John Durbeyfield (Ian Pulseton-Davies), a “haggler” and a drunk, is weaving his way one afternoon towards the pub when he meets the village priest, Parson Tringham (Donald Sumpter).
Alec D’Urberville is the son of Simon Stoke and Mrs D’Urberville. He is an heir to a fortune and the nemesis and downfall of Tess.
Angel Clare is the son of a clergyman; Tess’s husband and true love.
Gemma Arterton brings to life Hardy’s beautiful, iconic heroine, Tess Durbeyfield, the eldest daughter of a poor rural working family; a fresh, pretty country girl with a good heart and a sensitive soul.
I read the novel for the first time when I was 16, rather grudgingly, as part of an exam curriculum, and I don’t think I can recall ever being so affected by a book.
This autumn the BBC reveals an unparalleled line-up of drama across four channels that will have something for audiences of all ages and tastes to enjoy.
The BBC is to offer viewers the chance to catch up on every episode of some of their favourite series as “series stacking” is introduced to BBC iPlayer and programme sites from 13 September 2008.
BBC Drama Production is a world leader in producing much-loved and critically-acclaimed dramas.
