The six-part series will air on BBC One in 2015 and will “draw all the elements [Leo Tolstoy’s epic 1869 novel] into powerful focus for a modern audience”.

Davies commented: “Not just a great novel it’s a wonderful read and it’ll make a wonderful serial. A thrilling, funny and heartbreaking story of love, war and family life. The characters are so natural and human and easy to identify with and Natasha Rostova just beats Lizzy Bennet as the most lovable heroine in literature.”

BBC One Controller Danny Cohen added: “War And Peace is truly epic in scale and builds on BBC One’s commitment to bringing audiences drama of the highest quality and impact. Told over six episodes, Andrew Davies will bring his exceptional powers of adaptation to this literary masterpiece.”

Faith Penhale, Executive Producer and Head of Drama, BBC Wales teased: “Today’s audience will be drawn into the sweeping story of life and love during a time of conflict, with a dazzling production that brings to life the great vision and scale of the novel.”

Are you looking forward to War And Peace? Let us know below…