Episode 1

1/7
dramatised by Shaun McKenna from the novels of John Galsworthy

Fleur has vowed to be faithful to Michael and settle down with their son. But scandal is around the corner in the shape of Jon Forsyte's brother-in-law and an amoral socialite who seems not to care what she says.

Original music composed by Neil Brand

Director ..... Marion Nancarrow

It's 1924 and young socialite Fleur Forsyte (Jessica Raine) has vowed that she'll put her past - including her love for Jon Forsyte (Jonathan Bailey) - behind her and settle into marriage with the devoted Michael and their son Kit. Michael's standing for Parliament and Fleur's determined to help. But those around them seem intent on stirring up trouble - albeit unwittingly. First, there's the arrival of Jon Forsyte's handsome brother-in-law, Frances and then Fleur's father Soames, bored by his retirement, overhears something unpleasant and decides to do something about it.

"The Forsytes Returns" continues John Galsworthy's epic tale of sex, money and power in the lives of an upper middle-class family in London, spanning 50 years from 1886 to 1936. It's narrated by Fleur Forsyte, the baby born at the end of series one. More than 20 years has passed since Soames divorced the love of his life, Irene, who left him after he forced himself upon her and went on to marry his cousin Jo. Fleur then fell head over heels in love with Irene's son, Jon, neither knowing their parents' troubled history and this eventually divided them, with Jon leaving for America with his mother. To mend a broken heart, Fleur married the adoring Michael Mont on the rebound and threw herself into smart society, determined to embrace all that is considered modern. This is the generation that survived the war, now hell-bent on not taking life too seriously.

"The Forsytes Returns" continues BBC Radio 4's dramatisation of all John Galsworthy's Forsyte novels and interludes and covers Books 5 and 6 - "The Silver Spoon" and "Swan Song".