Upper class
Eileen Atkins returned to the world of class divide costume drama for the Robert Altman film Gosford Park - this time in front of the screen in the role of Elisabeth Croft.

High Couture
The first series of The House of Eliott was budgeted at �6 million. Throughout its three-year run audience figures were consistently over 10 million.

Out of towners
In real life, Louise Lombard and Stella Gonet were not particularly posh. Louise was born in Redbridge, Essex and Gonet was born in Greenock, Scotland.

History repeating
Louise Lombard recently starred opposite Lord of the Rings star Viggo Mortensen in the film Hidalgo. Stella Gonet played Mrs Nickleby in a film version of Nicholas Nickleby starring Queer as Folk's Charlie Hunnam.

Indecent Proposal
Lombard was reportedly offered the female lead role in Indecent Proposal, but had to turn it down due to her commitments on series two of The House of Eliott. The part went to Demi Moore instead.

The Mouse of Eliott
Lombard was once described as 'The Mouse of Eliott' due to her unpretentious wardrobe. "Evangeline is a completely contrived character," she told The Mail on Sunday in 1993. "I know it is sacrilege, but the truth is I haven't a clue about fashion".

"All that twittering about clothes is very tedious. I have a limited wardrobe. I just throw on whatever's at hand. Why should women be dictated to about what clothes they wear? Why should they be put under such social pressure?"

Big issue
Like Evie, Lombard has a social conscience and often helps out at soup kitchens for London's homeless.

The House of Edmund
In 1998, Lombard turned her back on acting to study English Literature at St Edmund's College. Cambridge. After two years she put her studies on hold and accepted film work.

Wanted role
Lombard has recently filmed a pilot for Warner Bros and CBS called Wanted. She plays a Los Angeles cop whose department tracks down the toughest criminals. For more Louise Lombard news, check out her official site.

Casualty connection
Stella Gonet appeared in the first series of Casualty playing Dr Clare Wainwright. Louise Lombard appeared in the fifth as Clare Jameson, the sister of a patient.

Drop the posh accent
Known for her serious roles and theatre work, you may be surprised to hear that Stella Gonet appeared in an episode of the newsroom set sitcom Drop the Dead Donkey, called Sex 'n' Death. What would Bea say?

Minnie dress
Look out for Hollywood star Minnie Driver in the glimpse-and-you'll-miss-it role as Jack's new personal assistant. in episode four.