Eileen Atkins is the creator of the original landmark series Upstairs Downstairs with Jean Marsh, but was unable to appear in the show due to stage commitments. She was finally granted the chance in the current Masterpiece version, as “Lady Maud Holland." Atkins won a Primetime Emmy® Award in 2008 for another Masterpiece production, Cranford. Her film appearances include Cold Mountain and Gosford Park. She has won numerous Laurence Olivier stage awards in England and has been nominated for four Tony® Awards. More about the show at the official Upstairs Downstairs site.