ITV has announced that it has commissioned an adaptation of a ‘forgotten’ classic novel by celebrated author Frances Hodgson Burnett, who wrote The Secret Garden, A Little Princess and Little Lord Fauntleroy.

To be entitled, The Making of a Lady, the film will be produced by Runaway Fridge TV, and will tell the classic story of well born, educated but penniless Emily, who grew up hoping she would one day marry for love. However, as times are hard, she comes to realise that her priority must be her own, and her family’s, survival.

Set in late Victorian London in “a shabby part of town”, The Making of a Lady will see Emily going to work for Lady Maria Byrne, who’s a domineering, acerbic older woman who lives in a very smart house on the other side of town…

As part of her daily duties as the lady’s companion, Emily comes into contact with her employer’s wealthy widower nephew, Lord James Walderhurst who cuts a rather distant figure, but he treats Emily with a great deal more respect and kindness than his aunt does…

Filming begins on 27th August for four weeks, and of it, Victoria Fea, who is part of the drama commissioning team at ITV, said, “There’s a real depth and complexity to the characterisations within The Making of a Lady.

“Kate Brooke draws beautifully upon the richness of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel and we’re delighted to have commissioned such a classic and powerful story.”

It’s expected to air later this year or early next year.