London,
Jan 29 (ANI): The BBC is planning to make a major small screen remake
of Jane Austen''s ‘Emma’, which will be their major attraction in its
autumn drama season.

Also,
the corporation has announced that the four-part series will be their
last Austen remake for some time, for they now want to move beyond
conventional ''bonnet dramas''.

"We
don''t just want to do 19th century book adaptations. Emma will be our
last Austen for a few years," The Telegraph quoted Kate Harwood, the
BBC''s controller of series and serials, as saying.

The adaptation of ‘Emma’ will be a "fresh, humorous and perceptive" take on the classic story, originally published in 1815.

The last time the famous Austen story was serialised by the BBC was in 1972.

While casting for the BBC One drama is under way, filming will begin in late spring.

The
BBC has roped in the Bafta-winning screenwriter Sandy Welch, whose
television credits include ‘Our Mutual Friend’ and ‘Jane Eyre’ to adapt
the book.

Harwood
said: "In Emma, Austen has created an intriguing heroine, and our
four-hour canvas allows us to explore this multi-faceted character in
detail. Emma was Austen''s last novel, written when she was at the
height of her craft, and we are delighted that such an esteemed writer
as Sandy Welch is bringing her vision to this appealing story."

Actresses
who have previously played Austen''s "handsome, clever and rich"
matchmaking heroine on screen include Kate Beckinsale and Gwyneth
Paltrow. (ANI)