The origins of the popular British TV drama “Upstairs, Downstairs” date back to 1969 when actresses Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins discussed their shared background in domestic service while browsing family photos. They pitched the idea for a show about masters and servants in Edwardian London, which eventually aired as a five-series series on BBC television.
Source: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/obituaries/article/jean-marsh-obituary-actress-and-co-creator-of-upstairs-downstairs-j5vhtfzxq