As a nation, we can't seem to get enough period dramas, and Miss Austen is one of the newer shows to get excited about. Based on Gill Hornby's bestselling book of the same name, it's been adapted by the BBC into a four-part series with a stellar cast of much-loved actors, led by The Durrells and Spooks star Keeley Hawes.
Miss Austen plot
For those that haven't read the book, here's the official plot synopsis: "The drama begins in 1830, a while after Jane has died. Cassandra (Keeley Hawes) races to see her young friend Isabella (Rose Leslie) who is about to lose her home following her father’s death. Cassandra is ostensibly there to help her friend, but her real motive is to find a stash of private letters which, in the wrong hands, could destroy Jane’s reputation.
"On discovering them, Cassandra is overwhelmed as she is transported back to her youth. In flashback, we meet Young Cassy and Jane (Patsy Ferran) as they navigate the infatuations, family feuds and dashed hopes which shaped their lives and laid the foundations for Jane’s unforgettable stories.
"Cassandra’s re-evaluation of her past eventually leads her to realise how blind she has been to the real cause of Isabella’s heartache and distress. Finding a way to guide Isabella towards true happiness, Cassandra is finally able to understand and celebrate the sacrifices she chose to make for her brilliant sister, Jane."
Miss Austen trailer
The newly released trailer from the BBC sees Keeley Hawes as Cassandra Austen, showing her love and loyalty for her sister Jane.
"The drama begins in 1830, many years after Jane has died, Cassandra rushes to visit Isabella (Rose Leslie), the niece of her long-dead fiancé, who is about to lose her home following her father’s death. Cassandra is ostensibly there to help Isabella, but her real motive is to find a hidden bundle of private letters which, in the wrong hands, she fears could destroy Jane’s reputation.
"On discovering them, Cassandra is overwhelmed as she is transported back to her youth. The trailer also sees Young Cassy (Synnøve Karlsen) and Jane (Patsy Ferran) in flashback as they navigate the romantic infatuations, female friendships and dashed hopes which shaped their lives, and laid the foundations for Jane’s unforgettable stories."
Miss Austen air date
We have a date! The new TV drama will be released on BBC One and iPlayer on 2nd February 2025, 250 years after the legendary writer Jane Austen was born.
Cast of Miss Austen
Keeley Hawes (Line of Duty, Bodyguard) - Cassandra, Jane's sister
Rose Leslie (Vigil, Game of Thrones) - Isabella, Cassandra's friend
Patsy Ferran (Jamestown) - Jane Austen
Jessica Hynes (There She Goes, Years and Years) - Mary Austen
Mirren Mack (The Nest, Mary & George) - Dinah
Phyliss Logan (Shetland, Downton Abbey) - Mrs Cassandra Austen
Kevin McNally (Unforgotten, The Crown) - George Austen
Max Irons (Condor, The Wife) - Henry Hobday
Alfred Enoch (How to Get Away with Murder, Foundation) - Lidderdale
Calam Lynch (Bridgerton, Mrs Wilson) - Tom Fowle
Liv Hill (Elizabeth Is Missing, Three Girls) - young Mary Austen
Synnøve Karlsen - young Cassandra (Cassy) Austen
Madeleine Walker - Eliza Fowle
Miss Austen book
See where the story began with Gill Hornby's bestselling book.
AmazonArabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, playing board games and spending time with her pet dogs, tortoise and chickens.