Downton Abbey star lands role in Netflix period drama based on 'masterpiece' classic novel

Streaming giant Netflix has unveiled the star-studded lineup for a brand new adaptation of a beloved classic novel. The Age of Innocence, based on iconic author Edith Wharton's 1920 book of the same name, is a tale of forbidden love during New York's Gilded Age.

Fans of shows like Netflix's Bridgerton, or indeed HBO's The Gilded Age, won't want to miss this upcoming period drama with a passionate will-they-won't-they story at its centre.

The new limited series from creator Emma Frost and directed by Shannon Murphy features plenty of familiar faces, including stars from popular shows like All Creatures Great and Small, The Witcher and Downton Abbey.

The impressive cast also features actors from the likes of Death in Paradise, The Buccaneers and Daisy Jones and The Six.

The Witcher's Ben Radcliffe is set to lead the cast of The Age of Innocence, portraying "dashing society gentleman" Newland Archer.

Meanwhile, Camila Morrone of Daisy Jones and The Six fame is set to play "scandal-struck divorcee" Ellen Olenska.

The Buccaneers actress Kristine Froseth has been cast in the role of "Archer's sweet fiancée" May Welland, while Hollywood legend Margo Martindale will play Mrs. Manson-Mingott.

Fiona Glascott, who fans might recognise from Death in Paradise as well as films like Brooklyn and the Fantastic Beasts trilogy, is set to play May's mother Augusta Welland.

Meanwhile, Downton Abbey star Michael Cochrane, who has also appeared in The Saint and The Iron Lady, portrays descendant of British royalty Henry van der Luyden.

All Creatures Great and Small fans will also be thrilled to see Audrey Hall actress Anna Madeley take on the role of Aunt Medora, Ellen's lively, amoral aunt and former guardian.

Other prominent cast members include: Emma Shipp, Belinda Bromilow, Hayley Mills, Ryan Morgan, Kel Matsena, Lucia Balordi, Steven Pacey, Will Tudor, Elly Roberts, Jack Cutmore-Scott and John Light.

The Age of Innocence, based on Edith Wharton's iconic novel, is a tale of love in 19th-century New York City.

Wharton's original novel made history when it was first published, with the author becoming the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction when it debuted in 1920.

Romantic tropes like love triangles, forbidden love and the classic will-they-won't-they all play an important role in the story.

According to Netflix's Tudum, the period drama will also explore themes of "freedom, duty, identity, and love in all its forms".

The description reads: "The new take promises to be true to Wharton's novel but will speak to a new generation as it traverses the ballrooms and bedrooms of its young characters, asking what is love - and what is lust. And should we ultimately be driven by our heads, or by our hearts?"

Netflix has not yet announced a release date for The Age of Innocence.