Cranford in the 1840s is a small Cheshire market town on the cusp of great change. The railway is pushing its way relentlessly towards the town from Manchester, bringing fears of migrant workers and the breakdown of law and order.

The arrival of handsome new doctor, Frank Harrison (Simon Woods) from London causes a stir; not only because of his revolutionary medical methods, but also because of the effect he has on many of the ladies' hearts in the town.

Judi Dench plays Miss Matty Jenkyns, whose hopes and rebellious spirit are crushed when she was forced as a young woman to give up Mr Holbrook (Michael Gambon), the man she loved.  She is the younger sister of Cranford’s moral guardian, Miss Deborah (Eileen Atkins), and is much-loved for her kindness, while her elder sibling and fellow spinster enforces a rigid social code and dominates the town’s women.

The cast list also includes Francesca Annis, Philip Glenister, Lesley Manville, Julia McKenzie, Imelda Staunton, Greg Wise and Julia Sawalha.

Head of Drama Series & Serials, Kate Harwood explains, "Cranford is light and funny and yet packs a real emotional punch.  It is a complex portrait of a real town, death and unexpected reversal, both happy and sad come frequently, so sometimes you get to the end of an episode and can’t believe how many emotions you’ve experienced.  On top of that of course, are these delicious characters with this absolutely brilliant cast.  A winning combination all round."