'Masterpiece' BBC period drama based on beloved novel stars Downton Abbey icon

Fans of Downton Abbey and classic BBC period dramas are in for a treat as one of the broadcaster's most beloved literary adaptations is being rediscovered, and it's being hailed as a "masterpiece".

Daniel Deronda, based on the 1876 novel by George Eliot, is a sweeping British television serial that first aired on BBC One back in 2002. Adapted by acclaimed screenwriter Andrew Davies, who is also behind Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones's Diary, the series captures the heart and grandeur of Eliot's final novel.

Directed by Tom Hooper, who later went on to helm The King's Speech and Les Misérables, the three-part drama starred Hugh Dancy as the titular Daniel Deronda and Romola Garai as Gwendolen Harleth.

The cast also includes Downton Abbey favourite Hugh Bonneville, who played the cold and calculating Henleigh Grandcourt. This role showcased a very different side to the actor best known as the warm-hearted Lord Grantham.

Rounding out the ensemble was Jodhi May as Mirah Lapidoth, delivering one of the most emotional performances of the series.

Produced by Louis Marks and co-funded by WGBH Boston, the adaptation was first broadcast in three parts between November 23 and December 7, 2002, drawing critical acclaim for its lush cinematography, intelligent script, and moving portrayal of faith, love, and identity in Victorian England.

More than two decades later, Daniel Deronda continues to be celebrated by fans of period drama as one of the BBC's great hidden gems and with its A-list cast and timeless story, it's easy to see why.

John Leonard of New York Magazine wrote of the show: "The same production team that did such a wonderful job on Middlemarch is equally adept here, although the heavy-breathing plot threatens every twenty minutes or so to make us smile in spite of our high-mindedness."

Daniel Deronda is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer and BritBox, with all three episodes restored in high definition.