Olivia Colman is to star in a new BBC adaptation of Les Miserables.

The six-part TV drama, which will be penned by Pride and Prejudice and War and Peace screenwriter Andrew Davies, will also star Dominic West, David Oyelowo, Lily Collins and Adeel Akhtar, as well as Ellie Bamber and Bafta Rising Star nominee Josh O'Connor.

Ms Colman, a former pupil at Gresham's School, will play Madame Thernardier alongside Mr Akhtar as her on screen husband.

Mr West will play Jean Valjean, while Mr Oyelowo will play Javert and Ms Collins will take on the role of Fantine, the part that bagged Anne Hathaway an Oscar in the 2012 big screen version.

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The series is expected to explore the cat-and-mouse relationship between convict Jean Valjean and police inspector Javert, against the backdrop of France at a time of civil unrest.

Filming will begin in February in Belgium and northern France.

Les Miserables is the world's longest-running musical, now celebrating its 30th year in London's West End, and the 2012 film version won three Oscars.