Harriet Slater, Ben Wainwright, Edward Bluemel, Claude Perron and Elaine Cassidy have been cast in regular roles for the drama series produced by Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant. In addition, Toby Regbo, Hannah Onslow, Sophie Thompson and Sophie Winkleman will have recurring roles in the eight-part series. Filming is taking place in the UK and the premiere is scheduled for winter 2023.
The Next Chapter is a continuation of Belgravia, named after and situated in the wealthy London borough that became synonymous with the upper echelons of London society in the 19th century.
Belgravia: The Next Chapter begins in 1871, three decades after the events of the 2020 series, written by Fellowes (Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age) and based on his novel of the same name.
Developed and written by playwright and screenwriter Helen Edmundson (Dalgliesh), the series tells the love story of Frederick Trenchard (Wainwright), who has grown up as the third Lord Trenchard, and his new love interest, Clara Dunn (Slater), who is a newcomer to London society. Unaware that his birth was the product of an affair between his mother Susan and the villain John Bellasis, a troubled childhood has left Frederick deeply insecure, testing his courtship and marriage to Clara.
Slater's Clara is a young, bright and striking woman, and a new face in Belgravia society. Clara is thrilled about her marriage to the enigmatic Frederick... but as she learns more about her husband and the trauma he carries, Clara discovers that her marriage won't go as smoothly as she first thought and that it's something is what she has to fight for.
Wainwright's Frederick Trenchard, the young and handsome third Lord Trenchard, resembles his grandfather with a ruthless work ethic, who built a large business empire. He is instantly infatuated with Clara and marries her after a whirlwind romance, but brings with him traumas from his past that threaten his newfound happiness.
Bluemel (pictured) plays Dr. Stephen Ellerby. Stephen, an idealistic, charming and attractive young doctor, is accepted into the society of Belgravia where he looks after Peter, the son of the Duke of Rochester - a life very different from the bohemians of Bloomsbury. He quickly falls under Clara's spell when he meets her and begins to gain her trust as their lives become intertwined.
Regbo plays Rev. James Trenchard, Frederick's estranged brother. A gentle, kind and religious man, James is haunted by both his brother's divorce and a personal struggle he is determined to keep hidden.
Onslow portrays Emily Dunn, Clara's older sister. Emily reacts to her sister's quick wedding with a touch of jealousy as she is desperate to get her own wedding done. But when she throws herself into charitable work at her new church, she is immediately drawn to Reverend James Trenchard.
Thompson plays Mrs. Dunn, Emily and Clara's devoted mother. Mrs. Dunn is a nervous, giddy and chatty widow who has moved to Belgravia with her daughters and is overjoyed with Clara's new marriage and the security of social status it brings.
Perron plays The Marquise D'Étagnac, a glamorous and very unconventional French businesswoman, who is introduced to Belgravia by the Duke and Duchess of Rochester. Frederick offers a wealth of business opportunities and sees an opportunity to expand into new industries.
Winkleman plays the Duchess of Rochester. As Queen of Belgravia, the Duchess and her husband are at the top of Belgravia's social hierarchy, but privately struggles to reconcile the Duke's feelings for their ailing eldest son Peter with her own wishes for his care.
Cassidy plays Davison. Davison, Clara's new maid, protects her mistress with fierce devotion, acknowledging Clara's youth and need for love. Davison has been through hard times in her own past and wants to support Clara in her struggle.
The series, led by Neame, reunites Carnival's award-winning creative team behind the original series. Neame and Marchant serve as executive producers along with Fellowes and Joanna Strevens. Helen Edmundson serves as showrunner and executive producer. The series is directed by John Alexander, Paul Wilmshurst and Marisol Adler. Colin Wratten (Killing Eve), who produced the original series, will return as producer.
Belgravia: The Next Chapter is a Carnival Films co-production with MGMPlus Studios and will be distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution. Carnival Films is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Slater, best known as Sandra Onslow in the HBO Max DC series Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman's Butler, also guest-starred in Channel 5's All Creatures Great and Small remake series (2020).
Wainwright's recent television roles include major roles in Sky Atlantic's Gangs of London, and a guest role in BBC One's The Split. He has also starred in several episodes of the BBC One series World on Fire starring Sean Bean and Lesley Manville.
Bluemel is currently filming Amazon's My Lady Jane, starring Emily Bader. Soon he can also be seen in the Hulu miniseries Washington Black, which will premiere this year.
Regbo is known for his leading roles in The CW's Reign (2013) and Netflix's The Last Kingdom. He also starred in the Italian drama series Medici: Masters of Florence and most recently appeared in the third season of Sky Max's A Discovery of Witches and Channel 4's Chivalry.
Onslow's (pictured) television roles include Ridley Road for Red Productions, Sister/BBC's This Is Going to Hurt and BBC's Call the Midwife
Thompson was nominated six times for an Olivier Award and won the 1999 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Her television roles include BBC's Everything I Know About Love, Netflix series Sex Education, UKTV Gold's Sandylands and a recurring role on BBC's Detectorists.
Perron guest-starred in Netflix's Emily in Paris and in the French comedy series Groom.
Winkleman's television roles include regular roles on Peep Show and Two and a Half Men. Her most recent work includes starring roles in ITV's Sanditon and Strike for the BBC.
Cassidy's television work includes CBS' Harper's Island, BBC miniseries Fingersmith, BAFTA-nominated police procedural No Offense and BBC's Emmy-nominated The Paradise.
Watch a trailer for the costume drama Belgravia, the original series, below to get you in the mood.
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