Latest news with #Wickham
Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC fans 'can't believe they missed' period drama based on 'incredible' novel
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Enthusiasts of period dramas have been raving about one particular three-part series adapted from an "incredible" 2011 novel. Featuring Line of Duty star Anna Maxwell Martin, Doctor Who's Jenna Coleman and The Crown's Matthew Goode, the BBC production - launched in 2013 - has proved a massive hit with admirers of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Called Death Comes to Pemberley - and adapted from the PD James novel of the same title - the murder mystery combines aspects of a whodunnit with a Regency drama, continuing six years after Pride and Prejudice concluded. The story centres on Elizabeth Bennet's sister Lydia and her spouse George Wickham as they journey to Pemberley for a ball - but a dispute forces their carriage from the path. Wickham and Captain Denny dash into the woodland and Lydia shortly hears gunfire, subsequently discovering Wickham in distress as he cradles the body of his deceased companion, reports the Express. What ensues is an attempt to unravel the puzzle and uncover who truly murdered the captain. The programme is set in 1803 and has garnered glowing praise from viewers. One commented: "Excellent series. The writing, photography, casting, directing, story - everything is absolutely wonderful." Another added: "I have watched several different films and series of Pride and Prejudice, and have enjoyed all of them, so I was excited to watch this continuation of the story. It was beautifully filmed, and the storyline was really good." One viewer enthused: "I loved this series! ! I thought it was wonderfully cast, the acting sensitive and first rate. The scenery lush and beautiful. It was very entertaining and I would certainly watch it again. I give this series 5 stars!". "Fantastic actors, great plot, fabulous scenery and gorgeous estate! ! Perfect English movie," another fan effusively praised.
Metro
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Netflix fans 'genuinely confused' as period drama reboot makes baffling change
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Mr Wickham is classic literature's most dastardly character – but fans are worried Netflix's Pride and Prejudice reboot has already made a big mistake. The highly-anticipated six episode adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel is helmed by Everything I Know About Love's Dolly Alderton. The period drama remake stars Emma Corrin as our literary heroine Elizabeth Bennett opposite Jack Lowden's broody Mr Darcy as well as Oliva Colman as the ever-worried Mrs Bennett. The stacked cast doesn't end there with stars like Jamie Demetriou, Fiona Shaw and Rufus Sewell also making up the ensemble cast. As Netflix dropped their first look of the series – which features the Bennett sisters with their vibrant mother in period-typical clothing – they also announced Enola Holmes star Louis Partridge as the villainous Mr Wickham. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. For those unversed in the plot of Pride and Prejudice (brace yourself for 200-year-old spoilers) Wickham was Darcy's agemate and was adopted into his home growing up. After Darcy's father died, however, he unveiled himself as a scammer who preys on young girls, not least Darcy's own teenage sister Georgiana and, as we uncover in the book, Lizzie's young and flighty sister Lydia Bennett. Both Darcy and Wickham are understood to be in their late 20s, with the actors portraying them in various adaptations aged from their mid 20s to mid 30s over the years. For example, in the 1995 BBC adaptation, Wickham is played by a 37-year-old Adrian Lukis, although this was different in the 2005 version in which he was played by a 24-year-old Rupert Friend. All this to say, at only 22, Partridge is youngest (and certainly the youngest-looking) star to play the novel's villain yet especially in contrast to Lowden who is 35-years-old. What's more, Heartstopper's Rhea Norwood who will play 15-year-old Lydia is older then Partridge at 24 which has never happened in a major adaptation before. Given Wickham's nefarious nature as a groomer who takes advantage of vulnerable young girls is a central part of his character and the plot, many fans are concerned that this will be lost in the surprise casting. Mr Darcy In the novel: 28 1995 version: 35 (Colin Firth) 2005 version: 31 (Matthew Macfadyen) Netflix version: 35 (Jack Lowden) Mr Wickham In the novel: around 28 1995 version: 37 (Adrian Lukis) 2005 version: 24 (Rupert Friend) Netflix version: 22 (Louis Partridge) Lydia Bennett In the novel: 15 1995 version: 27 (Julia Sawalha) 2005 version: 21 (Jena Malone) Netflix version: 24 (Rhea Norwood) As put by X user splendour1999 who wrote: 'ok but seriously how does this make any sense. Jack Lowden is 35. how does Wickham and Darcy's backstory make any sense now. 'And Wickham looking/being so young undermines ya know, him taking advantage of 15 year old Lydia.' 'Genuinely confused because the obvious evilness of Wickham is that he clearly grooms Georgiana and Lydia using his older age as a way to 'charm' them… and now he's closer in age to them than Mr. Darcy?' Taylisaprint echoed. 'The point in the end was Mr Wickham was a predator. He's supposed to be played by a grown man to emphasis him running off with her underage sister,' dojasbin agreed. 'Wickham is meant to be predatory before being a scammer in the story. That is a key part of his character and how he takes advantage of lydia's youth and naivete, removing that flips the dynamic entirely,' doedamseI added. Many made it clear while they love Partridge as an actor, he is just not the right fit for this – especially contrasted to the age of the rest of the cast. 'I'm not happy with the Wickham casting. this is no shade to louis at all but it should be someone older than 25,' knjoonlight shared. More Trending Nevertheless, Alderton has shared her excitement at showing the world her take on the timeless love story as filming begins. '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. '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.' View More » There is currently no release date for Netflix's Pride and Prejudice limited series. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Nostalgic film sequel breaks records on Netflix with 46,700,000 views MORE: 'Best crime thriller of 2025' confirms season 2 on Netflix after 26,100,000 views MORE: Peaky Blinders legend confirms he's not in Netflix film after fan rumours spiralled
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Hampshire County Council urged to save 'essential' bus route
Villagers have urged a county council not to cut a bus route described as an "essential lifeline".Hampshire County Council plans to end the service between Fareham and Wickham by Stevens, chairman of the Knowle village residents' association, said axing the number 20 route would have "profound effects" on surrounding council said due to limited funding the service did "not meet the criteria for this support". It added that it must "prioritise bus services with the highest passenger numbers and those serving school routes". Mr Stevens said it was "not just a means of transportation", it was "an essential lifeline" and "primary route" connecting the community to work, education and added: "Losing it would mean greater isolation for many who rely on public transport, reduced accessibility to essential services and increased traffic and traffic costs."Hampshire County Council has a deficit gap of £97.6 million for 2025/26.A spokesperson for the authority said: "Over 90% of Hampshire's bus services are operated commercially by private companies. "The county council provides financial support for a small number of the remaining routes, where budget allows."It said it continued "to listen to residents' concerns and have advised on alternative community transport options, which vary by district". You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
South Wales Guardian
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Jane Austen would be annoyed women still do not have equality
Lucy Worsley was speaking at Austen's birthplace in Steventon, Hampshire, at a country fair to mark 250 years since the novelist was born. Austen's novels include Sense And Sensibility, Pride And Prejudice and Emma. Worsley said: 'It's such a special feeling to be on the spot where she herself walked and everybody here agrees with me, everybody here really loves Jane Austen.' The historian said she thinks Austen 'changed the world', adding: 'Although she was a novelist, and she gives entertainment and her books are funny, I think they have a serious message that was very important then and now, which is that women shouldn't have to marry for money. In Jane Austen novels, that's always what happens. 'In the world of Pride And Prejudice, women and men were not equal. In the world of today, women and men are still not equal. 'It's 250 years later but we're still not where we should be with our society. So if Jane Austen were to be here in the world today, I think that she'd say, 'hmm, I thought things would have been better than they are for women'.' Actor Adrian Lukis, who played George Wickham in the BBC's 1995 adaptation of Pride And Prejudice, was also at the event. Lukis said he was offered a different role originally, then Wickham became available, and he screen-tested and got that, which he called a 'wonderful part' in a 'fabulous book'. He added: 'I've just done a Q&A for an hour to the audience, and having people say how much it means to their family that they all sit down at Christmas with their grandparents, and they've watched it for years, and it's just a wonderful series. And I'm very proud to have been a part of it.' Lukis said Austen's novels are 'wonderful stories driven by a compelling narrative' and praised the 'quality of her writing and her observation'. Of Wickham, Lukis said: 'He's not a great guy, but what he is is charming and really good fun. And I always say, if at the end of the evening you spent with Wickham in a bar or a restaurant, you would have had a fantastic time, it's just at the end of the evening, he will say, 'I'm so sorry I forgot my money'. That's what you expect from Wickham. 'Darcy would sit there being all pompous and proud and serious and would pick up the bill, but you'd have a better time with Wickham.'
Rhyl Journal
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Jane Austen would be annoyed women still do not have equality
Lucy Worsley was speaking at Austen's birthplace in Steventon, Hampshire, at a country fair to mark 250 years since the novelist was born. Austen's novels include Sense And Sensibility, Pride And Prejudice and Emma. Worsley said: 'It's such a special feeling to be on the spot where she herself walked and everybody here agrees with me, everybody here really loves Jane Austen.' The historian said she thinks Austen 'changed the world', adding: 'Although she was a novelist, and she gives entertainment and her books are funny, I think they have a serious message that was very important then and now, which is that women shouldn't have to marry for money. In Jane Austen novels, that's always what happens. 'In the world of Pride And Prejudice, women and men were not equal. In the world of today, women and men are still not equal. 'It's 250 years later but we're still not where we should be with our society. So if Jane Austen were to be here in the world today, I think that she'd say, 'hmm, I thought things would have been better than they are for women'.' Actor Adrian Lukis, who played George Wickham in the BBC's 1995 adaptation of Pride And Prejudice, was also at the event. Lukis said he was offered a different role originally, then Wickham became available, and he screen-tested and got that, which he called a 'wonderful part' in a 'fabulous book'. He added: 'I've just done a Q&A for an hour to the audience, and having people say how much it means to their family that they all sit down at Christmas with their grandparents, and they've watched it for years, and it's just a wonderful series. And I'm very proud to have been a part of it.' Lukis said Austen's novels are 'wonderful stories driven by a compelling narrative' and praised the 'quality of her writing and her observation'. Of Wickham, Lukis said: 'He's not a great guy, but what he is is charming and really good fun. And I always say, if at the end of the evening you spent with Wickham in a bar or a restaurant, you would have had a fantastic time, it's just at the end of the evening, he will say, 'I'm so sorry I forgot my money'. That's what you expect from Wickham. 'Darcy would sit there being all pompous and proud and serious and would pick up the bill, but you'd have a better time with Wickham.'
