BBC to air new adaptation of Bronte classic Jane Eyre

by Alex Donohue, Brand Republic 19-Apr-06, 09:00

LONDON - 'Jane Eyre', recently voted one of the world's favourite books, is returning to television in a new four-part BBC One adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's most acclaimed novel to be screened later in the year.

The corporation has chosen newcomer Ruth Wilson to play the protagonist Jane Eyre, a poor orphan who is sent to live with her wealthy aunt, Mrs Reed, only to be neglected. She leaves home to become a governess and falls in love with a wealthy but mysterious man named Edward Rochester.

The latest production of 'Jane Eyre', has been adapted by Sandy Welch and directed by 'Bleak House''s Susanna White, is the first major one to appear since Franco Zeffirelli's 1996 version, which starred Charlotte Gainsbourg and William Hurt.

The BBC production will also feature Francesca Annis as Lady Ingram, Toby Stephens as Rochester, Pam Ferris as Grace Poole and Tara Fitzgerald as the stern Mrs Reed.

Producer Diederick Santer said: "In her brand new adaptation of 'Jane Eyre', Sandy Welch has mined Bronte's novel for every ounce of passion, drama, colour, madness and horror available, bringing to life Jane's inner world with beauty, humour and at times great sadness."

Bronte's 1847 novel, which is largely autobiographical, came third last month in World Book Day's poll on the greatest novels of all time, behind Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' and Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

'Jane Eyre''s lasting appeal is said to be its universality and timeless telling of a classic love story as the lead character overcomes adversity to find happiness.

Santer added: "The locations we have chosen are stormy and majestic and I hope that Sandy's original take on the story will be enjoyed as much by long-term fans of the book as by those who have never read it."

Filming is currently under way at locations across Derbyshire, including Haddon Hall, and will continue until June.

Welch has previously adapted Elizabeth Gaskell's' 'North & South' and Charles Dickens' 'Our Mutual Friend'.

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