The Hardacres cast: Meet the characters and actors in 5 drama
Here's where you recognise the stars of the series from.
The Hardacres is back and coming from the team behind All Creatures Great and Small, we're set to be in for another stellar run of episodes as the titular family continues to navigate their new wealth.
Based on the novel series by C L Skelton, the second season marks a new chapter of modernity at Hardacre Hall, with the synopsis teasing that it "brings with it electricity, new ideas and new relationships".
It continues: "Hungry for new challenges, Mary champions adult education, while Sam takes steps amid a looming recession to expand the family business. Not least while wondering if Joe is truly ready to take the reins. A chance encounter starts an intense romance for Liza. Harry’s passion for education is reignited with the help of a new tutor, and Joe embraces married life with Betsy."
As well as the returning main cast of familiar faces, season 2 is also marked by the introduction of some brand new characters.
Michele Dotrice (A Very English Scandal) will be joining the cast as Lady Imelda Hansen, while Niall McNamee (Saipan) joins as Edward Blackwood, and Edward Mitchell (Zack Snyder’s Justice League) as Arthur Lewis.
But who are they exactly and who else will be starring in the second season of The Hardacres? Read on for everything you need to know about the cast of the 5 drama.
The Hardacres cast: Full list of characters and actors in 5 drama
The full cast for The Hardacres is as follows but scroll on to find out more about the characters, plus where you may have seen the actors previously.
- 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
- Michele Dotrice as Lady Imelda Hansen
- Niall McNamee as Edward Blackwood
- Edward Mitchell as Arthur Lewis
Claire Cooper plays Mary Hardacre
Who is Mary Hardacre? The matriarch of the Hardacre family, Mary is determined to turn her family's luck around. She is central to the family dynamic, making sure she's there for everyone and is very forthright in airing her opinions.
Speaking about Mary in season 2, Cooper said: "We meet Mary in a place of settlement and stability. She’s recalibrated to who she is in this world of opulence… life is full. There’s a home to run, children to keep track of, and a family to nurture. She’s found her rhythm, but that doesn’t mean she’s standing still."
Where have I seen Claire Cooper before? Cooper is best known for her role as Jacqui McQueen in Hollyoaks, playing the character from 2006 to 2013 and then reappearing in a 2023 episode. She has also starred in Strike Back, Knightfall, The Peripheral and John Wick prequel series, The Continental.
Liam McMahon plays Sam Hardacre
Who is Sam Hardacre? The patriarch of the Hardacre clan, Sam is a hard worker and is keen to carry on working no matter what.
Speaking about his character in season 2, McMahon said: "He’s embracing progress for the betterment of the family, which is a big thing for him, and he’s very much in control of things."
Where have I seen Liam McMahon before? The Northern Irish actor is known for his role in 2008's Hunger, which was directed by Steve McQueen. He has also starred in Warrior Nun, Agatha and the Truth of Murder, The Fall and The Borgias.
Julie Graham plays Ma Hardacre
Who is Ma Hardacre? Mary's mother, Ma is a very outspoken member of the Hardacre family and works just as hard as everyone else to ensure there's a roof over everyone's heads.
Speaking about her character in season 2, Graham said: "She’s settled into her very comfortable life. She’s got no time for any other distractions, apart from her own pleasure and her own family. She’s taken over the running of the gardens and the grounds."
Where have I seen Julie Graham before? Graham is best known for her roles in The Bill, The Bletchley Circle, Shetland and Benidorm. More recently, she has starred in BBC One's Time, ITV's Maternal and The Serial Killer's Wife.
Adam Little plays Joe Hardacre
Who is Joe Hardacre? Described by Little as "the black sheep of the family", Joe is the eldest child of the Hardacres and often finds himself caught up in situations he shouldn't.
Speaking about his character in season 2, Little said: "He is trying to prove himself as a businessman this time. He is really trying to get his head down and get through it and prove not only to everyone else but to himself that he can do this. The situation has changed. He has a baby. He has got Betsy, his wife. There is a lot on the line for him."
Where have I seen Adam Little before? You may recognise Little for his roles in Coronation Street as Blake Myers, in Ackley Bridge as Kyle Dobson and in Years and Years as Lee Lyons.
Shannon Lavelle plays Liza Hardacre
Who is Liza Hardacre? A bit like Ma's sidekick, Liza is the 18-year-old Hardacre daughter trying to forge her own bold path in society.
Teasing what's to come for Liza, Lavelle says: "In series 2 she is exactly the same and entirely different all at once. At her core she is still quick witted, stubborn and very sure of who she is, and that is even stronger this time. She has really stepped into herself as a young woman."
Where have I seen Shannon Lavelle before? Lavelle is a newcomer to the world of TV and so, The Hardacres is her debut role.
Zak Ford-Williams plays Harry Hardacre
Who is Harry Hardacre? The baby of the family, teenager Harry is the only one in his family who has been sent to school due to previously not being able to work at the docks because of his disability, cerebral palsy.
Speaking about the representation of disabled people in the drama, Ford-Williams previously said: "I think it's important to make sure we don't accidentally rewrite history and erase people by making everyone pretty and clean. I think it's really important to give people a proper look into what these periods were like for all sorts of people."
Where have I seen Zak Ford-Williams before? Ford-Williams has starred in Bridgerton as Lord Remington and in BBC's Better. He has also appeared in Midsomer Murders, Wolfe and A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story.
Michele Dotrice as Lady Imelda Hansen
Who is Lady Imelda Hansen? Lady Hansen is the formidable mother of Lady Emma Fitzherbert and according to the actress, is "very Victorian". In a press pack for season 2, Dotrice told 5: "She hasn’t moved with the times and firmly believes in old money and old heritage... Then she comes up against these Hardacres, who she cannot abide because they are nouveau riche. This is against everything that she stands for."
Where have I seen Michele Dotrice before? Dotrice is known for her roles in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, A Very English Scandal and more recently, in ITV's Unforgotten.
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The Hardacres season 2 will premiere on Thursday 14 May at 9pm on 5.
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Authors
Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.
