BBC’s new ‘The Woman in White’ mini-series will be ‘a chilling ride’

The BBC has promised “romance, suspense and danger” in its new adaptation of Wilkie Collins’ The Woman in White.

First published in 1859, the story was viewed by many as the first psychological thriller novel.

BBC One’s upcoming five-part mini-series was filmed around Belfast, Northern Ireland this spring.

The official synopsis reads: “After Walter Hartright encounters a ghostly woman dressed in all white on a moonlit road, he soon finds himself drawn into a mysterious and disturbing world.”

The cast is led by Ben Hardy (X-Men, EastEnders) as Walter Hartright and Jessie Buckley (War and Peace, Taboo) as Marian Halcombe, alongside Olivia Vinall (Apple Tree Yard) as Laura Fairlie, Charles Dance (And Then There Were None) as Mr Fairlie and Dougray Scott (The Replacement) as Sir Percival Glyde.

The BBC has teased: “Romance, suspense, and danger combine as secrets come to the fore in Wilkie Collins’ haunting tale of insanity and identity … The Woman in White will take viewers on a chilling ride down the shadowy paths and corridors of English country houses and ultimately into the depths of the Victorian madhouse.”

Writer Fiona Seres commented: “The Woman in White is a powerful, poignant story and I have absolutely loved adapting this epic for the screen.”

Executive producer David Thompson added: “We’re delighted to be bringing Wilkie Collins’ gripping novel to the screen. The story’s rich canopy of characters will be well-served by a wonderful multi-talented cast.”

The Woman in White is expected to air in the UK on BBC One this Christmas.