‘Masterpiece’ BBC period drama starring Gemma Jones perfect for Downton Abbey fans
Decades before Downton Abbey was ever made, another series told a similar tale and starred a stellar cast.
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The Duchess of Duke Street starring Gemma Jones has remained a favourite among period drama fans (Image: The Duchess of Duke Street / Prime Video )
A historical television show dubbed as an ‘all time favourite’ is available to stream 50 years after its release.
The Duchess of Duke Street originally aired on BBC One from September 1976 to December 1977. The drama series is set in London during the early 1900s and is based on the real life of Rosa Lewis, who ran the Cavendish Hotel.
The series chronicles the life of Louisa Leyton, played by Gemma Jones, a beautiful woman who has a strong desire to become a great cook.
She lands a job as a cook in the household of Lord Henry Norton (Bryan Coleman). Going forward, Louisa succeeds in persuading Monsieur Alex, Lord Norton’s French chef, to take her on as an apprentice.
Edward, the Prince of Wales, who is the guest of honor at the house of Lord Norton, notices Louisa when she is unexpectedly asked to prepare a meal by herself and is impressed by both her appearance and her cookery.
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Gemma Jones, pictured in 2025, plays Louisa Leyton(Image: WireImage/Getty)
The series depicts Louisa’s eventful journey as she gradually climbs the ladder of success, from domestic help to renowned cook to proprietor of an upper-class hotel in London. It also delves deep into Louisa’s numerous relationships.
The series was created by the same team as Upstairs, Downstairs (1971-1975) and follows a similar format, but with the focus on Louisa.
The main cast includes Gemma Jones as Louisa Leyton Trotter, Victoria Plucknett as Mary, John Welsh as Merriman, Donald Burton as Augustus Trotter, and many others. EastEnders icon, June Brown, who played Dot Cotton on the soap, portrayed Mrs Leyton on the series between 1976 and 1977.
The series received high praise from viewers and critics, who likened it to Downton Abbey for their similar format.
Fans of Downton Abbey immediately fell in love with the show following its release in 2010. The plot follows the trials and tribulations of the wealthy Crawley family and their household servants on a fictional Yorkshire estate between 1912 and 1930.
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The series has been compared with Downton Abbey (Image: ITV)
Taking to Reddit, one Downton Abbey fan requested recommendations for more similar dramas, with one person recommending: “The original Upstairs Downstairs and Duchess of Duke Street.”
A second chimed in: “I’ve seen Duchess of Duke Street, loved that one. I even visited her hotel when I went to London”, while a third added: “The Duchess of Duke Street.”
“The Duchess of Duke Street (it’s giving my fair lady with the cockney accents and class inequality)”, shared one fan.
Another added: “Sorry, I don’t have any suggestions, just came here to say thanks for mentioning Duchess of Duke Street! It’s a bit dated, but I love it too and the ‘duchess’ is amazing. She gets stuff done!”
On IMDb, the drama has been rated 8.3/10 with one viewer writing, commenting: “The very best of TV drama”.
A second commented: “A favourite, one of my all time favourite Masterpiece Theatre shows. My only complaint is that is didn’t last long.”
“Top drawer as the cockneys might say”, added another.
You can watch The Duchess of Duke Street on Amazon Prime Video