MASTERPIECE Studio

December 16, 2025 marks a special day in the world of arts and culture; the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. Here at MASTERPIECE, we are admirers of Jane Austen. Through interviews with historian and television presenter Lucy Worsley, Miss Austen novelist Gill Hornby, screenwriter Andrew Davies, and MASTERPIECE’s Senior Series Producer, Erin Delaney, we’re looking back at Austen’s life, her legacy, and what her novels mean to us. Now join us in the drawing room as we gather round to celebrate our beloved Jane Austen in this special episode.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 1 of The Gold.In preparation for Season 2 of The Gold, coming to MASTERPIECE in 2026, we wanted to wrap up Season 1 with this special postscript episode. You’ll hear first from The Gold writer and executive producer Neil Forsyth about a few final details of the real-life story, followed by actor Hugh Bonneville who shares his thoughts on the surprising reveal at the end of Season 1. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Maigret.Actor Benjamin Wainwright is no stranger to MASTERPIECE audiences, having appeared in Endeavour, World on Fire, and Unforgotten. Today, he joins the podcast to talk about his latest MASTERPIECE role as the lead actor in a new production of Maigret. In this conversation, we discuss stepping into the long line of Maigrets, and how his character balances solving crime with his personal duty to the social contract. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 1, Episode 5 of The Gold.Actor Hugh Bonneville is a familiar face here at MASTERPIECE, having appeared in Downton Abbey, Miss Austen Regrets, The Cazalets, and more. Today, Hugh joins us to talk about The Gold and playing the ethical, determined, and legendary DCI Brian Boyce. Hugh shares what he took away from meeting the real-life Boyce to inform his stunning performance. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 4 of Maigret.Actor Stefanie Martini’s Louise Maigret may just be the most patient woman in Paris, forever adjusting to her husband Jules Maigret’s demanding work schedule. But she’s a professional in her own right, working as a psychiatric nurse helping those in need. In this conversation, Stefanie returns to the podcast to discuss themes of hope, loss, and new beginnings through her character, Madame Maigret.