Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens to play Mr Darcy in new BBC adaptation?

Former Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens looks set to break hearts all over again in new TV show, Death Comes to Pemberley

Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens only recently left our screens, after his character, Matthew Crawley was killed off in the Christmas special of the hit show. Now he’s rumoured to be returning, although this time in the guise of Mr Darcy.

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Reports have surfaced that the actor is set to play Mr Darcy in an adaptation of the novel Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D James.

The book is a prequel to Jane Austen’s classic tale and follows the now infamous characters six years after the marriage of Lizzie and Mr Darcy. Lydia returns home to announce that her husband, George Wickham has been killed, and the scene for a murder mystery is set.

If the rumours prove true, Dan will follow in the well-placed footsteps of Colin Firth who became a household name after women fell for his charms in Pride and Prejudice.

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Other stars tipped for the role include Les Miserbales star, Eddie Redmayne, War Horse actor Tom Hiddleston and Dancing on the Edge’s Hugh Dancy. While female stars hoping to take on the part of Elizabeth include Claire Danes and Felicity Jones.

BBC Controller of drama, Ben Stephenson told the Sunday Times: 'There are certain characters from a book who go way, way beyond the page.

‘And Mr Darcy is absolutely one of them. He is the iconic romantic lead - brooding and intense. The very name "Darcy" has come to mean something beyond Pride and Prejudice alone.’

Can anyone match Colin Firth though…

What do you think? Who do you think would portray the best Mr Darcy? Let us know below.

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