Bond girl now cast as Hardy's Tess
Gemma Arterton, who will be seen in the upcoming James Bond film 'Quantum of Solace', is to play the lead role in the new BBC adaptation of Thomas Hardy's 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles'.
Joining Arterton in the drama are Hans Matheson ('The Virgin Queen', 'Dr Zhivago') as Tess' seducer Alec, Eddie Redmayne ('Elizabeth: The Golden Age') as her love Angel and Jodie Whittaker ('Venus') as Tess' best friend Izzy.
Filming begins this month in the West Country in the UK.
Commenting, the drama's executive producer Kate Harwood said: "Hardy's novel explores love, betrayal and the emotional burden of secrets locked away at the heart of a passionate, loving relationship which, when unlocked, implode with heart-breaking consequences. David Nicholls' adaptation brings Hardy's tragic heroine, Tess, to life with verve, passion and sensitivity."
