A new period drama from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has been commissioned by ITV, the broadcaster has announced.
Belgravia, a six-part series based on Lord Fellowes’ novel of the same name, will begin filming in spring and casting is under way.
It will be co-produced by Carnival Films, the producers of the Emmy Award-winning Downton Abbey, and US premium TV network Epix, with Lord Fellowes adapting it for the screen.
Read more: Downton Abbey film release date confirmed for September 2019
Set in the 19th century, Belgravia tells the story of secrets and dishonour among the upper echelons of society in the upmarket area of London.
The story centres on events set in motion on the evening of the Battle of Waterloo at a society ball hosted by the Duchess of Richmond, involving the Trenchard family, whose lives change forever.
ITV’s head of drama Polly Hill said: “We’re delighted to be reuniting with Julian Fellowes, Gareth Neame and Carnival Films to produce Belgravia for ITV.
“It’s a tale of scandal and intrigue set in 1840s London with some wonderful characters spanning two generations at its heart.”
Gareth Neame, executive producer at Carnival Films, said Lord Fellowes is a “master storyteller”.
“In Belgravia he has painted a wonderful backdrop of 19th century society against which intrigue and dynastic power struggles will play out,” he said.
“We are delighted to be partnering with ITV once again and look forward to working with Epix to introduce US audiences to this fantastic event series.”
Lord Fellowes published Belgravia in 2016 and it was also serialised online for listeners.
The writer has also been commissioned by Netflix to create a period drama about the birth of modern football, while the Downton Abbey film is set to be released in September 2019.
Read more: Downton Abbey unveils first trailer for new movie
Speaking about the Downton Abbey film, focus chairman Peter Kujawski said last year: “Since the series ended, fans of Downton have long been waiting for the Crawley family’s next chapter.
“We’re thrilled to join this incredible group of filmmakers, actors and craftspeople, led by Julian Fellowes and Gareth Neame, in bringing back the world of Downton to the big screen next September.”
The film will star the original principal cast – including Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Matthew Goode, Penelope Wilton and Dame Maggie Smith.
New cast members include Imelda Staunton and Geraldine James.
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