The Hardacres cast: Meet the characters and actors in Channel 5 drama

The Hardacres cast: Meet the characters and actors in Channel 5 drama

As I delve deeper into the lives of these intriguing characters from The Hardacres, I can’t help but feel a strong sense of familiarity with them, as if they’re old friends who’ve been through their fair share of hard knocks and come out stronger on the other side.


If you’re seeking an engaging new period drama to keep you company during the lengthy, frosty winter evenings, then The Hardacres might just be the ideal choice for you.

The upcoming show hails from the same creators as “All Creatures Great and Small,” ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience. It’s adapted from books 1 and 2 of C.L. Skelton’s “The Hardacre Family Saga.

The story traces the “experiences, romantic entanglements, and changes in fortune” of the Hardacre family, as they transition from their humble jobs at a gritty fishing wharf to residing in an expansive countryside manor in 19th-century Yorkshire.

In addition to recognizable talents such as Julie Graham (Time) and Claire Cooper (Hollyoaks), you’ll encounter a host of fresh characters in this upcoming show, each ready to embark on their unique journeys of change.

Anticipating upcoming revelations, Cooper commended costume designer Allison Byrne, stating: “Allison was a tremendous help along the way. I’m not particular about my wardrobe. I enjoyed donning the tattered clothes. The scars on my hands were evident during close-ups, as they did a few, which underscored Mary’s hard life by clearly showing the damage from using knives while gutting herring.

With that, read on for everything you need to know about the cast of The Hardacres on Channel 5.

The Hardacres cast: Full list of characters and actors in Channel 5 drama 

Check out the complete lineup for “The Hardacres” below. Keep reading to discover details about each character and where the actors might be familiar from their past roles.

  • Claire Cooper as Mary Hardacre
  • Liam McMahon as Sam Hardacre
  • Julie Graham as Ma Hardacre
  • Adam Little as Joe Hardacre
  • Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre
  • Zak Ford-Williams as Harry Hardacre
  • Holly Sturton as Adella Fitzherbert
  • Cathy Belton as Emma Fitzherbert
  • Owen Roe as George Fitzherbert
  • Ingrid Craigie as Mrs Dryden
  • Siobhan O’Kelly as Lena
  • Sarah Agha as Betsy
  • Taheen Modak as Saunders

Claire Cooper plays Mary Hardacre

The Hardacres cast: Meet the characters and actors in Channel 5 drama

Who is Mary Hardacre, you ask? She’s the beloved matron of the Hardacre clan, tirelessly working to improve their fortunes. She plays a pivotal role within the family, always ready to lend a helping hand, and she isn’t shy about expressing her thoughts openly.

Concerning Mary, Cooper expressed: “Mary stands out due to her strong emotional bond with her family and those around her, as well as her ability to relate to them. Although she may experience some distance later, she manages to bring everyone together – she’s the foundation, the trailblazer, the innovator. She embodies multiple roles such as mother, wife, and daughter. Without a doubt, she is far from being shy or timid.

Have I encountered Claire Cooper somewhere else in my entertainment experiences? Claire Cooper gained recognition for her portrayal of Jacqui McQueen in Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2013, reprising the role in a 2023 episode. She has also appeared in Strike Back, Knightfall, The Peripheral, and John Wick prequel series, The Continental.

Liam McMahon plays Sam Hardacre

The Hardacres cast: Meet the characters and actors in Channel 5 drama

In simpler terms, who is Sam Hardacre? He is the leader of the Hardacre family, known for his diligence and unwavering commitment to work at the fishing docks.

Regarding McMahon’s personality, he commented: “He is faithful, trustworthy, consistent, friendly, and possesses traits that could easily lead one to believe he’s an excellent leader. These qualities seem to permeate every aspect of his life, which leads me to think he makes a wonderful husband and father.

Have I encountered Liam McMahon anywhere else? This Northern Irish actor gained recognition for his role in the 2008 film Hunger, directed by Steve McQueen. He’s also appeared in Warrior Nun, Agatha and the Murder Mystery, The Fall, and The Borgias.

Julie Graham plays Ma Hardacre

The Hardacres cast: Meet the characters and actors in Channel 5 drama

Who exactly is Ma Hardacre? She is Mary’s mom, known for her vocal nature within the Hardacre family. She works tirelessly alongside everyone else in the family, ensuring that there’s always a place for all of them to live comfortably.

About her personality, Graham remarked: “It’s clear she’s faced immense struggles in her past, likely making tough choices to stay alive. She seems like someone who has been tested severely throughout her life and managed to persevere.

Have I encountered Julie Graham in any previous shows or movies? She is primarily recognized for her work in The Bill, The Bletchley Circle, Shetland, Benidorm, BBC One’s Time, ITV’s Maternal, and The Serial Killer’s Wife.

Adam Little plays Joe Hardacre

The Hardacres cast: Meet the characters and actors in Channel 5 drama

Inquiring about Joe Hardacre, he’s referred to as the “rebellious one” within his family by Little. Being the eldest Hardacre sibling, Joe frequently finds himself entangled in predicaments that he probably ought to avoid.

Regarding his character, Little stated: “He creates his own sense of not belonging within the family. In the first few episodes, Joe appears quite arrogant. However, beneath this facade lies something truly unique and remarkable about him.

Have you encountered Adam Little somewhere else? You might remember him from his acting roles as Blake Myers in Coronation Street, Kyle Dobson in Ackley Bridge, or Lee Lyons in Years and Years.

Shannon Lavelle plays Liza Hardacre

The Hardacres cast: Meet the characters and actors in Channel 5 drama

In essence, Liza Hardacre can be likened to Ma’s companion. She is an 18-year-old girl who aspires to carve out a unique identity for herself within the broader society.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but tease about what’s in store for Liza. Lavelle hinted, “As her story unfolds and her life takes a dramatic turn, leading them to the grand mansion, that’s quite thrilling for Liza. Yet, it seems nothing will alter her essence – her humility or character, in any way.

Have you recognized Shannon Lavelle from somewhere else, given that “The Hardacres” marks her first appearance on television?

Zak Ford-Williams plays Harry Hardacre

The Hardacres cast: Meet the characters and actors in Channel 5 drama

Who is Harry Hardacre? He is the youngest member of his family and the only one who attends school instead of working at the docks, as he has a disability called cerebral palsy that prevents him from doing so.

In relation to the depiction of disabled individuals in dramas, Ford-Williams commented: “I believe it’s crucial to be mindful not to inadvertently revise history and eliminate people by making everyone aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s extremely important to offer an authentic glimpse into what these eras were truly like for various groups of people.

Have you recognized Zak Ford-Williams from previous roles? He’s been featured in Bridgerton as Lord Remington, BBC’s Better, Midsomer Murders, Wolfe, and A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story.

The Hardacres begins on Channel 5 on Monday 7th October at 9pm.

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2024-10-07 14:05