Upstairs Downstairs

Series 2 (2012): Blanche Mottershead’s history and renewed intimacy with Lady Portia Alresford generate a sustained personal and household scandal. 2010 revival, not the 1971 original.

Ended2010United Kingdom2 seasons · 9 episodes

A grand house in Belgravia promises order, but its inhabitants bring more secrets than any set of household rules can contain. As a new family…Read more +Read less −

A grand house in Belgravia promises order, but its inhabitants bring more secrets than any set of household rules can contain. As a new family settles into Eaton Place during the unsettled years before the Second World War, servants and employers negotiate changing expectations on both sides of the stairs. The arrival of archaeologist Blanche Mottershead introduces a woman accustomed to independent thought and an unconventional life. When her former lover, Lady Portia Alresford, re-enters the picture, their history becomes a source of renewed longing and public discomfort. The second series gives that relationship space within a broader portrait of class, politics and domestic life, as private choices become impossible to keep entirely private.

Supporting sapphic storylineDrama

Sapphic characters & cast

Alex Kingston

as Dr. Blanche Mottershead

Main sapphic character

1963-03-11Pisces

Emilia Fox

as Lady Portia Alresford

Supporting sapphic character

1974-07-31Leo

BEHIND THE SCENES

Details & credits

Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Premiere: 2010-12-26
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 9

Image credits

Poster: TVmaze series artwork catalogue · Source
Alex Kingston: TVmaze performer catalogue · Source
Emilia Fox: TVmaze performer catalogue · Source

Sources & editorial notes (8)

Last researched 2026-10-31. Editorially approved.

year: Series identity / original release
genres: Series identity / original release
status: Series identity / original release
country: Series identity / original release
language: Series identity / original release
description: Sourced sapphic storyline / cast evidence
watch links: Hulu US; 2010 revival, 2 seasons/9 episodes; subscription; playback/subtitle tracks untested
season count: Series identity / original release
western cast: Sourced sapphic storyline / cast evidence
episode count: Series identity / original release
premiere date: Series identity / original release
sapphic storyline: Sourced sapphic storyline / cast evidence
classification note: Sourced sapphic storyline / cast evidence
representation type: Sourced sapphic storyline / cast evidence