December 16, 2025 marks a special day in the world of arts and culture; the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. Here at MASTERPIECE, we are admirers of Jane Austen. Through interviews with historian and television presenter Lucy Worsley, Miss Austen novelist Gill Hornby, screenwriter Andrew Davies, and MASTERPIECE’s Senior Series Producer, Erin Delaney, we’re looking back at Austen’s life, her legacy, and what her novels mean to us. Now join us in the drawing room as we gather round to celebrate our beloved Jane Austen in this special episode.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 1 of The Gold.

In preparation for Season 2 of The Gold, coming to MASTERPIECE in 2026, we wanted to wrap up Season 1 with this special postscript episode. You’ll hear first from The Gold writer and executive producer Neil Forsyth about a few final details of the real-life story, followed by actor Hugh Bonneville who shares his thoughts on the surprising reveal at the end of Season 1. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Maigret.

Actor Benjamin Wainwright is no stranger to MASTERPIECE audiences, having appeared in Endeavour, World on Fire, and Unforgotten. Today, he joins the podcast to talk about his latest MASTERPIECE role as the lead actor in a new production of Maigret. In this conversation, we discuss stepping into the long line of Maigrets, and how his character balances solving crime with his personal duty to the social contract. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 1, Episode 5 of The Gold.

Actor Hugh Bonneville is a familiar face here at MASTERPIECE, having appeared in Downton Abbey, Miss Austen Regrets, The Cazalets, and more. Today, Hugh joins us to talk about The Gold and playing the ethical, determined, and legendary DCI Brian Boyce. Hugh shares what he took away from meeting the real-life Boyce to inform his stunning performance. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 4 of Maigret.

Actor Stefanie Martini’s Louise Maigret may just be the most patient woman in Paris, forever adjusting to her husband Jules Maigret’s demanding work schedule. But she’s a professional in her own right, working as a psychiatric nurse helping those in need. In this conversation, Stefanie returns to the podcast to discuss themes of hope, loss, and new beginnings through her character, Madame Maigret.  

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 3 of The Gold S1.

For actor Stefanie Martini, getting into character to play Marnie Palmer involved doing away with her drama school style of speaking, and pulling out her native Bristolian accent. Today, Stefanie talks about portraying the real life Marnie Palmer, and what it was like to be stuck in a 1980s time warp while shooting The Gold.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 2 of Maigret

When adapting Georges Simenon’s Maigret for the screen, lead writer, director, and executive producer Patrick Harbinson wanted to bring the classic character into the modern day. In this conversation, Patrick talks about the decisions he made to showcase Maigret as a younger detective with something to prove, and what we can expect from the rest of the season.

The Gold writer and creator Neil Forsyth returns to the podcast in this special episode for an in-depth discussion on details of the larger-than-life heist. He explains the massive social transformation in 1980s Britain, why three tons of gold was at the Brink’s-Mat warehouse, the rumors of police corruption, and more. After this conversation, we guarantee you’ll be able to appreciate every “truth is stranger than fiction” nuance of The Gold.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1 of The Gold. 

Writer and executive producer Neil Forsyth had his work cut out for him when adapting the larger-than-life true story of the Brink’s-Mat robbery. Too big for a single film adaptation, Neil decided this vast web of characters, plot, and conspiracy would be best told as a drama series. In this conversation, Neil talks about Episode 1 of The Gold and the decisions he made weaving together countless hours of research with compelling character arcs and dialogue to create this pulse pounding drama.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 2 of The Marlow Murder Club. 

For actor Jo Martin, returning to Marlow for a second season of The Marlow Murder Club felt like returning to a new family. And for her character, dog walker turned sleuth Suzie Harris, a new family is being forged with her friends Judith and Becks. In this conversation, we talk with Jo about drawing on her real-life experiences as a mother, embracing the beauty of Marlow, and grappling with themes of parenthood, friendship, and of course, murder.