Northern Ireland

Belfast-shot TV adaptation of classic Fielding novel begins this week

Solly McLeod and Sophie Wilde star in four-part ITVX drama Tom Jones, which begins this week.
Solly McLeod and Sophie Wilde star in four-part ITVX drama Tom Jones, which begins this week. Solly McLeod and Sophie Wilde star in four-part ITVX drama Tom Jones, which begins this week.

A new adaptation of the classic Henry Fielding novel The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling, that was filmed entirely in and around Belfast is to hit TV screens this week.

Simply titled Tom Jones, the four-part ITVX drama "reimagines" the famous book, first published in 1749, about a young man who grew up under the care of a wealthy country gentleman after being abandoned as a baby, but struggles to escape his lowly birth.

The series, co-produced by Mammoth Screen, is the latest TV drama filmed in the north to reach screens, following BBC police drama Blue Lights.

It stars Orkney-born actor Solly McLeod in the title role, Australian actress Sophie Wilde, and Emmy award-winning star of comedy series Ted Lasso, Hannah Waddingham.

A synopsis for the show describes how when Tom "falls in love with wealthy heiress Sophia Western, and she falls in love with him, their families unite against the match".

The first episode will be broadcast on ITVX on Thursday May 4.