BBC To Retell Tragic Tale Of 'Tess of D’Urbervilles'

The BBC has announced that tragic tale ‘Tess of d’Urbervilles’ will be the latest costume drama to follow on from ‘Cranford’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and ‘Larkrise to Candleford’.
The four-part drama has been written by former Cold Feet writer David Nicholls and will be produced in-house by BBC Drama Productions.
Tess of the D’urbervilles was commissioned by BBC Fiction controller Jane Tranter and will air on BBC1 this autumn.
Executive producer, Kate Harwood said: “Arguably Thomas Hardy is the most neglected of our great literary authors, so I’m delighted to announce this new BBC adaption of his renowned classic tale of Tess Of The D’Urbervilles.
"Hardy's novel explores love, betrayal and the emotional burden of secrets locked away at the heart of a passionate, loving relationship which, when unlocked, implode with heart-breaking consequences. David Nicholls' adaptation brings Hardy's tragic heroine, Tess, to life with verve, passion and sensitivity."
Originally titled ‘Tess Of The D’Urbervilles: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented’, Hardy’s novel was serialised in The Graphic during 1891 – although in censored form as it’s challenge to the sexual attitudes of the day was considered too overt for general consumption.
Full casting is to be announced at a later date. Filming begins in spring 2008 in the West Country.
(DS)