Real historical figures surface as the plot develops. Anna Maxwell Martin brings Mary Shelley to life, while Sir Robert Peel – the Conservative Home Secretary and Prime Minister who helped create the modern police force (hence the term “bobby”) – is played by Tom Ward (Silent Witness). Poet and painter William Blake is portrayed by Steven Berkoff (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), and Ryan Sampson (Horrible Histories) stars as Boz – a character based on a young Charles Dickens.
5. It’s 10 out of 10 for atmosphere
It’s got the hats, the handkerchiefs, the stench of poverty, the fact it always looks freezing cold – yep, this is 19th-century London at its grittiest and most eerie alright. (Psst… it was actually filmed in Northern Ireland. But we won’t tell if you don’t).
6. Series 2 has already been filmed
So once you’ve made it through the first series, you won’t have long to wait for your next fix of chills, thrills and blood spills!