Downton writer adapts Trollope

Downton Abbey scribe Julian Fellowes is penning a new television drama for UK commercial broadcaster ITV based on Anthony Trollope’s book Doctor Thorne.

Julian Fellowes

Doctor Thorne will mark a return to ITV for the writer, who won an Oscar for his Gosford Park feature film and announced last month the sixth season of hit period drama Downton Abbey would be the last.

The new three-part drama, to be produced by Hat Trick Productions, will tell the story of Dr Thomas Thorne, who lives in an English village with his niece, Mary.

ITV director of Drama Steve November and controller of drama Victoria Fea commissioned the programme, which begins filming later this year.

Doctor Thorne will be exec produced by Hat Trick head of drama Mark Redhead (Critical, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, Case Sensitive) and Fellowes with Chris Kelly and Ted Childs.

Downton Abbey, created and written by Fellowes, debuted on ITV in 2010 and has gone on to win a slew of awards and air in more than 250 territories.