Following the news that landed last year (see below) that the BBC is pressing ahead with a major new drama adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, we now have the first images from the production. They look like this…

The impressive cast for the adaptation has now been confirmed, too.

Dominic West (The Wire) and David Oyelowo (Selma) will be leading the new production, and both will also act as executive producers on the drama.

They’re joined by Lily Collins, the always-brilliant Olivia Colman, Adeel Akhtar, Ellie Bamber, Josh O’Connor and Erin Kellyman.

Andrew Davies has penned the adaptation, and in the official casting announcement was quoted as saying “this is such an intense and gut-wrenching story and I am delighted that this esteemed ensemble of actors will be bringing it to life – led by Dominic West and David Oyelowo in the iconic roles of Jean Valjean and his nemesis Javert. In Valjean, we see the terrifying anger and resentment against society but also the tenderness that is hidden deep in his complex psyche. And in Javert, the ferocious dedication to duty that takes him from obsession to madness”.

Les Miserables will be on our screens this winter.

This is our original story, from November 2017.

The BBC is pressing ahead with a lavish new adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, Les Miserables. Adapted by Andrew Davies, the new drama will be spread across six hour-long episodes.

Filming on the show starts early next year, and most of the production will be based in Belgium. Some location work will also be taking place in northern France. The Knowledge reports that tax incentives and the right period look swayed the decision over where to film the drama.

No casting has thus far been announced. In terms of a transmission date, it sounds like just the kind of drama the BBC likes to screen in the winter months. We’d suggest to look out for it this time next year…