The Hardacres cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the BritBox period drama?

The Hardacres cast and character guide (Image via YouTube/Channel 5)
The Hardacres cast and character guide (Image via YouTube/Channel 5)

The Hardacres has premiered in the US, a few months after its UK debut. The show is now streaming on BritBox and is being loved by the fans for its authentic portrayal of the late 1800s.

The series tells the story of the titular working-class family, living in Yorkshire in the 1890s. With their hard work and dedication, the family members have a rags-to-riches journey and move to a high-society locality.

The show features a slew of talented actors who have gotten into the skin of their characters. If you are impressed by the performances in the show, here is the complete cast and character guide for The Hardacres.


The Hardacres cast and character guide

The following main characters are featured in The Hardacres:

1. Liam McMahon as Sam Hardacre

Liam McMahon as Sam Hardacre (Image via YouTube/Channel 5)
Liam McMahon as Sam Hardacre (Image via YouTube/Channel 5)

Liam McMahon plays Sam Hardacre, the head of the family. He is a respected dock worker in Yorkshire who is known for his strong work ethic and loyalty. When an accident injures his hand, he struggles with the fear of not being able to provide for his family again.

However, despite the setbacks, he continues to work hard, and eventually his fate turns around. McMahon is an Irish actor whose acting credits include The Fall, Northanger Abbey, Agatha and the Truth of Murder, Doctors, and Warrior Nun.


2. Claire Cooper as Mary Hardacre

Claire Cooper as Mary Hardacre (Image via YouTube/Channel 5)
Claire Cooper as Mary Hardacre (Image via YouTube/Channel 5)

Claire Cooper stars as Mary Hardacre. She is the matriarch, who can be called the heart of the family. She is a brave woman who is determined to protect her loved ones no matter what. When Sam gets injured and his job is threatened, Mary refuses to back down.

She comes up with creative ways to earn money, which changes the family’s future. Cooper has been seen in numerous films and shows and has also won several accolades in her career. Some of her notable works include the shows The Continental: From the World of John Wick, Hollyoaks, Knightfall, and In the Club.


3. Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre

Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre (Image via YouTube/Channel 5)
Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre (Image via YouTube/Channel 5)

Shannon Lavelle portrays Liza Hardacre, the 18-year-old daughter of Mary and Sam. She is an outspoken and spirited girl who is not afraid to challenge others. She seeks independence and freedom and later joins her grandmother in smuggling, even though Mary worries it will get her into trouble. Lavelle has previously starred in Hamlin and will soon be seen in Riot Women.


4. Adam Little as Joe Hardacre

Adam Little plays Joe Hardacre, the eldest child of Mary and Sam in The Hardacres. He often feels stuck between loyalty to his family and his need for independence. While others quit working for the dockyard owner, Mr. Shaw, Joe continues to work there, which creates tensions in his family.

However, he starts to understand his mother’s perspective as the show progresses. Little’s earlier credits include Coronation Street, Ackley Bridge, Years and Years, and The Dumping Ground.


5. Zak Ford-Williams as Harry Hardacre

Zak Ford-Williams plays Harry Hardacre, the youngest child in the family. He has cerebral palsy and, hence, is not able to work at the dockyard. He is eager to prove himself and supports Mary as they test their fried herring stall.

Zak Ford-Williams is well recognized for playing Lord Remington in Bridgerton and Ludo Trask in Midsomer Murders. His other television credits include the shows Wolfe, Better, and A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story.


6. Julie Graham as Ma Hardacre

Julie Graham as Ma Hardacre (Image via YouTube/Channel 5)
Julie Graham as Ma Hardacre (Image via YouTube/Channel 5)

Julie Graham stars as Ma Hardacre, the grandmother of the kids. She is a bold woman who is not afraid to break rules. She turns to smuggling and shady deals, much to the dismay of Mary. Despite her tough personality, Ma loves her family and goes to great lengths to protect them.

Graham is a veteran Scottish actress who has been acting since the 1980s. She has previously appeared in the shows The Serial Killer's Wife, Ridley, Penance, and One of Us. She has also been seen in the films The Party's Just Beginning and The Sleeping Room.


Supporting cast and characters in The Hardacres

The following supporting cast and characters appear in The Hardacres:

  • Cathy Belton as Emma Fitzherbert
  • Holly Sturton as Adella Fitzherbert
  • Owen Roe as George Fitzherbert
  • Siobhan O'Kelly as Lena
  • Shane Toner as Lewis
  • Ingrid Craigie as Mrs Dryden
  • Taheen Modak as Saunders
  • Sarah Agha as Betsy

The Hardacres is streaming on BritBox.

Edited by Jashandeep Singh