11 May 2015 (2015-05-11) – 15 April 2020 (2020-04-15)
Hetty Feather is a British children'sdrama series, based on the novel of the same name by Jacqueline Wilson. Set in the Victorian era, it focuses on the life of the title character who was abandoned as a baby, lives first in a Foundling Hospital in London, and later works as a maid for a rich family in their home. The first series aired from 11 May 2015 to 6 July 2015. The series began airing in the United States on BYUtv in 2018.[1] The show concluded with a three-part special which served as the series' sixth and final season.[2]
Premise
The series revolves around Hetty Feather, who was abandoned as a baby at the Foundling Hospital. She and her foster brother Gideon Smeed were fostered for a while by Peg Cotton, but when they turned 5, they had to return to the Foundling Hospital.
In Victorian London foundlings Hetty Feather and Gideon Smeed are fostered by the Cotton family until the age of five when they are taken to the foundling hospital, run by the austere Matron Bottomly and separated into different wings for boys and girls. Having sworn that she would look after Gideon Hetty makes efforts to see him, meeting Mathias, an older boy who looks after Gideon and who plans to escape and run away to sea. Hetty helps Mathias craft a letter to the man who will facilitate this and plans to join him and other boys in an escape attempt. However, thanks to the She-Mob, a group of nasty girls who seek to ingratiate themselves with Matron, she fails to join the escapees. Following the discovery that three boys have gone the hospital is subject to an even harsher regime.
First Appearances: Hetty Feather, Gideon Smeed, Sheila Ormsby, Polly Renfrew, Harriet Summers, Elizabeth Flounder, Monica Clackett, Mathias Grigg, Matron Bottomly, Donald Cranbourne, Walter Brittle, Ned, Judd Mortimer, Nurse Winterson, Nurse Macclesfield, Mary Crane and Vince Rickard
2
2
"The Escape (Part 2)"
Paul Walker
Helen Blakeman
11 May 2015 (2015-05-11)
18 March 2018
In Victorian London foundlings Hetty Feather and Gideon Smeed are fostered by the Cotton family until the age of five when they are taken to the foundling hospital, run by the austere Matron Bottomly and separated into different wings for boys and girls. Having sworn that she would look after Gideon Hetty makes efforts to see him, meeting Mathias, an older boy who looks after Gideon and who plans to escape and run away to sea. Hetty helps Mathias craft a letter to the man who will facilitate this and plans to join him and other boys in an escape attempt. However, thanks to the She-Mob, a group of nasty girls who seek to ingratiate themselves with matron, she fails to join the escapees. Following the discovery that three boys have gone the hospital is subject to an even harsher regime.
3
3
"The Tower"
Paul Walker
Helen Blakeman
18 May 2015 (2015-05-18)
25 March 2018
Hetty tells her friends Harriet and Polly that it will soon be her and Gideon's birthdays as celebrated at the foster parents and, since the sexes are segregated, she must think of a way to meet Gideon for a celebration. When food is stolen from the kitchen Matron orders a lockdown but Hetty takes advantage of a rat infestation to get a message to Gideon and later, under the guise of helping the rat-catcher lay traps, she and her friends obtain access through the loft to a tower where they meet Gideon and his friends and establish their own den. Later that night the food thief is caught - it is Mathias who, having escaped, has returned to the hospital where he is hiding.
Matron attempts to coerce a cowed Mathias into being her spy as she sets the orphans to work making toys, supposedly destined for charities though Gus discovers that she and tradesman Cooper are planning to sell them to stores for profit and leads the others in sabotaging the goods. They are almost caught but Mathias rescues them before explaining how he returned to the hospital to avoid being sold as a slave. Matron is angry when she sees the damaged toys but, as the children are falling ill due to lead paint, humane teacher Mr Cranbourne persuades her to stop her venture, pointing out that the governors would not be happy to know about her deal with a roguelike Cooper.
5
5
"Sisters"
Paul Walker
Emma Reeves
1 June 2015 (2015-06-01)
1 April 2018
A new foundling arrives, a little girl called Eliza, who was fostered with the same family as Hetty though Hetty is disappointed that her borrowed brother Jem seems to have forgotten her. Matron also receives a visitor, her kindly sister Annie, appalled that Matron will not visit their dying mother. When Eliza takes revenge on Matron by shredding her clothes Hetty takes the blame and is put in solitary but Annie discovers the real culprit and rescues Hetty, explaining that she and her sister were also raised in a workhouse, hence Matron's severe attitude. Thus Hetty has information to use against her enemy and is also cheered to find that Jem has not forgotten her at all.
6
6
"Strike"
Chloe Thomas
Sophie Petzal
8 June 2015 (2015-06-08)
1 April 2018
The foundlings must perform a hymn by composer Mr Melrose to sing at a charity lunch but they are bored by it so kindly Nurse Winterson teaches them a music hall song, with the result that Matron sacks her. Hetty, aware that the nurse is the sole provider for her invalid father, persuades the children to go on strike and refuse to sing at the lunch but Matron tries to call her bluff by threatening punishment. Fortunately, the children stage a concert of their own which so impresses Mr Melrose that he persuades Matron to reinstate Nurse Winterson.
7
7
"Raising the Flag"
Chloe Thomas
Helen Blakeman & Emma Reeves
15 June 2015 (2015-06-15)
8 April 2018
The boys compete in a series of gruelling army tests in order to win a place out of the Foundling Hospital and into the big wide world as a drummer boy in the army. With Vince determined to beat his main rival Mathias, a bitter battle is set to turn nasty. Meanwhile, Hetty and Sheila are forced to work together in the infirmary as nurses tending to a sickly boy named Charlie. But will their rivalry get in the way of looking after the ailing patient?
8
8
"Foundling Reclaimed"
Chloe Thomas
Emma Reeves
22 June 2015 (2015-06-22)
8 April 2018
A distraught couple have come to reclaim their child, but which foundling could it be? With Hetty determined to find out, someone could be leaving with the parents for good. But will Matron allow the foundling to be reclaimed without a fight? Meanwhile, Gideon plans on escaping in search of his parents, but Vince and Judd have other plans.
9
9
"Open Day (Part 1)"
Chloe Thomas
Helen Blakeman
29 June 2015 (2015-06-29)
15 April 2018
It is open day at the Foundling Hospital. Hetty sees Madame Adeline there and thinks she could be her real mother, but Matron tasks Hetty with looking after Lord Upton's snooty daughter Charlotte. When it transpires that Matron has plans to send Hetty to India as Charlotte's maid, it seems Hetty's days as a foundling could be coming to an end. Will she ever find her mother again?
Last Appearance: Mary Crane
10
10
"Open Day (Part 2)"
Chloe Thomas
Helen Blakeman
6 July 2015 (2015-07-06)
15 April 2018
With Hetty finally escaped from the hospital in search of Madam Adeline, Matron is on the warpath and thinks she knows where to find the escaped girl. In the meantime, the gang come together to try to expose Matron's true intentions behind Hetty's planned trip to India. But can they get to the truth in time and will Cranbourne believe them?
After the end of the episode, The End Of It All in series 4, a five-minute crossover between The Dumping Ground and Hetty Feather aired on CBBC, titled A Special Dumping Ground Adventure. Its official title (according to CBBC Online) is Floss The Foundling and has instead used this title online and in subsequent TV airings.
When Floss has to do the vacuuming. she ruins a picture that Tyler, Billie and Toni work on when they don't want her help. Floss falls asleep on the sofa and ends up in the Foundling Hospital. She encounters Hetty Feather, who introduces Floss to the Foundling Hospital ways. Sheila and Elizabeth are mean towards Floss and Hetty gets Floss out of trouble with Matron Bottomly. Floss and Hetty make friends. When Floss wakes up, she draws a replacement picture.
Guest Starring: Sarah Rayson as Floss Guppy, Miles Butler-Hughton as Tyler Lewis, Gwen Currant as Billie Trent, Nelly Currant as Toni Trent and Stacy Liu as May-Li Wang.
Series 2 (2016)
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11
1
"Foundling Day"
Chloe Thomas
Helen Blakeman
10 May 2016 (2016-05-10)
22 April 2018
Hetty risks getting into serious trouble with Matron when she makes a desperate promise.
First Appearance: Ida Battersea
12
2
"The Haunting"
Chloe Thomas
Helen Blakeman
17 May 2016 (2016-05-17)
22 April 2018
Hetty is shocked when a wealthy couple want to adopt one of her friends.
Last Appearance: Polly Renfrew
13
3
"Words From Home"
Chloe Thomas
Emma Reeves
24 May 2016 (2016-05-24)
29 April 2018
Hetty has a surprise visitor with important news, but can she meet him without getting caught?
14
4
"Changes"
Chloe Thomas
Abby Ajayi
31 May 2016 (2016-05-31)
29 April 2018
Gideon tells a lie, which gets Hetty into trouble, and Matron has mysteriously disappeared.
15
5
"Blanche"
Chloe Thomas
Matt Evans
7 June 2016 (2016-06-07)
13 May 2018
Hetty is determined to discover what secret Matron is hiding in the basement.
First Appearance: Blanche Newbold
16
6
"Remember Me"
Delyth Thomas
Emma Reeves
14 June 2016 (2016-06-14)
13 May 2018
A tragic accident brings Hetty and Sheila together to find the truth.
Last Appearance: Monica Clackett
17
7
"Dreams"
Delyth Thomas
Joseph Lidster
21 June 2016 (2016-06-21)
20 May 2018
Hetty is excited when an explorer talks about her adventures, and there's a snake on the loose.
Hetty plays a practical joke on Matron that has frightening consequences for everyone.
19
9
"Secrets and Plans"
Delyth Thomas
Helen Blakeman
5 July 2016 (2016-07-05)
27 May 2018
Hetty discovers news that will change her life forever.
20
10
"The Reunion"
Delyth Thomas
Helen Blakeman
12 July 2016 (2016-07-12)
27 May 2018
Will Hetty be able to keep the truth about her real mother a secret?
Series 3 (2017)
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21
1
"News From Nowhere"
Delyth Thomas
Helen Blakeman
8 May 2017 (2017-05-08)
16 September 2018
Hetty receives some news that makes her want to escape. After successfully doing so Hetty learns just how dangerous the streets of London can be.
Last Appearance: Ida Battersea
22
2
"The Unexpected Friend"
Delyth Thomas
Helen Blakeman
15 May 2017 (2017-05-15)
16 September 2018
Hetty tries to join her mother only to learn that her mum could lose her job if they learn she had a child. As a result Hetty is forced to return to the Foundling Hospital. Meanwhile Matron learns of Hetty's hidden letters.
23
3
"The Break In"
Delyth Thomas
Victoria Asare-Archer
22 May 2017 (2017-05-22)
23 September 2018
A street girl breaks into the hospital. Not wanting her to get into trouble, Hetty decides to disguise her as a foundling. However the Matron is on the prowl and wants the girl found at all costs.
Last Appearance: Blanche Newbold
24
4
"Land of Opportunity"
Reza Moradi
Abby Ajayi
29 May 2017 (2017-05-29)
23 September 2018
Many foundlings fall ill. The gang decides to investigate the cause. Meanwhile Hetty decides to find the Matron's secret book and get her terminated.
25
5
"Dangerous Game"
Reza Moradi
Gareth Sergeant
5 June 2017 (2017-06-05)
30 September 2018
Vince blackmails Nurse Winterson so he can get special treatment. Meanwhile Hetty learns of a daring visit some of the foundlings are planning.
Note: Ida Battersea returns for this episode
26
6
"Cannon Fodder"
Reza Moradi
Robin Mukherjee
12 June 2017 (2017-06-12)
30 September 2018
Hetty tries to help Nurse Winterson, but her help ends up landing an innocent man with the label of being a thief.
Last Appearance: Elizabeth Flounder
27
7
"The Last Sunday"
Reza Moradi
Joseph Lidster
19 June 2017 (2017-06-19)
7 October 2018
Hetty tries to learn what Matron has planned for her. Meanwhile a fight amongst the boys gets out of hand when it spreads to some special visitors.
First Appearance: Rosamund Calendar and George Calendar
28
8
"Farewell Service"
Reza Moradi
Matt Evans
26 June 2017 (2017-06-26)
7 October 2018
It's Hetty's and everyone else's last day at the foundling hospital and everyone will be moving on and Matron appears to have special ideas for Hetty – she locks her in the cellar. But Gideon and Sheila find he and rescue her. When everyone finds out that Matron did this, they call for the police to arrest her but she escapes. Hetty decides to go to posh Calendar Hall with Sheila and Gideon and brings Matron's book with her. Harriet and Matthias go to New York.
Absent: George Calendar
Last Appearances: Nurse Macclesfield, Nurse Winterson, Harriet Summers, Mathias Grigg, Ned, Vince Rickard, Walter Brittle, Donald Cranbourne and Judd Mortimer
29
9
"New Beginnings"
Delyth Thomas
Helen Blakeman
3 July 2017 (2017-07-03)
14 October 2018
Hetty begins a new life at Calendar Hall and is prepared to become a maid there. Meanwhile, Matron, now on the run, plots how to find Hetty and get her book back. Hetty, Sheila and Gideon meet their housekeeper and maids : Agnes, Lady Whittock and Jack. They also meet Rosamund- Lady of Calendar hall, George and children: Emily, Edwin and Constance.
First Appearance: Agnes, Jack, Emily Calendar, Edwin Calendar and Constance Calendar
30
10
"The Past Returns"
Delyth Thomas
Helen Blakeman
10 July 2017 (2017-07-10)
14 October 2018
Hetty and Gideon try to rescue a kidnapped girl but comes face-to-face with Matron which ends with Matron going to prison. Hetty visits her Mum.
Last Appearance: Matron Bottomly
Note: Ida Battersea returns for this episode
Series 4 (2018)
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31
1
"The New Arrival"
Reza Moradi
Helen Blakeman
7 May 2018 (2018-05-07)
21 October 2018
Hetty discovers an explosive secret from Rosamund Calendar- she lost a baby years ago called Charles who she believes Matron may know of while Gideon fears he caused Edwin's life-threatening accident. Rosamund gives birth to another baby who she names William. New housekeeper Brodie arrives at Calendar Hall.
First Appearance: Lady Grenford, Mrs Brody, William Calendar and Mrs Whittock
Hetty is forced to cover when Rosamund goes missing on the day of William's christening, while Gideon and Jack find themselves in muddy trouble.
33
3
"Family"
Reza Moradi
Victoria Asare-Archer
21 May 2018 (2018-05-21)
28 October 2018
A new arrival at the Hall threatens Agnes and Sheila's jobs while Gideon falls out with Emily. Sheila struggles looking after Constance.
First Appearance: Lizzie
34
4
"Prisons"
Sallie Aprahamian
Joseph Lidster
28 May 2018 (2018-05-28)
28 October 2018
Hetty steels herself to face her old enemy, while Lady Grenford introduces the family to her handsome young grandson, Robert.
Note: Matron Bottomly returns for this episode
35
5
"For Shame"
Sallie Aprahamian
Hilary Frankland
4 June 2018 (2018-06-04)
4 November 2018
Agnes's job is put at risk when her family secret is revealed, while Emily argues with her father about her future. Jack thinks Gideon has betrayed him.
36
6
"Wolves"
Sallie Aprahamian
Gareth Sergeant
11 June 2018 (2018-06-11)
4 November 2018
Hetty and Gideon are shocked when a figure from their past turns up unexpectedly, while Lizzie is terrified by the story of a savage wolf boy on the grounds.
Note: Vince Rickard returns for this episode
37
7
"Pride"
Sallie Aprahamian
Matt Evans
18 June 2018 (2018-06-18)
11 November 2018
An accident in the kitchen forces Sheila to choose between loyalty to the cook and her own ambition, while Jack is stunned to discover the identity of a thief.
Last Appearance: Mrs Whittock
38
8
"Fate"
Sallie Aprahamian
Jake Riddelt
25 June 2018 (2018-06-25)
11 November 2018
It's the day of the fair and Gideon makes a surprising discovery about Jack, while Hetty realises Mrs Brody is out to get her. Sheila and Constance battle to become the Festival Queen
39
9
"Truth"
Reza Moradi
Matt Evans
2 July 2018 (2018-07-02)
18 November 2018
Hetty and Gideon search for proof of Jack's innocence, while Emily discovers Mr Buscombe has a secret - but is he telling the whole truth? Lady Grenford has a startling plan for Emily and Robert.
40
10
"The Birthday Party"
Reza Moradi
Helen Blakeman
9 July 2018 (2018-07-09)
18 November 2018
Hetty fights to reunite Rosamund with her long lost son, while Lady Grenford will stop at nothing to force Emily and Robert's engagement.
Last Appearance: Mrs Brody
Departed: Rosamund Calendar, William Calendar, George Calendar, Edwin Calendar, Emily Calendar, Constance Calendar and Lady Grenford
Series 5 (2019)
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41
1
"The Return"
Jennie Darnell
Helen Blakeman
3 May 2019 (2019-05-03)
22 September 2019
Hetty and the gang play a prank on Sheila, but it has disastrous consequences when a young Indian visitor named Ashok with a secret arrives to stay at Calendar Hall, Sheila gets angry at him, which leads to her getting sacked.
Departed: Sheila Ormsby
Returned: Rosamund Calendar, William Calendar, Constance Calendar and Edwin Calendar
First Appearance: Ashok
42
2
"The Proposal"
Jennie Darnell
Robin Mukherjee
3 May 2019 (2019-05-03)
29 September 2019
Jack has a romantic proposal in mind, but a new butler named Ambrose and his daughter Flo spells trouble for the gang, his romantic news is put on hold while Ashok reveals his secret – there's a priceless diamond, rightfully his, hidden in Calendar Hall. And Hetty gets a letter from Harriet asking her to join her in New York. Will she go?
First Appearances: Ambrose and Flo
43
3
"The Hidden Compartment"
Jennie Darnell
Hilary Frankland
13 May 2019 (2019-05-13)
6 October 2019
The gang follow clues as they search for the Dawn Star- the priceless diamond, not realising that Ambrose is looking for it, too. Rosamund surprises everyone when she brings Lady Greenford back to Calendar Hall.
Returned: Lady Grenford
44
4
"The Folly"
Jennie Darnell
Hilary Frankland
20 May 2019 (2019-05-20)
13 October 2019
Hetty and the gang find crucial clues to the Dawn Star, although Flo and Ambrose are now watching them closely and Lady Grenford appears to know more about the diamond than she is letting on. She becomes friendly with Ashok.
Lizzie discovers a secret tunnel with a clue for the dawn star, while the gang races Ambrose to find the jewel, and Hetty fears that Ashok is growing too friendly with Lady Grenford.
46
6
"The Parchment"
Reza Moradi
Hilary Frankland & Joseph Lidster
3 June 2019 (2019-06-03)
27 October 2019
The gang realise they need to break through a wall to get to the jewel – but can they do it without being discovered? And what will Agnes do when she finds out Gideon’s been lying to her?
47
7
"The Secret Door"
Reza Moradi
Gareth Sergeant
10 June 2019 (2019-06-10)
3 November 2019
The gang are in danger when Rosamund leaves Lady Grenford and Ambrose in charge. Hetty finally cracks the code - but can the gang get to the Dawn Star in time?
48
8
"The Accused"
Reza Moradi
Julie Dixon
17 June 2019 (2019-06-17)
10 November 2019
The gang finally discover the Dawn Star at the same time Lady Greenford, Ambrose and Flo do and when Lady Greenford realises it's stolen, she accuses Hetty of it and calls the police to arrest her. The gang help her to escape and eventually she does and goes on the run.
Absent: Rosamund Calendar and William Calendar
49
9
"The Search"
Reza Moradi
Matt Evans
24 June 2019 (2019-06-24)
17 November 2019
Hetty, on the run in London, is quickly brought to the workhouse where she discovers Sheila. Sheila helps her to escape from there. Meanwhile, the gang discover Ambrose has the dawn star. They gain a plan to prove Hetty innocent and Ambrose the real thief.
Returned: Sheila Ormsby
50
10
"The Homecoming"
Reza Moradi
Helen Blakeman
1 July 2019 (2019-07-01)
24 November 2019
Hetty meets the gang and they go back to Calendar Hall and stop at nothing to prove Ambrose the real thief. Eventually, Ambrose gets arrested, they re-discover the dawn star and give it to Ashok and Ashok leaves for India with it. Hetty decides she won't go join Harriet in New York.
Hetty comes up with a plan to get Sheila reinstated for Christmas, but when the street gang steals the food meant for the poor at church everyone gets separated. In the end tons of problems arise which might make it where the gang can't make it home for Christmas.
Note: Matron Bottomly returns for this episode
Absent: William Calendar
52
2
"A Christmas Adventure: Part Two"
Ian Barnes
Matt Evans
12 December 2019 (2019-12-12)
8 December 2019
Hetty is held captive by Matron Bottomly and the street gang, Gideon tries to figure out how to help Sheila escape the workhouse, and Rosamund and Lady Grenford are in prison for looking poor. Seeing no other choice Jack and Agnes begin searching the streets hoping to help everyone make it back to Calendar Hall.
Note: Matron Bottomly returns for this episode
Returned: George Calendar
Absent: William Calendar
Last Appearances: Flo and Jack
Series 6 (2020)
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53
1
"The Final Chapter: Part One"
Reza Moradi
Robin Mukherjee
13 April 2020 (2020-04-13)
31 May 2020
Hetty is dismissed when George blames her for insulting Rosamund, who has died in childbirth.
Last Appearance: Rosamund Calendar
Returned: Harriet Summers and Mathias Grigg
54
2
"The Final Chapter: Part Two"
Reza Moradi
Matt Evans
14 April 2020 (2020-04-14)
7 June 2020
Hetty meets Matron living on the streets, while Mathias' reunion with the gang threatens his wedding to Harriet. Meanwhile, George plans to send his children away and return to India.
Returned: Matron Bottomly, Walter Brittle, Ned, Judd Mortimer, Donald Cranbourne and Nurse Macclesfield
Note: Jack and Vince Rickard return for this episode only
55
3
"The Final Chapter: Part Three"
Reza Moradi
Helen Blakeman
15 April 2020 (2020-04-15)
14 June 2020
Hetty saves Matron from a street gang and Constance runs away to find Hetty. Mathias swears his love for Harriet, while Hetty is forced to return to Calendar Hall before she can move on.
Returned: Nurse Winterson/Mrs Clark
Home releases
The first series of Hetty Feather was released on DVD on 27 July 2015.[8] The first season was given a U (Universal) and a PG rating by the BBFC for mild bad language, mild scenes of threat and peril, and mild adult themes (specifically scenes centred on death and bereavement). The second series of Hetty Feather was released on DVD on 18 July 2016.[9]
