It has been confirmed that Angela Lansbury and Michael Gambon will star in the new TV adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women, which will begin filming in Ireland this month.
Little Women, which was originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869, tells the story of four young sisters on their journey from childhood to adulthood against the backdrop of the American Civil War.
It is being brought to the small screen for a BBC and PBS (US) series by Call the Midwife creator Heidi Thomas.
The three-part series will see 91-year-old Lansbury take on the role of the cantankerous Aunt March, the wealthy relative of the girls.
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It will be a case of 'welcome home' for the stage and screen legend whose glittering career includes six Golden Globes, five Tony Awards and an Honorary Oscar. The daughter of Belfast actress Moyna Macgill, London-born Lansbury moved to Ireland from California in the 1970s and still has a house in Co Cork.
Dublin-born Gambon, 76 - who has won a string of top accolades including four TV BAFTAs and three Olivier Awards - will portray the March family's benevolent neighbour, Mr Laurence.
BAFTA-winning actress Emily Watson, 50, will play Marmee, the family matriarch.
The roles of the sisters have been filled by up-and-coming actresses Maya Hawke - daughter of actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke - Willa Fitzgerald, Annes Elwy and Kathryn Newton, who will play Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy respectively.
Jonah Hauer-King, who appeared in TV mini-series Howards End, will play charming boy next door Laurie Laurence.
With principal photography beginning later this month, hopefully the series will be on our screens by early next year.
