‘Sanditon’ cast: ‘Downton’ and ‘Last Tango’ stars join ITV’s Jane Austen series

ITV has announced a brilliant cast for Sandition.

Jane Austen’s unfinished final novel is being adapted by Mr Selfridge creator Andrew Davies, who previously wrote the BBC’s classic Pride & Prejudice mini-series in 1995.

Sanditon was written only months before Austen’s death in 1817 and her final manuscript will be brought to life in eight one-hour episodes.

The official synopsis reads: “Sanditon tells the story of the joyously impulsive, spirited and unconventional Charlotte Heywood and her spiky relationship with the humorous, charming (and slightly wild!) Sidney Parker.

“When a chance accident transports her from her rural hometown of Willingden to the would-be coastal resort of the eponymous title, it exposes Charlotte to the intrigues and dalliances of a seaside town on the make, and the characters whose fortunes depend on its commercial success.

“The twists and turns of the plot, which takes viewers from the West Indies to the rotting alleys of London, exposes the hidden agendas of each character and sees Charlotte discover herself… and ultimately find love.”

Rose Williams (Curfew) will lead the cast as Charlotte.

She commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to be playing Charlotte Heywood. This role is such a blessing. She’s a brilliant character – modern, headstrong, with heart and a voice.

“Andrew’s scripts are so beautifully written and wonderfully full of powerful female characters.”

She’ll be joined by Theo James (Downton Abbey) as Sidney, Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax) as Lady Denham and Kris Marshall (Death in Paradise) as Tom Parker.

Writer Andrew Davies, who also wrote the recent TV adaptation of Les Miserables, said: “I’m very excited that we are bringing the world of Sanditon to the TV audience with such a brilliant ensemble cast, headed by star of the future Rose Williams as our heroine, independent and forthright Charlotte Heywood, together with Theo James as Sidney Parker, our Regency entrepreneur with an aura of danger.

“It’s been such fun to develop Jane Austen’s fragment into a series – now I’m eager to see our exceptional cast bring Sanditon to life.”

Sanditon began filming in Bristol, England earlier this year and will air in late 2019 on ITV in the UK and PBS in the USA.

Jane Austen’s Sanditon book is available on Amazon.