ITV & MAMMOTH SCREEN PLANNING 'TOM JONES' 18TH CENTURY EPIC SERIES? TOM HOLLANDER TO LEAD 'HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME' ITV EPIC SERIES? HISTORICAL FANTASY 'THE MERMAID AND MRS HANCOCK' TO BECOME TV SERIES

   'TOM JONES' EPIC SERIES

ITV TAKING US TO 18TH CENTURY

It could be ITV's new period set saga

Massive news coming from ITV today! They will join Mammoth Screen, who is doing Victoria, Poldark and Vanity Fair, in adapting classic novel TOM JONES into a new period set series! The raunchy 1749 novel from Henry Fielding follows often very scandalous and bawdy sexual exploits and merry adventures of the young and good hearted 18th century foundling Tom Jones in a story full of twists and surprises. As 'Radio Times' reports, the project hasn't been officially greenlit yet, but it is expected to start shooting next year. Screenwriter Gwyneth Hughes who is penning the project thinks the story is ideal for current atmosphere as Tom never sleeps with women who don't want him and is always a perfect gentleman! According to rumours, the studio is negotiating with a big star to take the lead role!

   TOM HOLLANDER TO LEAD

'HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME' EPIC TELEVISION SERIES? 
Speaking of ITV, a few months ago the spy informed you that they are also preparing historical series on THE HUNCH BACK OF NOTRE DAME and

Tom Hollander is also producing the potential series

now they're hired Dr Thorne and Taboo's  Tom Hollander in the titular role! He is also producing the adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic with War and Peace Andrew Davies penning the script. In the series set in 1482 and following the love between hunchback Quasimodo, the Cathedral’s half blind and deaf bell-ringer, and a beautiful woman called Esmerelda, Hollander would play the Hunchback himself. They are currently seeking for foreign production partners.

   'MERMAID & MRS HANCOCK'

TO BE TURNED INTO TV SERIES BY WHITE QUEEN PRODUCERS

The writer got a six digit advance for this one!

Another epic series we can expect is the adaptation of Imogen Hermes Gowar's THE MERMAID AND MRS HANCOCK. Playground Entertainment (Wolf Hall, White Queen) has bought the rights on the 1785 London set novel which follows Jonah Hancock, a prosperous merchant and widower, whose Captain returns having sold Hancock’s ship and cargo in exchange for an extraordinary creature; a mermaid. This mermaid becomes the subject of great curiosity and forges an encounter between Hancock and the desirable courtesan, Angelica Neal. The story describes their intertwined lives. This historical fantasy was sold earlier this year in a race between ten publishing houses for a six number sum.