Upstairs Downstairs returns

There's no question that Downton Abbey has made period dramas exciting again - it's one of ITV's most popular shows and has even enjoyed success in the States, which is nigh impossible for UK shows these days.

But, it's commonly known that Downton Abbey wasn't the first period drama to cause a stir - back in 1971, the BBC launched Upstairs Downstairs, a show which enjoyed wide-spread success, due to its intriguing cast and explosively scandalous plot lines.

And now, two years after the BBC revived Upstairs Downstairs with three 90 minute, action-packed episodes, the show is back for a second series, this time spanning over six episodes.

With a longer series and a stellar cast, does Upstairs Downstairs now have what it takes to steal the period drama throne from Downton Abbey?

The first series of the BBC's revival of Upstairs Downstairs followed the lives of the residents of Eaton Place, as they struggled through the 1930s Depression era in England and the second series looks like it's going to be as dramatic as ever, as some saucy plot lines have already been revealed.

This series, Emilia Fox will guest star as Lady Portia Alresford, who becomes the secret lesbian lover of Dr Blanche Mottershead - so far, so scandalous!

In an interview with The Mirror, one of the show's writers Heidi Thomas said about the romance:

"These are two brilllant, intellectual women who have a deeply romantic friendship in the tradition of the great Edwardian romantics, which gives each of them endless stimulation and satisfaction."

This time, the series follows the residents of Eaton Place, as they live through the Second World War. And, as well as Lady Portia Alresford, we also meet some other new characters, including the feisty and beautiful maid Beryl, who's played by Laura Haddock. She looks like she's going to be a bit of a trouble maker!

What's more, Sir Hallam's (Ed Stoppard) preoccupation with burgeoning Nazi Germany leads him into dangerous waters - we hope he doesn't end up going to war - what would his partner, Lady Agnes Holland (Keeley Hawes) say?

Have a flick through the gallery below to see new pictures from the second series of Upstairs Downstairs, which starts Sunday 19 February on BBC One.