BBC fans are ‘speechless’ after beautiful new historical...

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. BBC viewers are desperately trying to ration ‘sensational’ new period drama Miss Austen. TV fans are fighting the urge to binge all four episodes of the show centred on Cassandra Austen (Keeley Hawes), which dropped on iPlayer yesterday. Miss Austen takes one of literature’s greatest mysteries – why Cassandra burned her sister Jane’s letters – and reimagines it as a ‘heart-breaking story of sisterly love.’.

Image Credit: Metro [Undated BBC Handout Photo from Miss Austen. Pictured: Cassandra Austen (KEELEY HAWES). PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Miss Austen. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA?Feature SHOWBIZ TV Miss Austen. PA Photo. Picture credit should read: BBC/Bonnie Productions/MASTERPIECE/Robert Viglasky. NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Miss Austen. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' BBC Digital Picture Service. In particular, this image may only be published in print for editorial use during the publicity period (the weeks immediately leading up to and including the transmission week of the relevant programme or event and three review weeks following) for the purpose of publicising the programme, person or service pictured and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. Any use of this image on the internet and other online communication services will require a separate prior agreement with BBC Pictures. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.]

Miss Austen also aims to ‘create in Cassandra a character as captivating as any Austen heroine’, according to the BBC. On X, viewers said they were left ‘speechless’ after watching the series, singling out Line of Duty star Keeley’s performance for praise. @KeeleyHawesNews raved: ‘Speechless! Keeley Hawes’ performance as Cassandra Austen is nothing less than masterful. #MissAusten.’. @JaneEllen_ enthused: ‘I’ve already watched all 4 episodes of Miss Austen. It is a wonderful adaptation of Gill Hornby’s book and a beautiful tribute to Jane and Cassandra Austen. I did cry at the end. #MissAusten.’.

Image Credit: Metro [Miss Austen,02-02-2025,1,Cassandra Austen (KEELEY HAWES),Bonnie Productions,Robert Viglasky]

Echoing their sentiment, @AmandaHLondon said: ‘I am very much enjoying this – great cast, and a different take on one of my favourite authors Trying not to watch it all in one night! #MissAusten.’. @LewisGMedia added: ‘I’m never usually into Period Dramas that much but Keeley Hawes is one of my favourite actresses and she’s absolutely sensational in tonight’s Miss Austen! #MissAusten.’.

Image Credit: Metro [Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok in Vikings.]

Speaking about Miss Austen, Keeley, 48, previously told The Guardian that the TV show was a ‘classic’ period drama. “It feels like a classic costume drama, in the vein of Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice,’ she explained. ‘Modern takes like Bridgerton are brilliant but this feels like part of the Austen canon, so her fans will be pleased. I read it and thought: “Why hasn’t this story been told before?”‘.

Miss Austen is not the only historical drama to have caught viewers’ attention. Last month, Netflix fans were thrilled when the streamer added all six seasons of Vikings – a meaty political odyssey set in the Dark Ages. The Emmy-winning show, created by Michael Hirst for the History Channel, ran from 2013 to 2019 amassing a large fandom, glowing critics reviews and winning accolades along the way.

Comprised of 89 episodes, the inter-generational Nordic plot follows Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his crew as they navigate choppy waters and bloody political intrigue in his thirst for power after coming from humble beginnings. Online, fans praised the ‘excellent’ show as ‘one of the greatest TV series ever made’, ‘a god damn masterpiece’, ‘very well written’ and an ‘absolute must-see’.

Miss Austen is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. What I Own: I quit London at 48 and bought my first home in Sussex for £325,000. London's cheapest place to rent revealed — but it might not be for long.

Londoners are flocking to this ‘bustling’ neighbourhood 10 miles from the centre. If you live at this house number, your property could be 'cursed'. I bought a house with my partner — but when we broke up, he refused to sell. Arrow MORE: David Tennant confirms how many toes he’s got after people noticed something was afoot. Arrow MORE: EastEnders star was shocked to discover huge 40th anniversary twist.