Speaking about the project, Mortimer, says: “I’ve always loved Nancy Mitford so when I was asked to adapt The Pursuit of Love it was impossible to say no. It’s an outrageously funny and honest story, whose central character - the wild, love-addicted Linda Radlett - still reads as a radical. I feel privileged to be directing this show and working with the brilliant teams at Open Book, Moonage Pictures, Amazon and the BBC. ”

James adds; “It’s great to be working with Emily. Her brilliant scripts bring new life to this story - full of love, full of friendship, very moving and sad in places, but also funny and true to life”.

When is The Pursuit of Love out?

The Pursuit of Love will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK in 2021.

The Pursuit of Love: the first look at Lily James and Andrew Scott’s new period drama is here