Jedrington's family is incarcerated by evil lawyer Skulkingworm in London's infamous prison The Skint, until they can repay a mysterious and vast debt. Will Jedrington rescue his family in time for Christmas or lose them forever? And is there more to the name Secret-Past than meets the eye?

From the Red Button, a behind the scenes look at The Bleak Old Shop Of Stuff which reveals how the programme is part of a unique experiment. It is the first television programme in over one hundred and seventeen years to be made using traditional Victorian television making techniques. See how the relatively fearless cast and crew coped with steam cameras, on-set urchins and the occasional cholera outbreak behind the scenes.

Using Victorian television production techniques has a dramatic effect on how a production is run. The cast and crew of The Old Bleak Shop of Stuff speak candidly about the production team, in particular the treatment of the various urchins and orphans on set.

Staying true to Victorian TV production techniques is taking its toll on the team. Digging for coal, steam powered cameras and giant candles are all being employed to create an authentic production.