An explosive novel, a teenage infatuation and a dangerous affair – meet the outrageous sisters who could not stay out of the headlines

A new drama on free streaming service U brings the various scandals surrounding England’s notorious Mitford sisters to life

If you think your siblings are badly behaved, opinionated, unlucky, stubborn, unconventional, or just plain wrong – you ain’t seen nothing yet.

New U drama series Outrageous tells the true story of the six aristocratic Mitford sisters, who couldn’t have been more different, yet who each found fame – or infamy – in their own way.

Focusing on how the sisters navigated the gathering storm of the 1930s, the show dives into public scandals, political extremism, dangerous romances, and devastating betrayals.

Whether due to their political beliefs or private escapades, the sisters simply couldn’t stay out of the headlines. Here’s a taster of what the gossip columns of the time may have said…

Which audacious novelist’s explosive new book has caused a rift with two of her sisters?

While she may be the eldest and cleverest sister, Nancy can’t half put her foot in it. But why exactly has her new novel – a takedown of fascism – so upset the family?

Not only that, she’s fallen for a man who everyone else knows is gay. Might she finally get lucky in love and settle down with a husband who truly loves her? We’ll see…

Which high-society beauty is set to leave her husband for a sinister politician?

Indomitable stunner Diana gets whatever she wants, and just a few years back what she wanted was Bryan Guinness, heir to a brewing fortune.

Their home was once a haven for bright young things, but lately, we hear Diana has been setting her cap at a certain political kindred spirit with less-than-savoury connections – and ideas. There’s just one problem: for her desires, she might have to pay a terrible price.

Which adventurous aristocrat is being wooed by a millionaire Grand National jockey?

Don’t be mistaken by the quiet-seeming Pamela. Sure, she may dodge the limelight, stay out of politics, and avoid any drama – much preferring to rear chickens or motor across Europe alone – but all is not as it seems.

Might her being wooed by a much older man – a physicist and amateur jockey – actually not be as surprising as it first seems, but rather a sign that her unflustered nature is hiding a discreet unconventionality?

Which socialite looks to be heading on a one-way trip to trouble?

Zealous misfit Unity seems to have been headed for trouble from an early age, managing to get expelled twice from boarding school.

And those who judge people by the company they keep might well find themselves looking on in horror at the 6ft 1in Mitford sister’s recent life choices – what will be your verdict?

Which rebellious teen has rejected her family in favour of Churchill’s handsome nephew?

“Comrade Jessica” has a ring to it, doesn’t it? And it’s all too appropriate a moniker for the sister who has turned her back on the privileged world she was born into.

And just what is she now planning to get up to with her equally communist-inclined teenage second-cousin (and nephew of Winston Churchill) Esmond Romilly?

Which boisterous lady has been left heartbroken after her sister stole the love of her life?

Ah, poor, sweet Debo. If any of the Mitford sisters deserve an uncomplicated love life, it’s Deborah.

Yet, the youngest sibling – who is nothing but inordinately grateful and satisfied with life – has had the heirloom rug ripped from beneath her feet by her very own sister no less! Ever since Pam announced her engagement to the one Debo had her eye on, she has been devastated. The question now is: did Pam know?

Outrageous is a new, original drama that will be available to stream for free on U from 19 June.