If you’re looking for a British drama packed with family secrets, complicated relationships, unexpected romance and emotional twists, Last Tango in Halifax could be your next perfect binge-watch.
The BBC drama may have first premiered in 2012, but its mix of warmth, humor and heartbreak makes it just as compelling to revisit today — or discover for the very first time.
And with Sarah Lancashire and Unforgotten star Nicola Walker at the heart of the story, viewers are treated to two of Britain’s most acclaimed actresses sharing the screen.
A Second Chance at Love Changes Everything
Written by Sally Wainwright, the creator behind Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and Riot Women, Last Tango in Halifax follows Alan and Celia, childhood sweethearts who reconnect in their seventies after spending more than 60 years apart.
Alan, played by Derek Jacobi, and Celia, portrayed by Anne Reid, soon find that their long-lost connection has blossomed into something more.
But while the couple embrace their unexpected second chance at love, bringing their two families together proves to be anything but simple.
Their daughters, Gillian and Caroline, couldn’t be more different — and both have plenty of complicated issues of their own to deal with.
Sarah Lancashire and Nicola Walker Bring the Family Drama to Life
Nicola Walker plays Gillian, a farmer and single mother whose personal life is far from straightforward.
Sarah Lancashire, meanwhile, stars as Caroline, a successful headteacher dealing with the consequences of her husband’s affair.
When Alan and Celia’s romance brings their families closer together, relationships become increasingly tangled.
Over the course of five series, the characters navigate love, loss, divorce, family feuds and a number of devastating revelations.
What makes Last Tango in Halifax stand out, however, is its ability to move effortlessly between comedy and heartbreak. One moment can have viewers laughing, while the next delivers an emotional blow.
Fans of Sally Wainwright’s work will also recognize one of her greatest strengths: writing complex and memorable female characters. Gillian and Caroline are no exception.
A Talented Cast Completes the Story
Alongside Lancashire and Walker, Last Tango in Halifax features an impressive ensemble cast.
Anne Reid stars as Celia, while Derek Jacobi takes on the role of Alan. The supporting cast includes Tony Gardner as Caroline’s husband, John, as well as Dean Andrews as Robbie, Nina Sosanya as Kate and Ronni Ancona as Judith.
Together, the cast brings the show’s tangled relationships and emotional storylines to life across its five series.
Where Can You Watch Last Tango in Halifax?
The good news for anyone ready to start watching is that all five series of Last Tango in Halifax are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Whether you’re searching for a comforting weekend watch, a beautifully written family drama or simply want to see Sarah Lancashire and Nicola Walker at their best, this acclaimed series deserves a place on your watchlist.
Just be warned: once you start, one episode can very easily turn into several — and bedtime may have to wait.