BBC commissions new Great Expectations series

Steven Knight is writing a new adaptation of \'Great Expectations\' for the BBC.

The \'Peaky Blinders\' creator will adapt Charles Dickens\' coming-of-age story about orphan Pip into a new six-part series and will also serve as executive producer along with Tom Hardy, Ridley Scott, Dean Baker, David W Zucker and Kate Crowe.

The team previously worked on another of Knight\'s Dickens\' adaptations, his 2019 miniseries \'A Christmas Carol\'.

Steven is delighted to be working on a new Dickens adaptation.

He said of the new series: "Adapting Dickens\' work is a delight. I chose \'Great Expectations\' as the next work to bring to the screen not just because of the timeless characters, but also because of the very timely story.

"A story of class mobility and class intransigence, told through an intensely emotional and personal first person narrative. As the son of a Blacksmith myself, Pip\'s journey from the forge into society is a very special one to me."

The tale will be told with a "modern" twist.

Eric Schrier, President of co-producers FX Entertainment, said: "FX is honoured to begin the next chapter of collaboration with Steven Knight, Ridley Scott, Tom Hardy and their teams as they reunite for this modern adaption of Charles Dickens\' \'Great Expectations\'.

"Their inaugural Dickens adaptation, \'A Christmas Carol\', was a great success both creatively and commercially. We want to thank our partners at the BBC, Scott Free and Hardy Son & Baker for their support and can\'t wait to get to work on this project."

The BBC hope the show will be a "must-see drama".

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, said: "\'Great Expectations\' is the second in Steven Knight\'s series of Dickens adaptations and the perfect choice given its timely and personal narrative.

"His original take on one of Britain\'s most loved classics will make it must see drama for a whole new generation."

\'Great Expectations\' will air on BBC One but production is not expected to begin until next year.