BBC Acquires Masterpieces “Miss Austen” Starring Keeley Hawes & Rose Leslie

The BBC has acquired the rights to the star-studded production of Gill Hornby’s novel, “Miss Austen” from Masterpiece. The adaptation is a four-part drama written by BAFTA-winning writer Andrea Gibb and directed by Aisling Walsh. The cast includes Keeley Hawes, Rose Leslie, Patsy Ferran, Jessica Hynes, Mirren Mack, Phyllis Logan, Kevin McNally, Max Irons, Alfred Enoch, Calam Lynch, and Liv Hill. Filming began last month in the UK and the series is produced by Stella Merz.

“Miss Austen” takes a literary mystery and reimagines it as a story of sisterly love. The drama follows Cassandra Austen, who races to help her friend Isabella following her father’s death. Cassandra’s real motive is to find a stash of private letters that could destroy her sister Jane’s reputation. As Cassandra discovers the letters, she is transported back to her youth and the story explores the infatuations, family feuds, and dashed hopes that shaped their lives. Cassandra eventually realizes her blindness to Isabella’s distress and finds a way to guide her towards happiness.

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, says: “Miss Austen is the perfect blend of intriguing mystery, vivid and engaging characters and beguiling period charm – BBC viewers certainly have a treat in store.”

Christine Langan, executive producer, says: “To have this hugely entertaining female-driven story told by such a stellar cast, led by Keeley Hawes, as Bonnie Productions’ first drama is genuinely a dream come true. Gill Hornby has found an ingenious way into the Austen world, creating female characters modern audiences can empathise with and delight in. I’m so honoured to be bringing this wonderful novel to the screen in collaboration with the deeply talented trio of writer, Andrea Gibb, director, Aisling Walsh and producer, Stella Merz.”

Miss Austen (4×50) is a co-production of Bonnie Productions and MASTERPIECE, in association with the BBC and Federation Stories.

The executive producers are Christine Langan for Bonnie Productions, Susanne Simpson for MASTERPIECE and Polly Williams for Federation Stories. Keeley Hawes, Andrea Gibb and Aisling Walsh are also executive producers.

Image Credit: L-R: Rose Leslie, Keeley Hawes, Mirren Mack and Jessica Hynes. (Image: Robert Viglasky)