After his father's will stipulates he must marry Bella Wilfer to inherit his fortune, John Harmon fakes his death to avoid the marriage and the threats on his life. He returns as John Rokesmith and becomes the secretary for the Boffins, who inherit Harmon's estate following his alleged death.

Steven MackintoshJohn Harmon / John Rokesmith

Anna FrielBella Harmon / Bella Wilfer

Peter VaughanNicodemus 'Noddy' Boffin

Pam FerrisHenrietta Boffin

Keeley HawesElizabeth 'Lexie' Hexam

Dominic MafhamMortimer Lightwood

Paul McGannEugene Wrayburn

Kenneth CranhamSilas Wegg

Timothy SpallMr Venus

Anthony CalfAlfred Lammle

Doon MackichanSophronia Lammle

David BradleyRoger 'Rogue' Riderhood

Paul BaileyCharles 'Charley' Hexam

Katy MurphyFanny Cleaver / 'Jenny Wren'

Cyril ShapsMr Riah

David MorrisseyBradley Headstone

Peter WightReginald Wilfer

David SchofieldJesse 'Gaffer' Hexam

Rachel PowerPleasant Riderhood

Michael CulkinMr Veneering

Rose EnglishMrs Veneering

Margaret TyzackLady Tippins

Sarah CrowdenFirst Guest

Cate FowlerSecond Guest

John DallimoreThird Guest

Ray GardnerFifth Guest

Peter HowellFourth Guest

Roger FrostMr Inspector

Martin HancockSloppy

Edna DoréBetty Higden

Heather TobiasMrs Wilfer

Catriona YuillLavinia Wilfer

Bertie ShelleyLittle Johnny

Linda BassettAbby Potterson

Richard HansonGeorge Radfoot

Georgina LambMiss Peecher