BBC Announces New 'Great Expectations' Adaptation From 'Peaky Blinders' Creator

The BBC has announced it's creating a six-part adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel, Great Expectations - and with the Peaking Blinders creator at the helm, it's safe to say we're in good hands.

BAFTA Award winning writer Steven Knight is teaming up with executive producers Ridley Scott and Tom Hardy on the adaptation, with Steven having also worked on a previous Dickens adaptation, A Christmas Carol.

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The well known coming-of-age tale, published in 1861, focuses on an orphan named Pip. It was Dickens' 13th novel and was first released as a series of weekly chapters before being subsequently published in full.

Speaking about the series, Steven Knight explained the story is one close to his heart, explaining Pip's journey into society was "a very special one" for him.

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He said: "Adapting Dickens' work is a delight. I chose Great Expectations as the next work to bring to the screen not just because of the timeless characters, but also because of the very timely story.

"A story of class mobility and class intransigence, told through an intensely emotional and personal first person narrative. As the son of a Blacksmith myself, Pip's journey from the forge into society is a very special one to me."

It's not the first time BBC has announced a Great Expectations adaptation, having also released one back in 2011, starring Gillian Anderson as Miss Haversham, Douglas Booth as Pip and Vanessa Kirby as Estella.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, said: "Great Expectations is the second Steven Knight's series of Dickens' adaptations and the perfect choice given its timely and personal narrative.

"His original take on one of Britain's most loved classics will make it must see drama for a whole new generation."

While we're yet to hear who will be starring in the new adaptation - or when production will begin - we're expecting the series to be arriving at some point next year.

We can't wait to hear more about it and importantly, who will be taking on the roles of those timeless characters!

Topics: Entertainment News, BBC, TV News, TV Entertainment, tom hardy

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine