Changing FORTUNES

What to expect from a new season of the lavish costume epic

- CAREN CLARK

Family conflict and matters of the heart cause fresh turmoil in the upper echelons of 1880s New York City society as Sky Atlantic's opulent saga The Gilded Age returns for a third series this week.

The new eight-part run, written by Lord Julian Fellowes and Sonja Warfield, sees railroad magnate George Russell (played by Morgan Spector) and his uncompromising wife Bertha (Carrie Coon) dealing with unsettling business issues as well as domestic disharmony.

Meanwhile, their dashing son Larry (Harry Richardson) is growing closer to neighbour Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson), but storm clouds are gathering. And there is friction between Marian's aunts - indomitable Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and mild-mannered Ada Forte (Cynthia Nixon) - over a shock power shift.

Here, the cast reveal what lies ahead...

ROMANCE WORRIES

The course of true love has never run smooth for teacher Marian, who has already experienced two failed relationships. Now, following a kiss at the end of the last series, she is enjoying a fledgling liaison with Larry. But can she overcome her concerns that her difficult romantic past will repeat itself?

'What's exciting is that you hear from her more about her motivations and fears,' shares Louisa, 34, the daughter of Hollywood favourite Meryl Streep. 'You're going to see she's traumatised and the effects of that. But there are twists and turns that no one's going to be ready for...'

SWITCHING PLACES