Episode 1

It is late 1957 and while Macmillan claims people have 'never had it so good', the reality for the public is a mounting atmosphere of fear, permeating from a world of rising criminality and a growing Soviet threat. On the streets of Britain, organised crime is booming and nowhere more so than in the seedy back rooms and bars of Soho where racketeering and a growing sex trade make millions.

A year has passed since The Hour was unceremoniously taken off air for their controversial interview with Lord Elms, and much has changed. Freddie has been fired and gone travelling, while Bel fought to stay. She has grappled to improve the ratings and keep Hector in line as he is sucked deeper into the destructive world of celebrity. The nation's attention is focused on the Soviet nuclear threat, but Bel thinks The Hour should be focusing on the rise in crime on Britain's streets. Her whole life has become her work and, in Freddie's absence, has she come to realise just how deep her feelings for him run?

All eyes are now on the arrival of the new head of news, Randall Brown, as a force for change. His unexpected first act is to reinstate Freddie, who returns more maverick than ever. Lix too has reason to watch Randall as they have an emotional and complex history.

Meanwhile, unsettled by Marnie's decision to establish her own career, Hector finds himself drawn to the late night clubs of Soho and closer to a world of vice that could destroy his marriage and career.