Channel 5 's latest period drama, The Forsytes , has gone down a treat with viewers, who are loving the sumptuous costume series about the titular wealthy stockbroking family in 19th century London. The six-part series, which is adapted by Poldark creator Debbie Horsfield, is set in late-Victorian England and chronicles the romances, family bonds and ambitions of the Forsytes. The show boasts a seriously impressive cast , including BAFTA winner Francesca Annis ( Flesh and Blood ), Tuppence Middleton ( Downton Abbey: A New Era ) and also marks a reunion between Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson and writer Horsfield.

The story tackles universal themes of love, duty, lust and family, and so it's no surprise that there have been several adaptations over the years. But what exactly is

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