TVDRAMA
Masterpiece, ITV and Mammoth Screen are working together on a four-part miniseries to reimagine Henry Fielding’s classic novel The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling.
Tom Jones, originally published in 1749, follows the title character’s complicated journey to find real love. In the TV adaptation, Solly McLeod (The Rising) leads the cast, alongside Sophie Wilde (You Don’t Know Me).
Gwyneth Hughes (Vanity Fair, Miss Austen Regrets) is writing, with Georgia Parris (Mari) directing and Benjamin Greenacre producing.
Hughes said: “Tom Jones is the mother of all romcoms, and isn’t that just what we all need after the last couple of years of misery? It’s a story where the sun barely stops shining, where love conquers all, and at its warm heart stand a pair of young sweethearts everyone can root for. Henry Fielding’s 18th-century novel is sexy and fun; it’s also a dramatic rollercoaster, addressing so many modern concerns around consent, sexual equality and the pursuit of happiness. Tom and Sophia overcome enormous obstacles before finding their way home and to each other. This is a classic adaptation with a wise soul and a great big smile on its face.”
Mammoth Screen Executive Producer James Gandhi said: “With Gwyneth Hughes’s masterful scripts, Georgia Parris at the directing helm and rising stars Solly McLeod and Sophie Wilde leading the cast—we couldn’t be more excited to bring this joyous 18th-century story of identity and romance to the screen.”
Masterpiece Executive Producer Susanne Simpson said: “Tom Jones is one of the most joyful, big-hearted romances ever written. We’re delighted to add it to the long list of Masterpiece classic adaptations. Mammoth Screen is the ideal producer to bring together a brilliant writer, exceptional director and outstanding cast for this ambitious project.”
Added Parris: “This production of Tom Jones is an escapist romp into the sights, sounds and textures of 18th-century England. It is an intimate story that shows how love and desire drive and confound us all, both women and men. I can’t wait to get started on telling this classic story, one of the first-ever English novels, and making it resonate with a modern audience.”
