The House of Eliott

The Eliott sisters, left penniless after their father's death, enter a world of fast morals and high fashion when taken in by a worldly couple.

This stylish, multi-million pound drama is set in the 1920s. It was one of the BBC's greatest hits around the globe and was the winner of an Emmy and a British Academy Award.

The story follows the beautiful sisters Beatrice (Stella Gonet) and Evangeline (Louise Lombard) Eliott who go from rags to riches, following the sudden death of their father.

Already 30, Beatrice is considered to be 'on the shelf'. Marriage opportunities passed her by while she cared for her father and younger sister. But her spirit is far from dampened. She is witty, good humored, talented at business and loves her sister Evie. At 18, Evie seems painfully shy and somewhat over-protected by her older sister.

But it is her integrity and talent for design which form the foundation for the sisters' success.

Using their influential contacts and their flair and passion for design, the pair fight their way to the top and set up their own fashion company catering exclusively to the rich and famous.

The House of Eliott is written by Eileen Atkins and Jean Marsh, who devised the international hit drama Upstairs, Downstairs. The series also picked up a CableAce award for costume design.