavour Seasons 1-8.

As Endeavour fans will know, this show packs its fair share of clever and unpredictable details into every episode. So, let?s make sure we?re all caught up on every clue, every chance meeting, and every furtive glance as we gear up for the final season of Endeavour on this special recap episode of MASTERPIECE Studio.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Tom Jones episode 4.

Solly McLeod joins the podcast to discuss his meteoric rise as an actor and how he relates to his Tom Jones character, as we bid a fond farewell to this joyful coming-of-age love story.

Honour Newton isn?t your typical lady?s maid. She?s outspoken and frank, but always provides unwavering support to her lovesick mistress Sophia Western, despite some very uncomfortable situations. Actor Pearl Mackie joins the podcast to discuss how her Tom Jones character strikes a balance between honesty and duty.

Tom Jones co-star Sophie Wilde reflects on what it means for her character, Sophia Western, to take charge of her own journey in defiance of her family?and society's expectations?in pursuit of her one true love.

Gwyneth Hughes is no stranger to serious period dramas, but wanted to try something more lighthearted and romantic. Hughes discusses the decisions and joys of adapting Henry Fielding?s 1,000-page, deeply human, mother of all rom coms into four episodes of pure sunshine.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Six of the Third Season of Sanditon.

After three dramatic seasons, the series finale of Sanditon brings the story of Jane Austen?s unfinished final novel to a satisfying conclusion. Rose Williams and Crystal Clarke discuss the resolution of Charlotte Heywood?s and Georgiana Lambe?s stories and reflect on what this series has meant to them as actors.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Five of the Third Season of Sanditon. 

Mary Parker has steadfastly supported the dreams of her visionary husband, Tom, but when his vision for Sanditon collides with Mary?s belief in what is right and just, she can support him no longer. Actor Kate Ashfield joins the podcast to discuss how Mary Parker finds her voice by pushing against Tom?s intolerable plans. 

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Three of the Third Season of Sanditon.

Georgiana Lambe?s fortune has proven to be a blessing and a curse. While it provides her with safety and independence, it is also a magnet for fortune hunters and gossip mongers. In this interview, Crystal Clarke reveals some of the challenges Georgiana confronts as she defends not only her wealth, but also her identity.

It?s been anything but smooth sailing for Charlotte Heywood since she first arrived in Sanditon. After experiencing heartbreak twice, she returns to the seaside resort this time with her childhood friend and fiancé, Ralph Starling. Actor Rose Williams joins us to discuss Charlotte?s pursuit of self-discovery as we kick off this third and final season of Sanditon.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Seven of the Third Season of All Creatures Great and Small.

At the end of the third season of All Creatures Great and Small, World War II has finally come to the Yorkshire Dales. Series leads Rachel Shenton and Nicholas Ralph reflect on their characters? first season as a married couple, and anticipate what the arrival of war will mean for the Dales ? and for the Herriots themselves.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Six of the Third Season of Miss Scarlet and The Duke.

As a title character in Miss Scarlet and The Duke, William ?Duke? Wellington has a remarkably poor crime solving rate when compared to his amateur friend and colleague, Eliza Scarlet. But Stuart Martin assures viewers that the Duke is solving 100% of the crimes you don?t see him investigate, just off screen ? not including the mystery of his love life, that is.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Five of the Third Season of All Creatures Great and Small.

The character of Mrs. Hall is knowing, and quick and quietly competent, but there?s much about her viewers still don?t know. Until this week, that is. In a gripping new episode, we learn the backstory of her long estrangement from her son, and Anna Madeley reveals how that story came to the screen.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Four of the Third Season of Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Ivy Woods is Eliza Scarlet?s surrogate mother, best friend and biggest critic. But thanks to Eliza, Ivy?s seen new possibilities for women in the Victorian Era, which is a thrilling journey for actor Cathy Belton to chart. Belton traces Ivy?s arc in the last three seasons, and looks ahead to what?s in store for the sharp-tongued housekeeper.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Three of the Third Season of Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Miss Scarlet and the Duke series creator, head writer and executive producer Rachael New has a new title to add to her hyphenated list of roles on the show ? director! In this third episode of the third season, New stepped up and swept in to the director's chair in a charming jewel box of a bottle episode. New explains how she found the courage to take on the job, and what she learned from the process on set.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Two of the Third Season of All Creatures Great and Small*.*

On any given episode of All Creatures Great and Small, a wide variety of animals pass through the scene with injured hooves or damaged snouts. It's up to animal handlers like Jill Clark, of 1st Choice Animals, to train those furry guest stars to sit still, lie down or play dead ? which she does to great effect. Clark explains the hidden human touch required behind the scenes to bring a rural veterinary practice to raucous life...and reveals which cast member Tricki Woo loves best.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode One of the Third Season of All Creatures Great and Small.

It took two seasons of television ? and a lot more besides ? but Nicholas Ralph?s James Herriot has finally tied the knot with Rachel Shenton?s Helen Alderson. It?s a real highlight of the third season, and one Ralph and his castmates cherished all the more with the presence of real-life James Herriot's children, Rosie and Jim.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Six of Magpie Murders.

We?re of course bound to remind listeners not to listen to episodes like this until they watch all of the related Mystery! series ? but after you do, you?ll definitely want to come back. Magpie Murders creator, writer and executive producer Anthony Horowitz and series star Lesley Manville return to the podcast to discuss the surprising finale, and perhaps even give Susan Ryeland and Atticus Pünd fans something to look forward to.

Warning: The episode contains spoilers for episode five of Magpie Murders.

Actor Tim McMullan had worked with author and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz before, but never on a title as wild as the adaptation of his own Magpie Murders. As Atticus Pünd ? a fictional detective who solves murders both real and imaginary ? McMullan has great fun gently ribbing the classic whodunnit format.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Five of the First Season of Miss Scarlet and the Duke*.*

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode.

A female private detective in Victorian London seems anachronistic ? but Eliza Scarlet more than holds her own on the grimy streets of the British capitol. Kate Phillips is a witty delight in the title role, and she brings that zest to the MASTERPIECE Studio podcast.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Three of the Second Season of Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

The witty banter and serialized crime-of-the-week format of Miss Scarlet and the Duke give viewers a regular pivot between the expected and the extraordinary. That span was exactly what series creator and executive producer Rachael New aimed for when she put together the show, and she explains the origin story  and looks ahead in a new conversation.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for episode two of Magpie Murders.

Lesley Manville is in high demand lately for her excellent work on screen, so it seems only fitting that she come to the MASTERPIECE screen in the role of brilliant editor Susan Ryeland in the twisty mystery of Magpie Murders. Manville explores what drew her to the role, and where she stands in her storied career.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode One of Magpie Murders.

Anthony Horowitz has written dozen of books and scores of television dramas in his lengthy career, but the task of transforming his meta mystery novel, Magpie Murders ? a crime novel about writing and publishing crime novels ? was especially tricky. Fortunately for MASTERPIECE viewers, the resulting series is a delight, and the author explains the tricky choices he made to bring Susan Ryeland and Atticus Pünd to the screen.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Six of the Seventh Season of Grantchester.

As the seventh season of Grantchester comes to a surprisingly satisfying close, fans can be assured that the eighth season of the series is just over the horizon. Series creator and head writer Daisy Coulam and series lead ? and director! ? Tom Brittney return to the podcast to wrap up and look ahead .