In the coastal Victorian fishing village of Yorkshire, we’re introduced to the Hardacre family, a tight-knit working-class clan. Easy-going Sam (Liam McMahon) and his eldest son, Joe (Adam Little), work as dockers, while fiery wife Mary (Claire Cooper), rebellious daughter Liza (Shannon Lavelle), and formidable mother-in-law, Ma (Julie Graham), are fish gutties.
Their youngest, Harry (Zak Ford-Williams), stands out as the brightest, still in school and living with cerebral palsy. Despite the demanding nature of dock work and the presence of an odious boss, Mr. Shaw (David Pearse), the Hardacres are a pillar of strength and camaraderie within their community.
However, their lives take an unexpected turn when Sam suffers an accident, causing them all to lose their jobs. With the threat of destitution looming, Mary, Ma, and Liza venture to Thornton Hall, a grand country estate, in search of employment. They face judgment and closed doors, pushing Ma to lead Liza down a risky path of smuggling, much to Mary’s dismay. Meanwhile, Joe is haunted by guilt over a decision he made at the docks.
Resourceful Mary refuses to let her family succumb to their circumstances and conceives a novel business idea. This venture proves successful, and with financial advice from the charming Mr. Saunders, they make a fortuitous investment.
Suddenly, the Hardacres find themselves incredibly wealthy, with the opportunity to relocate to one of the most prestigious houses in the county. As they contemplate this life-changing decision, the question arises: can they truly leave their dock community behind?
The Hardacres airs Monday, 7 October 2024, at 9:00 pm on Channel 5.
