Poldark

The Fortune sees a woman mysteriously inherit £2 million and a country estate from a stranger.

The Fortune has landed on Channel 5, with audiences eager to discover everything about the drama.

Following the unexpected inheritance of a substantial fortune from a stranger, mother and wife Amanda (portrayed by Eleanor Tomlinson) finds herself in conflict with the deceased man’s relatives.

She simultaneously starts uncovering the truth regarding her own family’s sinister history, which may shed light on why she’s been selected as the beneficiary of the enigmatic man’s estate.

Where was The Fortune on Channel 5 filmed?

Filming for Channel 5’s The Fortune occurred during autumn 2025 across Hartlepool, Northumberland, Newcastle and North Yorkshire.

The bulk of shooting took place in Hartlepool, with the historic Headland district serving as a crucial location.

Another significant filming venue was Hartlepool Marina, where the exterior alongside local establishments and eateries were utilised to depict Amanda’s everyday existence.

The programme’s principal production headquarters was also situated in Hartlepool at The Northern Studios on Lynn Street.

Certain scenes were additionally captured in Newcastle, with the drama produced by Newcastle-based Lonesome Pine Productions.

The cast and crew travelled to Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, where the mid-Victorian country residence Cleveland Lodge served as the Worrall family estate in the Channel 5 series.

The Grade II listed building was constructed between 1848 and 1851 and sits within approximately 35 acres of private parkland, featuring paddocks and a tennis court. Meanwhile, the more rural and coastal scenes were shot in and around the Northumberland region.

All Creatures Great and Small star Callum Woodhouse, who plays vengeful son Anthony Worrall in the series, hails originally from Stockton in the North East.

The Hartlepool Mail reported Woodhouse describing the experience of filming The Fortune as something of “a homecoming”.

He said: “Obviously, staying with my parents and filming in places I grew up visiting was a huge draw, but also being able to do something set in the modern day was really exciting.

“We were filming just over the road from where my mum works, so we’d meet up for lunch sometimes.”

The Fortune is available to watch on Channel 5.

Eleanor Tomlinson is returning to screens in the new Channel 5 thriller The Fortune

Poldark actress Eleanor Tomlinson is returning to television screens as she leads the cast in a gripping new Channel 5 drama.

The 34-year-old actress is famed for playing Demelza Poldark on the BBC period drama across all five seasons from 2015 to 2019.

The character was the devoted wife of Ross Poldark, played by Aidan Turner, an army officer who returns to his native Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War in 1783.

Following her exit from Poldark, Tomlinson played Louisa Bryne in the period drama The Forsytes and Mary Brighton in The Nevers, a Victorian-set drama. However, the actress will now be appearing in the modern psychological thriller The Fortune, reports Radio Times.

The Fortune will premiere on Channel 5 on Tuesday, 2 June and follows Tomlinson’s character, Amanda, after she suddenly inherits a vast fortune from a man she has never met or heard of.

With his own family incensed to find out his estate is going to a supposed stranger, battle lines are soon drawn, and threats soon start to fly.

Amanda goes from her regular life of working in a café and being a happily married mother to her life being turned upside down.

Ahead of The Fortune landing on screens, Tomlinson has opened up to Radio Times about the direction of her career following her exit from Poldark.

“I’d done it for five years”, she said, “There are elements I miss, but it was time to do something else, spread my wings and push myself in a different direction.”

When asked which acting role she mostly gets recognised for by fans, she explained: “Poldark is the main one and I get a lot of One Day, and The Forsytes. It’s always nice when they get it right and don’t say, ‘Were you in Game of Thrones?’, ‘No, wrong redhead!’.”

As well as Tomlinson leading the cast, The Fortune also boasts the likes of Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis, All Creatures Great and Small favourite Callum Woodhouse and former EastEnders star Nina Wadia.

Also starring in the Channel 5 drama are Rebecca Front (The Thick of It), Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks), Paula Wilcox (Trying), Danielle Walters (Chewing Gum) and Denis Lawson (Bleak House).

The synopsis for The Fortune reads: “Amanda Blakefield’s life is a happy one, with her husband Jimmy and their son Luke. But when Amanda is left an enormous inheritance by a man she has neither met nor heard of before, her life starts to fall apart.

“Amanda becomes embroiled in the world of the Worralls, where Martin Worrall is head of a family bound in past secrets. As Amanda is drawn further and further into past events and relationships, all of their lives are turned upside down.”

It’s now been confirmed that The Fortune will premiere on 5 on Tuesday, June 2 at 9pm, followed by the second episode the following Wednesday evening at the same time.

The hit period drama has been hailed by fans as ‘even better than Downton Abbey’ – and both were created by the same person.

A period drama branded “superior” to Downton Abbey has totally captivated audiences.

The star-studded series, which fans are describing as “pure binge-worthy escapism”, has already secured renewal for an additional season.

Historical drama enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the acclaimed new programme was crafted by Julian Fellowes, the creative force behind international hit show Downton Abbey.

Taking place several decades prior to the ITV drama, this series unfolds in the USA, with an IMDb synopsis stating: “The conflicts surrounding the new money Russell family and their old money neighbors, the van Rhijn family, in 1880s New York City high society.”

The Gilded Age debuted its inaugural season in 22, with season 3 landing just last year in 2025, reports the Express.

Fans are already clamouring for additional episodes, as the most recent instalment delivered more “nail-biting drama” than previously seen.

The impressive ensemble also boasts numerous recognisable talents, including The White Lotus’ Carrie Coon, Poldark’s Harry Richardson, Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon and Mamma Mia! star Christine Baranski.

Numerous devotees have championed the period drama, with one posting to The Gilded Age Fan Page on Facebook: “The Gilded Age is even better than Downton Abbey.”

In the comments section, multiple viewers expressed their views, with one agreeing: “Listen up! I just wrapped up the first season of Downton Abbey to carry me over until tonight, and let me tell you, it’s a solid show. However, The Gilded Age is on a whole different level.”

“The Gilded Age is indeed superior!” a second declared, as another contributed: “I actually agree but only because I’m American and this history is more close to home personally. Very interesting!”

Nevertheless, others disagreed, with one person stating: “I love The Gilded Age BUT Downton Abbey stands alone no comparison.”

Another added: “Sorry but Downton Abbey is better in my eyes but I do love the Gilded Age too.”

Others couldn’t decide, with another viewer explaining: “They are equally wonderful. A pair of timeless masterpieces.”

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Meanwhile, some enthusiasts recalled one of Britain’s most celebrated period dramas, observing: “But not as good as the original Upstairs, Downstairs, on which it was based.”

Another concurred: “Oh guys, Upstairs Downstairs from the 70’s was deeply wonderful.”

The Gilded Age boasts an impressive 89% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with season 3 in 2025 achieving its highest score yet of 96%.

Taking to the comments section on the review aggregator platform, one enthusiast remarked: “Amazing series! Can’t wait for season 4.

“The show keeps getting better!” another gushed, as a third penned: “One of the best series on TV.. I and my daughter absolutely loved it. All 3 seasons. The nail biting drama at the end of each episode, kept us on the edge of our seats. Nicely done. The acting was superb.”

“I have been watching this show since the 1st season and it just gets better and better,” another concurred, as another contributed: “Love it!!! the Gilded Age is pure binge worthy escapism!!”

One enthusiastic viewer wrote: “Best show on TV right now! I am from India and I freaking low this show. Been a fan of Downton Abbey and this show just gives more drama, power issues and love lessons. Beautiful to the core! Love it.”

The Gilded Age is currently available to watch on Sky, while Downton Abbey can be streamed on ITVX.