Doctor Who: 8 Past Roles Proving Keeley Hawes' Casting Is Awesome

3. Upstairs, Downstairs (2010-2012)

Odd as it may seem, Upstairs, Downstairs and Doctor Who share a rather common history. One was created in 1963 and ran steadily until 1989, returned for a TV movie in 1996 and then resumed regular broadcasting under new control in 2005, continuing the original storyline with a few years' gap in the narrative, with spin-off series being created also. The other was created in 1971 and ran steadily until 1975, was succeeded by a spin-off in 1979 and then resumed regular broadcasting under new control in 2010, continuing the original storyline (sort of) with a few years' gap in the narrative. Hopefully I don't need to tell you which is which, but screw it, just in case €“ Doctor Who was the first one. Upstairs, Downstairs tells the story of the residents of 165 Eaton Place, a prestigious residency in London, during the early 20th century (the original portrayed the events of 1901-1930 and the new version picks up in 1936). Hawes plays new upstairs resident Lady Agnes Holland - upstairs referring to the residents' quarters, downstairs to the servants' - who moves in with her husband, Sir Hallam Holland, as they proceed to set up their newly married life in the house and eventually see the birth of their child there. We currently know very little about the circumstances under which the Doctor will meet Ms Delphox, other than it being "on a strange and puzzling planet", but we can assume from that and the promotional image of Hawes in character that it won't be a period piece like Upstairs, Downstairs. However, seeing as Doctor Who is a time-travelling show, it's good to see that she can act across more far-reaching time zones than here-to-1981. Oh, and for anyone interested: Upstairs, Downstairs was helped into production by a woman named Beryl Vertue, who then acted as executive producer on a short-lived US interpretation of the show, entitled Beacon Hill. Beryl Vertue also acts as an agent, having represented Terry Nation, creator of the Daleks. Beryl Vertue's daughter, Sue Vertue, is married to Steven Moffat, and produces Sherlock with him, among other things including some minor work on Doctor Who. It all works out quite nicely when you think about it.