TV THE PURSUIT OF LOVE

STARRING: Lily James, Emily Beecham

While her off-screen exploits with her married co-star Dominic West caused quite the stir late last year, Lily James’ on-screen adventures have also been garnering lots of talk! The 32-year-old actress stars as the charismatic and fearless Linda Radlett in the romantic comedy-drama The Pursuit of Love. Based on author Nancy Mitford’s 1945 novel, the three-part TV adaptation follows the escapades of Radlett along with her cousin Fanny Logan (Cruella’s Emily Beecham) in interwar England.

Consumed by a desire for love and marriage, the two young women are on the hunt for the “perfect” husband. But their friendship is put to the test as Fanny settles for a traditional life and Linda decides to follow her heart to wild and outrageous places. As social and political divisions split the nation, their diverging choices raise questions about freedom, love, sex and the mystery of the human heart.

“It’s been years, this idea that came about from my agents,” James has said of bringing the story to life. “We’d talk about it at dinners and there was this impulse to create this story now on screen with just how intoxicating and precious and wonderful the story and the characters are.”

Adding to the cast is The Affair’s West, who had a big undertaking as Linda’s dad. “My mother-in-law very sternly told me how much she loved the books and told me not to mess it up,” the 51-year-old actor has said of the role.

(Premieres Fri., Jul. 30 on Amazon Prime Video)