TV & Showbiz

New TV adaptation of classic Yorkshire-inspired novel Jane Eyre to air on BBC starring Aimee Lou Wood

It's the first screen adaptation of the novel in 15 years.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 17th August 2026

Manchester actress Aimee Lou Wood is set to lead a new BBC adaptation of Jane Eyre, it has been reported.

It was announced earlier this year that Working Title are producing a new TV adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, Jane Eyre - which will be led by The White Lotus and Sex Education star in the titular role - and Deadline has now exclusively revealed that the BBC has joined the production as the broadcaster.

The new TV adaptation has been penned for the screen by Miriam Battye - an award-winning writer best known for her work on HBO's Succession.

Published all the way back in 1847 and set across a number of fictional Northern England settings - mainly inspired by the Brontë sisters' upbringing in Yorkshire - the classic novel explores the moral and emotional development of orphan Jane Eyre as she searches for love, independence, and social equality in the 19th century.

Throughout the novel, Jane overcomes a harsh and unloving childhood and goes on to find work as a governess at Thornfield Hall, before falling in love with her moody master, Mr Rochester, and discovering a dark secret in his attic.

The novel is widely considered to be ahead of its time due to how it approaches topics of class, sexuality, religion, and feminism.

Jane Eyre has been the subject of a number of adaptations of the years - most notably the last major TV version being in 2006, also for the BBC, and a 2011 film starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender - but there hasn't been any in 15 years now, and 2027 marks the 180th anniversary for the iconic story.

Aimee Lou Wood is also riding high at the moment after her Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe nominations for Season 3 of The White Lotus, and after having also been cast as George Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd, in Sam Mendes' four Beatles biopic movies, all set to be released in 2028.

As of yet, further information on when and where the new adaptation will be being filmed is yet to be released, and there is no indication of air dates either.

The BBC is expected to reveal more details in due course, so stay tuned.

Featured Image - HBO

TV & Showbiz

Channel 4 is looking for adult virgins with ‘intimacy issues’ for next series of hit reality show

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Channel 4 is back looking for more adult virgins to take part in the potential next series of its hit reality show Virgin Island.

If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Island, it’s unlike anything ever seen on TV before.

First hitting screens back in 2024 and having run for two successful seasons now, Virgin Island follows the journey of a group of adult virgins who are whisked off to a Mediterranean island retreat to learn life-changing skills in the art of intimacy.

Working with leading international therapists, the aim is to help the young people overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex.

Channel 4 said it chose to commission the show after a recent study into intimacy found out that one in eight British 26-year-olds is, apparently, still a virgin.

A casting call for the new series on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex? Double Act Productions is casting adults for a potential second series of Virgin Island.”

You just need to be over 21 years of age to take part in the show.

Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for the potential next series of Virgin Island are now open, and there’s still plenty of time left to put your name down.

You can find out more and register your interest here.

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Featured image - Channel 4

TV & Showbiz

Pioneering Bradford artist David Hockney has passed away aged 88

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.

Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.

He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.

And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.

This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.

Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.

Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.

His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.

His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.

A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.

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Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)

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