Thanks to several Alert Janeites who sent in the link (Franka, Patty, Maria L., and Maisy left a post in comments on the open thread) to the BBC’s press release confirming a new serial adaptation of Emma, to be broadcast on the BBC in autumn 2009, adapted by Sandy Welch, who has adapted the most recent version of Jane Eyre as well as Our Mutual Friend and a favorite at AustenBlog World Headquarters and just about everywhere else it is seen, the marvelous adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South starring Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage *coughmrknightleycough*.

The series will be four one-hour episodes. The series will be four one-hour episodes. THE SERIES WILL BE FOUR ONE-HOUR EPISODES!!!!! Thank you, Auntie Beeb! Somebody gets it!!!

fresh, humorous and perceptive

“Humorous” related to a Jane Austen adaptation will be fresh, indeed!

The adaptation will film in the spring and early summer of 2009. Cast to be announced. (subliminal!editrix sez “richard armitage richard armitage richard armitage richard armitage dammit okay that’s not so subliminal but still richard armitage we don’t care if he doesn’t want to do period stuff anymore he owes it to his fangirls talk him into it pay him outrageously you’re the bbc for ferrars’ sake make it happen richard armitage!”)