ITV is adapting Sara Collins’ novel ‘The Confessions of Frannie Langton’
The Confessions of Frannie Langton is being adapted for television by ITV.
Based on Sara Collins’ acclaimed 2019 novel, the murder-mystery story is set against the dazzling opulence of Georgian London in 19th century England.
ITV’s four-part period drama is filming right now in Yorkshire, England.
Described as an “historically authentic adaptation,” the mini-series is being directed by Andrea Harkin (The Trial of Christine Keeler).
Karla-Simone Spence (Blue Story, Wannabe) will lead the cast as Frannie Langton, the novel’s young protagonist born into a life of slavery who is fighting to tell her own story.
She’ll be joined by Sophie Cookson (The Trial of Christine Keeler) as Madame Marguerite Benham, and Patrick Martins (Redemption) as Laddie Lightning.
The cast also includes Stephen Campbell Moore (War of The Worlds) as Madame’s husband George Benham, Steven MacIntosh (Rocketman) as John Langton, and Henry Pettigrew (The Danish Girl) as William Pettigrew.
Author Sara Collins, who has also written the show’s scripts, commented: “So many authors write with their dream cast in mind so I was delighted at our table read to discover that ITV and the producers and director had assembled mine! This is an electric cast and I can’t wait to see their work. Every moment of watching them prepare their performances has been wonderful.”
The official synopsis reads: “The Confessions of Frannie Langton narrates Frannie’s journey from a Jamaican plantation to the grand Mayfair mansion of celebrated scientist George Benham and his exquisitely beautiful wife, Madame Marguerite Benham.
“In a misguided and monstrous gesture Frannie is gifted to Benham by the man who owns her, John Langton, and she is employed as a maid in the household much to her chagrin.
“As the plot twists and turns, events take a fateful turn as the Benhams are found murdered in their beds, with Frannie lying next to Marguerite. Frannie is accused of murder; a murder she has no recollection of, other than she couldn’t possibly have killed her mistress because she was devoted to her.
“Dragged away to prison, Frannie attempts to piece together the events of that night. She is deep into a laudanum addiction and unable to recall what happened.
“Will Frannie recall the haunting events of that night? All she knows is she loved Marguerite passionately and cannot believe she would have hurt her. But if not Frannie, who did commit the double murder?
“Others have motive, but only Frannie is accused and she will hang if found guilty. What hope does she have of clearing her name?”
Karla-Simone Spence said: “It’s an absolute honour and dream to bring to life the intelligent, forward thinking, resilient woman that is Frannie Langton.
“Her journey truly is extraordinary and that’s all thanks to Sara Collins’ incredible writing of three-dimensional women. I hold Frannie dear to my heart and I’m really looking forward to unleashing her with Andrea Harkin and our talented cast.”
Sophie Cookson added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining The Confessions of Frannie Langton. Sara Collins has written an evocative, haunting script with complex, multi-faceted women at its heart.
“I’m delighted to be working with Andrea Harkin again and an incredibly talented group of creatives.”
The Confessions of Frannie Langton will premiere on ITV in the UK in 2022.
Sara Collins’ novel The Confessions of Frannie Langton is available on Amazon.