Matthew Rhys (Brothers and Sisters) and Matthew Goode (Dancing on the Edge) will also star as Fitzwilliam Darcy and George Wickham in the new three-part serial, adapted by Juliette Towhidi (Calendar Girls) from P.D James’ novel.

Matthew Rhys commented: “Exciting as it is, one of the challenges of a part such as Darcy are the comparisons that will be drawn to those who’ve institutionalised him in the past. The beauty of Pemberley is that it is an entirely new and different Darcy 6 years on. (And also, I don’t have to appear from a lake in a white shirt and breeches).”

Matthew Goode added: “I’m thrilled to be involved in this adaptation of Death Comes to Pemberley. I have long been an admirer of Jane Austen and in particular of Pride and Prejudice. More exciting still is the chance to work with Matthew Rhys who is not only one of the most talented actors of my generation but also the most fun!”

The official synopsis reads: “Elizabeth and Darcy, now six years married and with two young sons, are preparing for the lavish annual ball at their magnificent Pemberley home. The unannounced arrival of Elizabeth’s wayward sister Lydia, however, brings an abrupt and shocking halt to proceedings when she stumbles out of her chaise screaming that her husband Wickham has been murdered.

“Darcy leads a search party out to the woodlands, and when they discover the blood-smeared corpse not of Wickham but his traveling companion, suspicion is at once aroused. The dramatic and unnerving events of the evening have shattered the peace both of the Darcys and of Pemberley, and as the family becomes caught up in the ensuing murder investigation, a mysterious web of secrets and deceit will threaten all that the Darcys hold dear…”

Executive producer David Thompson teased: “We’re delighted to be filming this witty, original and beautifully imagined book from Britain’s best loved crime-murder writer and Jane Austen, a delicious combination! This will be a very unexpected and audacious period drama.”

Filming begins in June on location in Yorkshire.

Are you looking forward to Death Comes To Pemberley? Let us know below…