The BBC has shared first-look photos of Line of Duty actress Keeley Hawes in a new period drama.
Keeley is set to portray Jane Austen’s sister, Cassandra Austen, in the star-studded adaptation of Gill Hornby’s novel, Miss Austen. The four-part series, scheduled for release on BBC One in 2025, will commemorate 250 years since the celebrated author’s birth.
The drama also boasts Game of Thrones’ Rose Leslie and Jessica Hynes among its cast and unfolds many years after Jane’s death. Set in 1830, it centres on Cassandra grappling with her late sister’s legacy while aiding her deceased fiance’s niece in finding ‘true’ love.
The official synopsis for the BBC series discloses that the opening episode will see Cassandra rushing to assist her young friend Isabella (Rose), who faces losing her home after her father’s death. Her father was Cassandra’s former fiance, who passed away long ago.
Cassandra aids Isabella with a hidden agenda – she’s on a quest to locate a trove of private letters from her late sister Jane, which could tarnish her reputation if found. Upon discovering the letters, Cassandra becomes overwhelmed, and flashbacks depict her and her sister Jane (Patsy Ferran) in their youth, reports the Mirror.
Their personal tales of love, disputes, and lost relationships serve as the inspiration for the author’s renowned novels.
The filming for the series started last November and is helmed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Aisling Walsh. Keeley has a special link to Jane Austen through her husband, Matthew Macfadyen, who famously took on the role of Mr Darcy in the 2005 cinematic version of Pride and Prejudice.
Matthew starred as the suave heartthrob in Joe Wright’s acclaimed period drama, alongside Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennett. Earlier this year, Matthew expressed his feelings about being “miscast” as Mr Darcy in a candid interview, admitting he didn’t quite relish the experience.
“I didn’t really [enjoy it],” he revealed on CBS Mornings. “I feel bad saying that. There were moments I had a good time, but I wish I enjoyed it more. I wish I was less worried about it.”
He noted that he and Colin Firth, who portrayed Mr Darcy in the BBC series, “exhaustively” shared their experiences of the character.
Jokingly, he added: “I felt a bit miscast, like, ‘I’m not dishy enough.’ But it worked out.”
Miss Austen will be screened by the BBC in 2025