‘Miss Austen’ preview: Keeley Hawes stars in BBC adaptation of Gill Hornby’s novel
The BBC has released the first pictures from Miss Austen!
Based on the best-selling novel by Gill Hornby, published in 2020, the new period drama will premiere later this year.
Set in 19th-century Britain, the fictional story is based on a real-life literary mystery – Cassandra Austen infamously burning her famous sister Jane’s letters.
Miss Austen reimagines the tale as “a fascinating, witty and heart-breaking story of sisterly love, while creating in Cassandra a character as captivating as any Austen heroine.”
A television adaptation of Hornby’s book was first in development four years ago and a four-part limited series was officially greenlit by PBS Masterpiece in 2022.
Miss Austen began filming in England in November, written by BAFTA-winning writer of Elizabeth is Missing and Mayflies, Andrea Gibb.
An all-star cast has been announced for the series, led by one of our favourite British actresses, Keeley Hawes (The Durrells, Bodyguard, Line of Duty).
She’ll be joined by Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones, Vigil), Jessica Hynes (Life After Life, Up the Women), Mirren Mack (The Nest), Patsy Ferran (Living), Max Irons (The Wife), Alfred Enoch (How to Get Away with Murder), Calam Lynch (Bridgerton), and Liv Hill (The Serpent Queen).
Here’s a sneap peek some of the cast in costume:
Also appearing are real-life husband and wife Kevin McNally (Doctor Who, The Crown) and Phyllis Logan (Guilt, Shetland).
Downton Abbey fans will recognise Logan from her iconic role as Mrs Hughes in ITV’s hit period drama!
The series reunites writer Andrea Gibb with her Elizabeth is Missing director Aisling Walsh, while Stella Merz (Gentleman Jack) is producing.
Here’s a closer look at Keeley Hawes as Cassandra Austen:
“The drama begins in 1830, a while after Jane has died,” the synopsis reveals.
“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 Austen is a beautifully told story about the loves and losses of the Austen sisters,” commented executive producer Susanne Simpson.
“I’m thrilled that this heartfelt, romantic, and funny adaptation is in the hands of a remarkable ensemble cast led by the incredible Keeley Hawes,” she added.
When’s the release date?
Miss Austen will launch in the UK on BBC One and streaming on BBC iPlayer later this year.
Over in the US, it’ll air on Sunday nights on Masterpiece on PBS.
The BBC’s Head of Programme Acquisition, Sue Deeks, describes the series as “the perfect blend of intriguing mystery, vivid and engaging characters and beguiling period charm.”
“BBC viewers certainly have a treat in store,” she promises.
Miss Austen: A Novel is available on Amazon.