A self-made man who started out as a London market trader, James grasped the opportunity that war with Napoleon presented, becoming one of the principal suppliers to the Duke of Wellington. After the war, he has joined the Cubitt brothers in their building of a new London City of the Rich, Belgravia. James is a social climber of mountaineering proportions. The advancement of his family drives him forward, but it drives his wife to distraction.

Philip Glenister has appeared in various TV series but is perhaps best known for his role as DCI Gene Hunt in the BAFTA nominated BBC drama, Life on Mars and its sequel Ashes to Ashes. Philip also starred in the BAFTA nominated Sky One psychological thriller Mad Dogs as Quinn, one-of four friends who get muddled in the world of crime. His other TV credits include; Cranford, The Hollow Crown II, Prey, Outcast and The Level. Philip has appeared in a number of feature films, namely Golden Globe nominated Calendar Girls, The Kingdom of Heaven, The Other Boleyn Girl, Bel Ami and You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger.