Hudson was the son of a gillie and so James took him along as loader when he was invited to a weekend's shooting. Hudson was tempted by the offer of the position of butler at the large house but, after much soul searching, he decided to stay on at Eaton Place.

Pauline Collins as Sarah. The role was originally intended for co-creator Eileen Atkins who had to pull out of the series due to prior stage commitments.

Thomas Watkins was the Bellamy's devious chauffeur. Having got Sarah pregnant, he threatened to spread gossip about the Bellamys around town and was "bought off" by Richard Bellamy who set him up with his own garage in Kilburn.

Rose saying goodbye to Edward in A Perfect Stranger as a taxi takes her away to her new life with Gregory Wilmot in Australia. She was soon back at 165, though, after having got cold feet at the dock.

In 1914, the staff of Eaton Place joined the festive Bank Holiday crowds at Herne Bay in Kent. After dipping their toes in the sea and picnicking on the beach, they went to watch a concert party. During the performance the compere announced that war was imminent. It was to be the last carefree day for many years.