BBC orders series of Charles Dickens adaptations from ‘Peaky Blinders’ writer

A new series of adaptations of Charles Dickens’ classic novels has been announced by BBC One.

Gladiator director Ridley Scott’s production company Scott Free London and the creator of Peaky Blinders will produce the adaptations, in association with Tom Hardy’s production company Hardy Son and Baker.

The team first collaborated on BBC One’s gritty period drama Taboo earlier this year.

Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight will use “his trademark style to create a box set of Dickens’ most iconic novels in the next few years.”

Knight commented: “Any question about narrative storytelling is answered by Dickens. To have the chance to revisit the text and interpret in a new way is the greatest privilege. We need luck and wisdom to do this justice.”

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content added: “It’s incredibly exciting to have a genius like Steven Knight embark on a series of Dickens adaptations. What can I say? Be prepared to be blown away by his wholly original and visionary take on some of Britain’s best loved classics.”

Ridley Scott said: “It’s terrific to be continuing the creative partnership of Scott Free London with Tom and Steve that started with Taboo and continues with this exciting and ambitious anthology of British classics.”

The team’s first adaptation will air on BBC One in 2019.