ITV have unveiled the trio of lovely heroines to star in its forthcoming Jane Austen season.
Former Doctor Who favourite Billie Piper, as we all know, is to play Fanny Price in Mansfield Park. Adapted by Maggie Wadey, the show will be produced by Company Pictures.
Meanwhile Tipping the Velvet star Sally Hawkins has been lined up to play Anne Elliot in Persuasion, which has been re-worked for the small screen by Simon Burke and is a Clerkenwell Films production.
And finally Felicity Jones, best known to fans of Radio 4’s The Archers will play Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey. The drama will be made by ITV Productions and has been adapted by Andrew “Period Drama” Davies.
ITV will also be showing the classic 1997 Emma starring Kate Beckinsale and Samantha Morton, as part of the season. The move is part of the broadcaster’s attempt to broaden the appeal of its drama and bring in a younger, savvier audience. And judging by the publiciity images… it might just work. Next week’s edition of The Stage will have more details.
Network drama director Nick Elliott said:
Viewers love Jane Austen. Her stories always make great TV drama and our Jane Austen season features the absolute cream of British acting talent. This is such an exciting prospect.
