Jane Austen's personal letters exposed in jaw-dropping BBC series on TV tonight
Jane Austen wrote thousands of letters but her sister burned most of them - this series uncovers those that were left
Even if you're only a fan of Pride & Prejudice because of THAT Darcy lake scene, or Sense & Sensibility from the movie with Emma Thompson, you will have been enjoying Jane Austen's legacy for years. Revealing the inner lives of men and women, ripping up the rulebook to comment on society, class and politics, Jane Austen was outrageous and witty. Tonight's BBC2 series Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius, at 9pm, explores the life and legacy - more than two centuries on, her work leaves a lasting legacy that is read, enjoyed, adapted and cherished to this day.
Along with her published work, she also wrote thousands of personal letters to her beloved sister Cassandra, sharing her deepest thoughts, but after her death at the age of 41 in 1817, her sister burned them. Cassandra must have known the outrage they would cause, but fortunately a handful survived. Drawing on these letters, alongside the insights of experts, novelists and actors, this series aims to piece her extraordinary life back together.
Each episode weaves in cinematic re-enactments, with contributions from authors and writers including Helen Fielding, Candice Carty-Williams, Kate Atkinson, Colm Tóibín and Bee Rowlatt; actors Charity Wakefield, Greta Scacchi, Samuel West, Tamsin Greig, Tom Bennett and Greg Wise, experts and historians Dr Paula Byrne, Admiral Lord West, Dr Priya Atwal, Dr Louise Curran and Dr Paddy Bullard, and filmmaker Ken Loach. Author Helen Fielding says: 'Jane Austen's voice is so strong and funny and perceptive. And her work's still being copied and stolen by people like me.' Watch out for more special programming later this year to mark Austen's 250th birthday, and straight after this at 10pm, a screening of Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.
*Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius is airing tonight (May 26) on BBC2 at 9pm
There's plenty more on TV tonight - here's the best of the rest..
SPRINGWATCH, BBC2, 8pm
It has been 20 years since Springwatch first aired, and it continues to broadcast incredible wildlife stories, thanks to two decades of unprecedented access to nests, setts, holts and waterways. Chris Packham and Michael Strachan lead three weeks of wildlife wonder from the National Trust's Longshaw Estate, in the heart of the Peak District. Alongside live action from the many hidden cameras, there will also be films to salute the passionate people who go the extra mile.
Father and daughter duo David and Heather go freediving on the Cornish coast to observe changes in the seagrass beds and rocky reefs. We find out what happens with amorous molluscs are in need of a mate. Turns out those snails can be quite selfish. Cameraman Louis Labrom heads to Dartmoor to film the iconic swallow, while former farmer Philip Hambly and his wife Faith have transformed their 52 acres into a haven for birds, butterflies and plants.
JAMIE COOKS: GEORGIA, CHANNEL 4, 7pm
In this sumptuous one-off special, Jamie Oliver heads to eastern Europe to dive into the fascinating cuisine of Georgia, soaking up inspiration from its people, ingredients, techniques and traditions. From exploring the capital city of Tbilisi to the wine region, Jamie immerses himself with the locals and the culture, joins a traditional Georgian gathering and brings what he's learnt to his cooking back home to Essex.
Jamie kicks off his trip in Tbilisi, on the ancient Silk Road. At the city's largest food market, the Dezerter Bazaar, local chef Meriko inspires Jamie with the innovative use of herbs. He falls in love with Khinkali - Georgian dumplings, and is allowed into a restaurant kitchen for his own special lesson where he learns traditional techniques. Heading east to the wine region and the vineyards of Kakheti, he arrives at the perfect time to 'birth the new wine', and he's invited to his very first Supra - a traditional communal feast.
EMMERDALE, ITV1, 7.30pm
John is tormented by nightmares of being arrested for Nate's murder as he and Victoria prepare for his wedding to Aaron. Moira anxiously watches as workers dredge the lake. When Cain reveals the dredging has begun, John panics and starts packing. Aaron catches him mid-escape but is reassured it's just pre-wedding jitters. Joe and Dawn's romance is derailed when a social worker arrives to follow up on a safeguarding concern. Ross takes Lewis out kayaking and sneakily pinches his house keys.
EASTENDERS, BBC1, 7.30pm
Zack puts his new plan into action and goes to Ravi for a loan to fund his escape. Ravi warns him not to mess with Nicola and reveals that she recently asked him to help move a body. Phil is confused when Nigel is angry that they didn't celebrate his birthday, despite saying he didn't want a fuss. Avani is upset when she receives an onslaught of cruel messages online as news gets out about her sleeping with Joel.
CORONATION STREET, ITV1, 8pm
Brody tenses as he listens to a message from his Dad. Kit returns home to find Brody smashing up his flat, revealing his Dad assures him he's innocent and it's a police stitch-up. When Ronnie introduces Debbie to Fiona, an old flame, Debbie's put out. Eileen tells George and Brian that the drugs found in Julie's system were the painkillers prescribed for her, not Julie. When Brian makes an innocuous remark, Eileen snaps and bans him from attending the funeral.
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With its Geordie warmth and electric atmosphere, Northern Pride is a must for anyone wanting a celebration that's both joyful and meaningful. Dates: Saturday 19 - Sunday 20 July Blackpool Blackpool might be known for its piers and candyfloss, but during Pride weekend it turns into a technicolour playground of pure queer joy. The iconic promenade becomes the centre stage for a weekend of seaside celebration, featuring a carnival parade, main stage acts, cabaret performances, and community outreach. Blackpool Pride Festival has grown year on year, embracing all identities and offering a safe space for celebration. Expect a dash of camp, a splash of sea breeze, and a whole lot of love. Dates: Friday 6 - Sunday 8 June Aidy Smith is an award-winning TV presenter, broadcaster and specialist within LGBT+ travel, food and drinks. He is the presenter of Amazon Prime's highest-rated drinks-themed travel series, The Three Drinkers and the only global TV presenter with Tourette Syndrome. You can follow his travel and lifestyle adventures at @Sypped or this neurodivergent advocacy work at @DisLabeled.
