The Pursuit of Love
Lily James and Emily Beecham star in a lavish period drama about romance and passion between the wars...
9 May, 9pm BBC1 Drama All three episodes will be on BBC iplayer after the first episode airs
Adapted from Nancy Mitford’s 1945 novel, this threepart series is set between the two world wars and stars Lily James as free-spirited Linda Radlett, who’s on a quest to find romance along with her cousin Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham). But while Fanny seeks an uncomplicated life, Linda finds herself torn between several suitors. Dominic West and Dolly Wells play Linda’s parents, while Andrew Scott is colourful neighbour Lord Merlin.
Sunday, 9pm BBC1 Drama All three episodes will be available on BBC iplayer after the first episode airs
As spirited young woman Linda Radlett and her reserved cousin and best friend Fanny Logan come of age, they dream of true love.
But they face many hurdles as we follow their ups and downs in BBC1’S new period drama The Pursuit of Love.
Obstructions
Based on Nancy Mitford’s 1945 novel, the series is set in the 1920s and 1930s, and among the forces that hold
Linda back is her eccentric, domineering father, Matthew (Dominic West), who rules the family’s country estate, Alconleigh, with a rod of iron.
‘Her father doesn’t let the girls have an education or leave the property,’ says Lily James, who plays Linda in the three-part series. ‘Linda has spark, passion, fire and curiosity but she doesn’t know what to do with it.’
Meanwhile, Fanny
(Emily Beecham) is searching for stability after being abandoned by her flighty mother, ‘The Bolter’, played by Emily
Mortimer.
But for both girls, their enduring friendship is their guiding force.
‘Linda is this vivacious spirit who Fanny lives vicariously through,’ says Emily. ‘Their bond is rare and special.’
The Radletts’ flamboyant neighbour Lord Merlin (Andrew Scott) draws Fanny and Linda to a world of glamour, introducing them to art, music and his bohemian friends, who are dubbed the Bright Young Things. As a range of suitors come onto the girls’ radar, Linda’s eye is caught by dashing but pompous student and banker’s son Tony Kroesig (Freddie Fox).
Can she keep her liaison secret from her father?
‘There’s a reckless abandon to Linda that’s self-destructive,’ says Lily. ‘But also there’s a purity and innocence to her. She tries to find herself through the men she encounters.’