Watch The Catherine Cookson Anthology: The Secret

The Catherine Cookson Anthology: The Secret is a heart-wrenching drama set in the 19th century in the North East of England. It stars Colin Buchanan as a young man called Dickon who lives a happy life with his mother Mary (played by June Whitfield) until she dies. He is left in the care of his evil stepfather, who treats him cruelly and eventually sends him away to work in a coal mine.

Dickon's life takes a dramatic turn when he falls in love with the beautiful and wealthy young lady, Carrie (played by Hannah Yelland). However, their newfound love is not accepted in society due to their class differences, and they face many challenges in their pursuit of happiness.

Meanwhile, the wealthy and powerful Jordan family, led by the stern and traditional patriarch, Joshua Jordan (played by Milton Johns), is determined to uncover the secrets that the impoverished family living on their land has been hiding for years. This ultimately leads to a fateful chain of events that will change the lives of everyone involved forever.

Clare Higgins shines as the formidable and calculating Mrs. Constance Jordan, who is determined to protect her family's secrets at all costs. Her performance brings depth and complexity to the character, making her both alluring and repulsive in equal measure. Stephen Moyer also impresses as the troubled and conflicted son of the Jordans, who finds himself caught between his family's expectations and his own desires.

Marlene Sidaway delivers a standout performance as Lizzie, a kind and loving woman who takes Dickon under her wing and becomes a mother figure to him. Her character brings a sense of warmth and humanity to the story, providing a much-needed balance to the darker themes.

The Catherine Cookson Anthology: The Secret is a beautifully shot and well-acted period drama that explores themes of love, class, power, and secrets. It is a poignant and emotional story that will stay with viewers long after it is over. Whether you are a fan of historical dramas or simply enjoy great storytelling, this is a show that should not be missed.