Shooting will begin later this year on the two-part drama, written by Ashley Pharoah (Life On Mars, Ashes to Ashes).

Set in the small Dorset village of Moonfleet, the story sees young John Trenchard haunted by dreams of the legendary Blackbeard and captivated by the whereabouts of his fabled diamond. Desperate to join the local band of smugglers, a turn of events unites him with Elzevir, the leader of the gang. Together they embark on a danger-filled adventure to locate Blackbeard’s most treasured possession.

Anne Mensah, Sky’s Head of Drama, commented: “Moonfleet is one of those unusual classic titles which people have heard of but that hasn’t been done to death … expect big action as well as smugglers, fights, ghosts, diamond hunting and a father/son story which should totally and unashamedly capture your heart.”

Executive producer Charlie Pattinson added: “Moonfleet is a wonderful action adventure story – driven by smuggling raids, shipwrecks and a warm hearted love story. We are delighted to be working with Sky again and share their ambition to produce this well loved story on an epic scale.”

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Watch the trailer for Sky1’s Treasure Island adaptation…