FAMILY crisis

TUPPENCE MIDDLETON on the challenges ahead for Frances in the finale

- WORDS: CAREN CLARK, HANNAH DAVIES

Steely but sensitive Frances Forsyte has been engaged in a desperate fight to save her marriage and the family name in 5's luxurious period saga The Forsytes.

Now, in the series finale, the Victorian socialite - played by Downton Abbey star Tuppence Middleton - is at her wits' end because husband Jo (Danny Griffin) has walked out after refusing Frances' plea that he should sever ties with his past love Louisa Byrne (Eleanor Tomlinson) and their twins.

As Jo remains torn over where his loyalties lie, can Frances avert further scandal and convince him to come back to her and also secure his position as chair of the clan's stockbroking firm Forsyte & Co?

TV Times caught up with Tuppence, 38, for an exclusive chat to find out more...

What is your take on Frances and Jo's marriage?

It was important that it didn't feel like their relationship was on the rocks at the start. They're not the best-suited couple, but it has worked and they've grown to love the differences between them.