The Earl of Manton

Hugh, the Earl of Manton, played by Linus Roache, is the rich and privileged head of the aristocratic Manton family.

He is charming but is willing to use his status to get what he wants. But behind his outward propriety, a secret lurks

The Countess of Manton

Louisa, the Countess of Manton, played by Geraldine Somerville (who played Harry Potter’s mother in the films), has everything one could want: money, status, family – but is she happy?

Travelling in first-class luxury, she is quick to judge anything or anyone who might disturb that refined world.

Lady Georgiana Grex

Lady Georgiana, played by Perdita Weeks, is the daughter of the Earl and Countess of Manton.

Despite her aristocratic background, Georgiana is a spirited and, at times, impetuous young woman. Following her arrest during a Suffragette demonstration, her parents have whisked her away on this trip

Harry Widener

Harry Widener, a real-life passenger on the Titanic played by Noah Reid, is the handsome son of a wealthy Philadelphia family travelling back to the States.

He finds himself immediately attracted to the headstrong Georgiana but will his intelligence and humour be enough to woo the Manton’s daughter?

Paolo Sandrini

Paolo, played by Glen Blackhall, is the only Italian steward in the First Class dining room. He and his brother, a stoker on the ship, are heading to America with dreams of starting a new life there.

Annie Desmond

Annie, played by Jenna Louise Coleman, is the pretty young stewardess in Second Class.

A pleasant, hard-working and resourceful girl, she is surprised to find herself failing for Paolo’s charms

John Batley

John Batley, played by Toby Jones, is an Irish lawyer travelling in Second Class.

His dreams as a young man have not turned out as he would have hoped so he has had to settle for the role of trusted servant to many of the aristocracy...including Lord Manton

Muriel Batley

Muriel Batley, played by Maria Doyle Kennedy, is John’s proudly Irish wife.

Although an intelligent woman, her life has been filled with disappointments. Unable to contain her unhappiness, she is prone lashing out verbally at whatever irks her

Grace Rushton

Mrs Rushton, played by Celia Imrie, is travelling in First Class with her husband and more importantly her Pekinese dog, Suki.

Although rich, as a member of the new industrial class, she is regarded as “new money” with undisguised horror by some of the other passengers in First Class.