The Forsytes cast: Millie Gibson and Eleanor Tomlinson star in new adaptation

If you’re like me and love a good period drama, you absolutely *need* to check out ‘The Forsytes’! It’s starting on Channel 5 this week, and I already have a feeling it’s going to be my new favorite show.

This new series reimagines John Galsworthy’s classic novels, The Forsyte Saga. It’s written by Debbie Horsfield, who also created Poldark, and features a talented cast including Millie Gibson, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jack Davenport, and Tuppence Middleton.

The story centers on a prominent family of stockbrokers in late Victorian England, and how its members struggle with balancing family expectations, finding personal fulfillment, and searching for love across generations.

The series follows cousins Jolyon and Soames, whose lives are unexpectedly disrupted by two fateful meetings, jeopardizing the stability of their families.

Jolyon finds his life complicated when Louisa, a woman he once loved who now makes dresses, returns. At the same time, his daughter June develops feelings for a struggling architect. Meanwhile, Soames is captivated by Irene, a beautiful and independent dancer. Each of them faces a choice: will they follow their logic, or their emotions?

Beyond the main actors, who else appears in the series, and what roles do they play? Here’s a breakdown of the cast and characters in The Forsytes.

The Forsytes cast: Who stars in the 5 series?

Meet the stars of The Forsytes! Below, you’ll find details about the main characters and the actors who play them, including where you might recognize them from.

Francesca Annis as Ann Forsyte
Danny Griffin as Jolyon Forsyte
Joshua Orpin as Soames Forsyte
Tuppence Middleton as Frances Forsyte
Millie Gibson as Irene Heron
Stephen Moyer as Jolyon Senior
Jack Davenport as James Forsyte
Eleanor Tomlinson as Louisa Byrne
Justine Moore as June Forsyte

Francesca Annis plays Ann Forsyte

Ann Forsyte is the head of the Forsyte family and the mother of Jolyon and James.

You might recognize Francesca Annis from shows like Great Expectations, Madame Bovary, Partners in Crime, Home Fires, Cranford, Bancroft, and Showtrial. She’s also appeared in films including Dune (1984) and King of Thieves.

Danny Griffin plays Jolyon Forsyte

Jolyon Forsyte is the son of Jolyon Senior, and unlike the rest of his family, he’s passionate about art and doesn’t care much for business.

You might recognize Danny Griffin from shows like So Awkward, Get Even, and Fate: The Winx Saga, or from the movie The Gentlemen.

Joshua Orpin plays Soames Forsyte

Soames Forsyte is the son of James, a man driven to climb the social and professional ladder through any means necessary.

You might recognize Joshua Orpin from his appearances in shows like Preacher, Titans, and Home and Away, or the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Tuppence Middleton plays Frances Forsyte

Who is Frances Forsyte? Frances is the ambitious, status-driven wife of Jolyon Junior.

I keep recognizing Tuppence Middleton, but I always have to pause and think where I know her from! She’s been in so much good stuff – I remember her from shows like *Friday Night Dinner*, that unsettling *Black Mirror* episode, and even *War & Peace*. She’s popped up in *Sense8* and *Our House* too, and I recently saw her in *CAUGHT*. As for movies, she’s been in everything from *Trance* and *The Imitation Game* to *Downton Abbey* and *Mank* – she was great in *Jupiter Ascending* and *The Current War* as well, oh, and I totally forgot *Spooks: The Greater Good* and *Fisherman’s Friends*! It’s a really impressive list.

Millie Gibson plays Irene Heron

Who is Irene Heron? Irene is a dancer who catches the eye of Soames Forsyte.

Okay, so you’re wondering where you recognize Millie Gibson from? I get it – she’s really starting to pop up everywhere! Most people will know her as Kelly Neelan from *Coronation Street*, and more recently, she’s been fantastic as Ruby Sunday in *Doctor Who*. Those are the roles that really put her on the map, in my opinion.

Stephen Moyer plays Jolyon Senior

Jolyon Senior is Ann’s oldest son and the leader of the Forsyte family. He manages the family’s stockbroking business, Forsyte & Co.

You might recognize Stephen Moyer from his work in several popular TV shows and movies. He’s appeared in series like Waking the Dead, Lilies, True Blood, The Bastard Executioner, Shots Fired, Safe House, The Gifted, Sexy Beast, Elsbeth, and Art Detectives. He’s also been in films including Concussion, The Hatton Garden Job, and After We Fell.

Jack Davenport plays James Forsyte

James Forsyte is Ann’s brother and the younger son of Jolyon Senior. He and Jolyon have been locked in a long-standing disagreement over the leadership of the family business.

You might recognize Jack Davenport from movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Boat That Rocked, and Kingsman: The Secret Service. He’s also appeared in TV shows including This Life, Coupling, Flashforward, Smash, The Morning Show, Why Women Kill, Ten Percent, Dr Death, and The Assassin.

Eleanor Tomlinson plays Louisa Byrne

Who is Louisa Byrne? Louisa is a dressmaker and Jolyon’s first love, who she met a long time ago.

You might recognize Eleanor Tomlinson from a variety of TV shows and films! She’s appeared in series like *The Sarah Jane Adventures*, *The White Queen*, *Poldark*, *The War of the Worlds*, and *The Nevers*, as well as movies including *Alice in Wonderland* and *Loving Vincent*. More recently, she’s been in *A Small Light*, *The Couple Next Door*, *One Day*, and *The Outlaws*.

Justine Moore plays June Forsyte

June Forsyte is the daughter of Frances from a previous relationship and the stepdaughter of Jolyon Junior.

You might recognize Justine Moore from her appearances in shows like Without Sin and Call the Midwife.

2025-10-20 18:35