BritBox is set to transport viewers back to the gritty yet hopeful world of 1890s Yorkshire with its new original series, “The Hardacres,” premiering on September 10, 2025. This sweeping family saga follows the Hardacre clan as they make the monumental leap from a life of hardship on a grimy fish dock to the bewildering opulence of a vast country estate, navigating the profound social divides and personal conflicts that such a radical change invites. The series promises a rich tapestry of drama, resilience, and ambition, anchored by the stellar performances of its lead cast, including Liam McMahon, Claire Cooper, Adam Little, and Shannon Lavelle as the core Hardacre family.

This ensemble drama brings together a formidable roster of British and Irish acting talent to bring this compelling story to life. From the formidable matriarchs played by Julie Graham and Ingrid Craigie to the complex outsiders portrayed by Siobhán O’Kelly and Taheen Modak, each character is poised to add depth and intrigue to the Hardacres’ journey. With a plot that explores themes of class, identity, and the price of prosperity, “The Hardacres” is shaping up to be a must-watch period drama event this autumn.

Meet the Cast of “The Hardacres”

1- Liam McMahon as Sam Hardacre

Liam McMahon takes on the pivotal role of Sam Hardacre, the patriarch determined to lift his family out of poverty. McMahon is a talented actor known for his powerful performances across British television. He has appeared in popular series such as Shameless, The Bay, and Hollyoaks, where he showcased his ability to portray complex, grounded characters. His film work includes roles in The Vanishing of Sidney Hall and The Keeper, demonstrating a versatile range that makes him perfectly suited to lead this ambitious family saga.

His portrayal of Sam will require a journey from the physical grit of the docks to the psychological pressures of the upper class, a challenge well within McMahon’s proven capabilities. Audiences can expect a performance filled with raw determination and emotional depth as he guides the Hardacre family through their incredible transformation.

2- Claire Cooper as Mary Hardacre

Portraying the resilient and compassionate Mary Hardacre is Claire Cooper, an actress with an extensive background in British drama. Cooper is perhaps best known to audiences for her long-running and acclaimed role as Jacqui McQueen in the iconic Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, a part that earned her several awards and nominations. Her television credits also include appearances in Doctors, The Syndicate, and Father Brown, where she has consistently delivered strong, memorable performances.

As Mary, Cooper will embody the heart and soul of the Hardacre family, acting as its emotional anchor amidst turbulent change. Her experience in portraying nuanced, long-form character development ensures that Mary will be a fully realized figure, balancing the struggles of her old life with the new challenges and opportunities that their sudden wealth presents.

3- Adam Little as Joe Hardacre

Adam Little stars as Joe Hardacre, the eldest son navigating the conflicts between family duty and personal ambition. Little is a seasoned actor with a impressive list of credits in both film and television. He has appeared in major series like Game of Thrones as a Stark guard, The Frankenstein Chronicles alongside Sean Bean, and the historical drama Jamestown. His film work includes roles in ’71, a critically acclaimed thriller set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Little brings a intensity and physical presence to his roles that will be essential for Joe’s character arc. As a young man torn between the world he came from and the world he is thrust into, Joe’s story is central to the series’ exploration of class mobility, and Little is well-equipped to handle its complexities.

4- Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre

Shannon Lavelle plays Liza Hardacre, the daughter coming of age in a new world of possibility and constraint. Lavelle is a rising star whose career began on the stage before transitioning to screen. She has built a solid foundation with roles in television series such as the BBC’s Waterloo Road and The Dumping Ground, where she honed her craft in character-driven storytelling aimed at exploring the lives of young people.

Her role as Liza offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase her talent on a larger platform. Lavelle will likely explore the unique pressures faced by a young woman whose station in life changes overnight, dealing with new social expectations, romance, and the tension between family loyalty and personal desire.

5- Julie Graham as Ma

The formidable Julie Graham portrays the family matriarch, known simply as Ma. Graham is a veteran actress with a prolific career spanning decades. She is renowned for her leading roles in popular series such as William and Mary, Bonekickers, and more recently, the hit supernatural drama The Bletchley Circle and its spin-off The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco. Her film credits include The Hole and You Instead.

Graham excels at portraying strong, intelligent, and often uncompromising women, making her an ideal choice for the family’s formidable grandmother. Her character will undoubtedly be a source of wisdom, tradition, and conflict as the Hardacres leave behind the world she has always known.

6- Siobhán O’Kelly as Lena Temple

Siobhán O’Kelly brings the character of Lena Temple to life, a figure who adds intrigue to the Hardacres’ story. O’Kelly is an accomplished Irish actress with a strong background in both comedy and drama. She is best known for her role as Siobhán in the award-winning Channel 4 comedy Friday Night Dinner, and for her dramatic work in series like Jack Taylor and Acceptable Risk.

Her versatility as a performer suggests that Lena Temple could be a character of many layers—perhaps a love interest, a rival, or a cunning outsider from the upper echelons of society who takes an interest in the new arrivals. O’Kelly’s presence guarantees a compelling and nuanced performance.

7- Mark Doherty as Beesley

Mark Doherty takes on the role of Beesley, a character integral to the Hardacres’ world on the docks. Doherty is a actor and writer known for his work on projects like A Film with Me in It, a dark comedy he also wrote, and appearances in shows like Moone Boy and Father Ted.

His experience often leans into characters with a sharp, everyman quality, suggesting Beesley could be a fellow dockworker, a friend, or a foe from the family’s past who represents the life they are trying to leave behind. Doherty’s performance will ground the series in the authentic community of its setting.

8- Taheen Modak as Callum Saunders

Taheen Modak plays Callum Saunders, a character who likely represents a new connection in the Hardacres’ future. Modak is a talented actor who has quickly made a name for himself with standout roles. He starred in the BBC Three comedy-drama Mood and has appeared in popular series like The Lazarus Project and We Are Lady Parts.

Modak’s casting indicates a character that brings a modern energy and perspective to the period setting. Callum Saunders could be a ambitious businessman, a creative influence, or a romantic suitor, introducing new dynamics and challenges for the Hardacre family to navigate.

9- Ingrid Craigie as Mrs. Dryden

The esteemed Ingrid Craigie rounds out the cast as Mrs. Dryden, a name that suggests a figure of authority in their new aristocratic surroundings. Craigie is a highly respected Irish actress with a distinguished career in theatre, television, and film. Her extensive TV credits include Catastrophe, Ridley Road, The Crown (as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother), and Foyle’s War. On film, she has appeared in The Last Duel and Notes on a Scandal.

Craigie is a master at portraying dignified, formidable, and often morally complex women of stature. As Mrs. Dryden, she will perfectly embody the established upper-class world that the Hardacres are attempting to enter, likely serving as either a stern adversary or an unexpected ally to the burgeoning family.