28 minSeason 6 • Episode 5
LatestHetty continues to write the story looking back on her life, while others face life-changing decisions of their own.
In Victorian London, feisty heroine Hetty Feather is trapped in the Foundling Hospital, the strict institution ruled over by the formidable Matron Bottomley. Aided by friends and thwarted by enemies, Hetty battles to win her freedom and finally find her real mother. Based on the book by Jacqueline Wilson.
Acting
Isabel Clifton carries whole seasons on sheer moxie.
Production
Foundling Hospital sets are gloriously grimy and authentic.
Writing
Jacqueline Wilson's bite survives the adaptation.
Creator
Helen Blakeman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Foundling Hospital, established 1739, inspired Handel's Messiah premiere—Hetty's world has classical bangers.
Gemma Whelan (Ida) later played Yara Greyjoy—both characters fight patriarchal systems, one with ships, one with maternal grit.
GB
