First look at ‘Last Tango’ and ‘Downton’ stars in new Jane Austen series ‘Sanditon’

The first promotional photos have been released for ITV’s Sandition.

Jane Austen’s unfinished final novel is being adapted by Mr Selfridge creator Andrew Davies, who previously wrote the BBC’s classic Pride & Prejudice mini-series in 1995.

Sanditon was written only months before Austen’s death in 1817 and her final manuscript will be brought to life in eight one-hour episodes.

The all-star cast is led by Rose Williams (Curfew) as Charlotte.

Theo James, best known as Mr Pamuk in Downton Abbey, is playing Sidney.

They’re joined by Kris Marshall (Death in Paradise) as Tom Parker and Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax) as Lady Denham.

The official synopsis reads: “Sanditon tells the story of the joyously impulsive, spirited and unconventional Charlotte Heywood and her spiky relationship with the humorous, charming (and slightly wild!) Sidney Parker.

“When a chance accident transports her from her rural hometown of Willingden to the would-be coastal resort of the eponymous title, it exposes Charlotte to the intrigues and dalliances of a seaside town on the make, and the characters whose fortunes depend on its commercial success.

“The twists and turns of the plot, which takes viewers from the West Indies to the rotting alleys of London, exposes the hidden agendas of each character and sees Charlotte discover herself… and ultimately find love.”

Sanditon began filming in Bristol, England earlier this year and will air in late 2019 on ITV in the UK and PBS in the USA.

Jane Austen’s Sanditon book is available on Amazon.