An offer was made to Joan Hackett for the role of Wallis Simpson. She turned the role down due to other commitments. The mini series was well received and Cynthia Harris recieved a BAFTA nomination for the role.

The producers turned down the superb but sometimes difficult actress for the co-starring role of the social worker who has a powerful effect on Sidney Poitier, who was cast as a black militant. Poitier had lobbied for Hackett in the role.

Hackett was initially set to play the lead female role but was replaced by Anne Fancis due to clashes with the producers.