Keeley Hawes will lead the cast of 'Miss Austen'.
Keeley Hawes will star in Miss Austen
The BBC has acquired the rights to Gill Hornby's best-selling novel, which focuses on the life and loves of Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra, including the mystery of why the author's sibling burned her letters, and the 'Bodyguard' star will play Cassandra opposite Patsy Ferran as the writer, and Rose Leslie as her friend Isabella.
Sue Deeks, head of BBC programme acquisition, said: "Miss Austen is the perfect blend of intriguing mystery, vivid and engaging characters and beguiling period charm – BBC viewers certainly have a treat in store."
Executive producer Christine Langan added: "To have this hugely entertaining female-driven story told by such a stellar cast, led by Keeley Hawes, as Bonnie Productions' first drama is genuinely a dream come true.
"Gill Hornby has found an ingenious way into the Austen world, creating female characters modern audiences can empathise with and delight in.
"I’m so honoured to be bringing this wonderful novel to the screen in collaboration with the deeply talented trio of writer, Andrea Gibb, director, Aisling Walsh and producer, Stella Merz."
An official plot synopsis explained the story will be told through flashbacks.
It stated: "The drama begins in 1830, a while after Jane has died. Cassandra (Keeley Hawes) races to see her young friend Isabella (Rose Leslie), who is about to lose her home following her father’s death.
"Cassandra is ostensibly there to help her friend, but her real motive is to find a stash of private letters which, in the wrong hands, could destroy Jane’s reputation. On discovering them, Cassandra is overwhelmed as she is transported back to her youth.
"In flashback, we meet Young Cassy and Jane (Patsy Ferran) as they navigate the infatuations, family feuds and dashed hopes which shaped their lives and laid the foundations for Jane’s unforgettable stories.
"Cassandra’s re-evaluation of her past eventually leads her to realise how blind she has been to the real cause of Isabella’s heartache and distress.
"Finding a way to guide Isabella towards true happiness, Cassandra is finally able to understand and celebrate the sacrifices she chose to make for her brilliant sister, Jane."
'Miss Austin' will also star the likes of Jessica Hynes, Mirren Mack, Phyllis Logan, Kevin McNally, Max Irons, Alfred Enoch, Liv Hill and Calam Lynch.
Tagged in Keeley Hawes rose leslie