BBC Worldwide & WGBH Co-Producing New Dramas

NEW YORK: BBC Worldwide and WGBH are teaming up for an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma and the sequel to Cranford, both to make their U.S. premiere in early 2010 on PBS.

The 4×1-hour Emma follows the consequences of failed matchmaking schemes. It stars Romola Garai (Atonement, Daniel Deronda), Sir Michael Gambon (Cranford, Gosford Park) and Jonny Lee Miller (Byron, Eli Stone, Trainspotting). Sandy Welch is adapting the Jane Austen classic.

The 2×1-hour Cranford 2 sees Dame Judi Dench reprise her role, alongside Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake, Fingersmith), Francesca Annis (Jane Eyre, Reckless) and Eileen Atkins (Scenes of a Sexual Nature, Gosford Park). The story is set in 1844 in a close-knit market town. Based on the novels by Elizabeth Gaskell, Cranford 2 is written by Heidi Thomas.

Further upcoming BBC/WGBH co-productions include Small Island and Framed, and WGBH also acquired Sharpe’s Peril, Sharpe’s Challenge and 39 Steps from BBC Worldwide. All are scheduled to air on Masterpiece Classic in early 2010 on PBS.

Susanna Pollack, the senior VP of sales and distribution and children’s at BBC Worldwide for the Americas, commented: “Following Cranford’s success in the U.S. and U.K., we are excited to be working with WGBH again to bring its sequel, Cranford 2, as well as the Jane Austen’s classical tale Emma to audiences next year.”

“Our viewers have been clamoring for more Jane Austen and more Judi Dench,” said Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton “These new productions add up to a very strong Masterpiece Classic season in 2010.”