Rugbeian Dolly Alderton (G 04–06), best-selling author and journalist, is set to adapt Pride and Prejudice for a new six-part limited series on Netflix. The project, directed by Euros Lyn (Heartstopper), will be a faithful adaptation of Jane Austen’s much-loved novel, aiming to bring it to both loyal readers and a new generation of viewers.

'Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it,' Alderton, who won the National Book Award for her debut Everything I Know About Love in 2018, told Netflix. 'Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy – it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life. The book is a gift to adapt – packed with drama and depth as well as comedy and charm. In it lies the opportunity to examine the complexities of love, family, friendship and society, while aspiring to Austen’s delightfully observational voice. With Euros Lyn directing our stellar cast, I am so excited to reintroduce these hilarious and complicated characters to those who count Pride and Prejudice as their favourite book, and those who are yet to meet their Lizzie and Mr Darcy.'

The series will star Golden Globe winner Emma Corrin (Nosferatu, Black Mirror) as Elizabeth Bennet and BAFTA winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Benediction) as Mr Darcy. Academy Award winner Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Crown) will take on the role of Mrs Bennet.

'Playing Elizabeth Bennet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' said Corrin, who starred in a dreamy adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover in 2022. 'To be able to bring this iconic character to life, alongside Olivia and Jack, with Dolly’s phenomenal scripts, is truly the greatest honour. I can’t wait for a new generation to fall in love with this story all over again.'

Alderton, Corrin and Lyn will executive produce the series alongside Laura Lankester, Will Johnston and Louise Mutter for Lookout Point, with Lisa Osborne (Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light) joining as producer. Production will begin in the UK later this year.

'We are delighted to be sharing this beloved British classic with our global audience. Pride and Prejudice is the ultimate romantic comedy,' said Netflix executive Mona Qureshi. 'Dolly’s fierce intelligence and enormous heart, twinned with her genuine love of the Austen novel, means she is able to bring new insights, whilst celebrating all that the generations of fans hold so dear. The calibre of a cast led by Emma, Jack and Olivia is testament to this precious story being in the best possible hands with Euros Lyn and the team at Lookout Point at the helm.'

This latest adaptation is a significant milestone in Alderton’s career, and a proud moment for Rugby School.