Harlots - Season 1

In 18th-century London, Margaret Wells moves her brothel to the vibrant area of Soho, hoping to improve her business but rival madam Lydia Quigley has other ideas.

When an old friend arrives in town, Margaret's hopes for a move to Soho rest on whether she can tempt him to invest. But Nathaniel Lennox seems interested in a lot more than Margaret's business plans. With her days as a harlot long behind her, just how far will Margaret be willing to go? Nancy's discovery of the once famous courtesan Mary Cooper offers Margaret a glorious opportunity to destroy Lydia Quigley's reputation but hitting back against Lydia is a dangerous manoeuvre.

Lucy is hired to spend a few days with Lord and Lady Repton - this could be exactly the type of relationship that could launch her career as a high class courtesan. But the Reptons have peculiar tastes, and Lucy is unsure of herself in this new world outside London.

The brothel move is on, but when the Wells family is met by a baying mob outside their new home, Margaret fears she might be reaping the rewards of her public attack on Lydia Quigley. She'll fight tooth and claw to move up in the world, but at what price?

An unexpected death leaves Harriet in a terrible predicament, and to survive she will need to look for allies in the most surprising places. Emily is determined to challenge the constraints of Lydia's brothel, but ignoring Charles' warnings could prove disastrous. And Charlotte receives a visitor who could threaten her newfound contentment with Sir George.

Margaret's debts are mounting. Lydia's campaigns against her and Florence's religious tirades outside the brothel are taking a toll on business, and if Margaret and North can't find a way to entice new clients the business could soon flounder. Can they embrace their notoriety, and use it to their advantage? An illicit masquerade could provide just the right type of publicity, but will it make them or ruin them?

Emily is desperate to escape Lydia's house, but when Lydia catches her, Emily is brutally punished. All her hopes rest with Charles, but should she risk his life in order to spare her own?

Lydia has other troubles to deal with when she discovers one of the girls she procured has disappeared. What is Cunliffe really up to and can she risk being a part of it?

When Howard offers to be Lucy's keeper, Margaret is delighted. Charlotte and Howard's arrangement is over, and this could solve all Lucy's problems. But when Lucy discovers the deal has been done, her reaction will plunge all three Wells women into terrible danger.

Fanny makes an announcement that could threaten her position in the house. Harriet is horrified when she discovers Benjamin's latest plans for her children. And Nancy is determined to keep Emily Lacey out of Lydia's clutches. Lydia is out for revenge, and will stop at nothing to catch her prey. With so many in her power, who will Lydia persuade to betray the girl, and at what price?

North and Jacob have gone missing, and after the events of the previous night, Margaret is desperate to find them. But when her friends discover her betrayal of Emily, Margaret will have to search alone.

Lydia can finally take her revenge on Emily, who finds herself in terrible danger. Nancy will have to race against time to find her – though help comes from the most unexpected quarter.

Charlotte and Marney are planning a future in America, but when a discovery is made, all three Wells women fear they will come under suspicion. With Margaret's daughters in peril, can she find a way to save them all?

After Rasselas' revelation, Lydia can put everything in place to take down Margaret Wells once and for all. But she'll need Cunliffe's help and her discovery that Emily has escaped could bring her plans crashing down. If Cunliffe has now become her enemy, Lydia must act quickly to deal with the threat. Which of them can earn the Spartans' trust?

Harriet and North unite in one final attempt to steal her children back from Benjamin Lennox.

Lucy learns a new skill which could change her future. Will Margaret make a decision for Fanny that's popular in the house?