The BBC has announced the cast of its new adaptation of a classic novel, and it features some huge stars.
The BBC confirmed it would be releasing a six-part adaptation of The Portrait of a Lady, which will be based on the Henry James classic.
The series is set to premiere on Masterpiece on PBS in the US and Canada and on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK.
Nell Tiger Free, who appeared in Game of Thrones, is set to lead the cast as Isabel Archer, a "New World ingénue" who leaves America for Europe to experience a new life.
Who is starring in the BBC’s The Portrait of a Lady?
Other huge names in the cast include the Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning Bill Nighy, who has starred in a range of shows and films including Love Actually and Emma, who will be playing Mr Touchett and will be helping Isabel "in her quest for freedom".
Funny Woman’s Gemma Arterton will be playing Madame Merle and Jim Sturgess will be starring as Gilbert Osmond.
Miranda Richardson from The Last Anniversary and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will be appearing as Mrs Touchett, Isabel’s aunt, who takes her to Europe to find a husband.
Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen of Number 9 Films TV said: "We are so pleased to be finally making this Henry James classic, which was far ahead of its time, with our friends at MASTERPIECE and the BBC.
"It’s wonderful to be reunited with Rebecca Lenkiewicz who we worked closely with on Colette and The Salt Path and to work with Aisling Walsh, whom we’ve admired from afar for many years.
"It’s also wonderful that we can reunite with some of the actors that we know so well from our movies in our first TV show; Bill Nighy, Gemma Arterton, and Miranda Richardson.
"We’re excited to see Nell Tiger Free in the iconic role of Isabel Archer and Jim Sturgess in the equally iconic role of Gilbert Osmond.
"We find it astonishing that James’ prescient story has not been made for television for nearly 60 years, but like all great things, it will definitely be worth the wait."
Filming for the show has already started and will be taking place across the UK, Croatia, and Hungary.
How have fans reacted to the new BBC adaptation?
One user on Reddit said: "Nighy, Richardson, and Arterton = quality.
"I still can't get over Richardson as 'Queenie' in 'Blackadder' - HILARIOUS!!!"
Another said: "PBS meets Henry James sounds like a hand-in-glove type of situation!"
Are you excited for the new BBC adaptation? Let us know in the comments.
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