BBC announce more cast for their ambitious adaptation of an Emile Zola novel

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The BBC have announced more cast for their adaptaion of Emile Zola's classic novel Au Bonheur Des Dames, now titled The Paradise.

Sarah Lancashire (Five Daughters), David Hayman (Trial and Retribution), Elaine Cassidy (Fingersmith), Matthew McNulty (The Syndicate) and Emun Elliott (Game of Thrones) will join the previously announced Joanna Vanderham (The Runaway) in the 8 part series.

The series will be filmed on location in the North East of England and has been adapted by Bill Gallagher (Larkrise to Candleford). Gallagher had this to say, "I like writing long-run ensemble dramas because I can write for actors. Any writer would relish writing for this wonderful cast."

The Paradise centres around the ambitious Denise Lovett (Vanderham) who arrives in the city to work in her uncle's shop but when he cannot help she lands a job in the glamorous department store The Paradise which provides a backdrop for her rags to riches tale. It is here that Denise meets The Paradise's dashing owner John Moray (Elliot) who inspires in her a passion and creativity she didn't know she had.

Pat Connor of BBC North said, " The Paradise is the biggest BBC drama to be made in the North East. BBC North is proud to support this production which underlines our commitment to making the very best programming here in the North for the entire UK."

Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, Ben Stephenson described the series as, "a romantic relationship drama set in a bustling Northern department store where Bill Gallagher's well crafted characters will bring an addictive mix of love and gossip to BBC One."

The drama begins filming on location outside Durham in June and will be produced by BBC Drama Productions.

Source: This Is Fake DIY