It was announced at the start of the week that the BBC is adapting PD James's Death Comes to Pemberley. Based in Jane Austen's world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, the story is set six years after the events of Pride & Prejudice.
Shooting may not start until the summer and no casting has been confirmed yet, but already speculation is rife about who could be taking on the role of the iconic romantic lead Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Colin Firth's 1995 depiction of the Darcy, all soggy shirt and bristling with splendidly posh British sex appeal, has become the blueprint for all others to follow. But who could step into the Oscar winner's breeches?
Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens is the immediate frontrunner. He's certainly got the right credentials, making the nation swoon as heartthrob Matthew Crawley and he's even got a nice clear diary for the summer after that unfortunate Christmas car crash in Downton.
Other names linked to the role have included Ripper Street's Matthew Macfadyen, who has already taken on the role once on the big screen, Birdsong's Eddie Redmayne and current star of BBC Two jazz-era drama Dancing on the Edge Matthew Goode.
If the drama wants a big name, Benedict Cumberbatch is the current go-to man and he won huge praise for his recent period drama performances in Parade's End. Ex-Spooks man Rupert Penry-Jones also seems an obvious fit and ticks most of the boxes.
Other longer shots could include Nicholas Hoult, Merlin's Bradley James and young British rising stars Tom Hughes and Douglas Booth, although all of the above may be too young for the part.
Who do you think should be the next Mr Darcy? Give us your suggestions below!
