The new period drama The Forsytes has arrived, bringing a fresh take on John Galsworthy’s classic novels to television screens. Among the standout characters is June Forsyte, the step-daughter of Jolyon Forsyte Jr., who finds herself drawn to someone her family deems unsuitable. For many viewers watching the show on Channel 5 in the UK or waited for its March 22, 2026 premiere on PBS in the United States, there is a familiar feeling when June appears on screen. The actress behind the role has built a solid career in British television, and her face has appeared in some of the most beloved dramas of the last decade.
The Actress Behind June Forsyte
Justine Moore plays the role of June Forsyte, the daughter of Frances and step-daughter to Jolyon Forsyte Jr. In the series, June’s storyline involves her falling for a penniless architect, challenging the family’s expectations and creating tension within the wealthy Forsyte household. Moore brings depth to a character caught between family duty and personal desire, a central theme in this adaptation written by Debbie Horsfield, known for her work on Poldark.
The series, which began airing on Channel 5 on October 20, 2025, follows the wealthy Forsyte family in 1880s London, exploring themes of love, ambition, and betrayal. The ensemble cast includes Eleanor Tomlinson, Millie Gibson, Stephen Moyer, and Jack Davenport. Filming for the first series took place primarily at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, with locations across Wales, Somerset, and Gloucestershire. A second series has already begun filming, giving audiences more to look forward to after the first six episodes.
Where You Have Seen Justine Moore Before
Call the Midwife
For fans of the long-running BBC drama, Justine Moore will be instantly recognizable from her appearance in Call the Midwife. The series, which follows the nurses and midwives of Nonnatus House in London’s East End, has featured Moore in a memorable guest role. Her performance in the beloved period drama showcased her ability to bring warmth and authenticity to her characters, traits that serve her well in The Forsytes.
Without Sin
Moore also appeared in the ITV drama Without Sin, a psychological thriller that starred Vicky McClure. The series explored the complex relationship between a mother grieving her daughter’s murder and the man imprisoned for the crime. Moore’s role in this intense drama demonstrated her range as an actress, moving from the period setting of Call the Midwife to the darker, more contemporary world of crime and justice.
Stage Work and Other Credits
Beyond her screen work, Justine Moore has built a reputation in British theatre. Her classical training and stage experience have prepared her well for the demands of period drama, where the ability to convey emotion within the constraints of corsets and Victorian social codes requires significant skill. The cast of The Forsytes endured long filming days in heavy period costumes, sometimes in temperatures reaching 34°C, with Moore’s co-star Tuppence Middleton joking that taking off the costumes at the end of the day was the best part.
What Makes This Adaptation Different
The 2025 version of The Forsytes stands apart from previous adaptations of Galsworthy’s work. Writer Debbie Horsfield, who also worked on Poldark, brought a contemporary sensibility to the dialogue while maintaining the late-Victorian setting. She focused on bringing the female characters to the forefront, giving them agency and depth that the original books did not always provide.
For actress Justine Moore, this means playing a June Forsyte who is more than just a plot device. Her character’s romance with an architect considered unsuitable by the family represents the changing attitudes of the era, as younger generations began to question the rigid social structures their parents accepted without question. The series examines whether the Forsytes will follow their heads or their hearts, a question that resonates with modern audiences as much as it did in Galsworthy’s time.
International Release and Viewing Information
UK viewers can stream all episodes of The Forsytes on Channel 5, with the series having premiered on October 20, 2025. For audiences in the United States, the series will arrive on PBS as part of the MASTERPIECE lineup. The U.S. premiere is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026, airing at 9:00/8:00c. Canadian and Australian release dates have not yet been announced, but the series is expected to become available on streaming platforms in those regions following the U.S. debut.
The series is produced by Mammoth Screen, the same company behind Poldark, in association with ITV Studios and MASTERPIECE. The international distribution rights are handled by ITV Studios, with PBS Distribution managing North American rights.
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As audiences continue to discover The Forsytes, Justine Moore stands out as one of the cast members whose career bears watching. Her work in Call the Midwife and Without Sin has already demonstrated her versatility, while her role as June Forsyte gives her the opportunity to take on a character with significant dramatic weight in a high-profile production.
The ensemble nature of The Forsytes means Moore shares screen time with an impressive roster of British acting talent. Francesca Annis plays the formidable matriarch Ann, Stephen Moyer takes on the role of Jolyon Senior, and Eleanor Tomlinson appears as Louisa Byrne. For Moore, holding her own alongside such established names speaks to her skill and potential for even bigger roles in the future.
Whether viewers recognize her from the nuns and nurses of Nonnatus House or the gritty world of crime drama, the familiarity of seeing Justine Moore in The Forsytes adds an extra layer of enjoyment to watching this lavish new period piece. Her performance as June Forsyte gives the character a modern sensibility while honoring the period setting, making her one to watch as the series continues to reach audiences around the world.
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