'Faithful' period adaptation of classic novel is unmissable ahead of 'wild' film version

Period drama enthusiasts seeking a compelling costume piece should consider this ITV mini-series adapted from a classic novel, following the success of a Brontë story and a BBC Shakespeare reimagining, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The two-part series aired in 2009 and garnered acclaim from IMDb viewers at the time.

One viewer awarded the programme a perfect 10/10 rating and remarked: "A beautiful, dark adaptation of the novel Being somewhat (! ) obsessed with the novel, I've watched every adaption of it going and this is undoubtedly my favourite."

Another reviewer headlined their critique: "A captivating adaptation" and stated: "There have been several adaptations over the years, for my money, this is the best of them all."

A third viewer titled their assessment: "Beautifully done adaptation of a very complicated book."

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The reviewer expanded: "True, it doesn't always follow the overall structure of the novel by Emily Bronte, and there are one or two slow moments. But it is beautifully done, and does a competent job of adapting a truly complicated book to screen."

Another commented: "Much credit for the success of this version goes to Tom Hardy as Heathcliff. Hardy's range as an actor gives new depth to Bronte's anti-hero."

As a third viewer observed: "I loved this version. Tom Hardy is a genius, and his Heathcliff has stayed with me long after the film finished. Charlotte Riley is also very good, as are the other cast members."

The 2009 adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which aired on ITV, starred Peaky Blinders actor Tom Hardy as Heathcliff and Charlotte Riley as Cathy Earnshaw.

This series traced the complex and ultimately tragic love story between Cathy and Heathcliff, from their childhood to adulthood.

Cathy's decision to marry Edgar Linton (Andrew Lincoln) for social standing creates a rift between her and Heathcliff, leading to deep resentment and unfulfilled desire between the two.

Hardy and Riley's portrayals of the ill-fated lovers led to a real-life romance between the pair.

In 2014, Hardy and Riley tied the knot and they now have two children together.

The 2009 version is just one of many adaptations of Emily Brontë's novel, with Emerald Fennell's Hollywood rendition set to hit screens in 2026.

The upcoming film has already garnered a mixed response from fans, especially after a steamy trailer was released, prompting many to share their views on the footage.

One individual commented on YouTube: "Damm,this teaser is wild [sic]," while another wrote: "no one would ever guess from watching this which book it's based on [sic].

"Ya hear that? That was the breathless gasp of the corpse of the author having a stake nailed through her heart [sic]," a third person posted.

One conflicted viewer expressed: "I ́ve never felt more contradicted about a film being right up my alley but being an abomination to the sentiment of the source material, which happens to be one of my favorite books [sic]."

Another person remarked: "The cinematography looks beautiful" while another fan noted: "It feels like Emerald is taking Saltburn to the next level with this one."

Wuthering Heights (2009) is streaming on ITVX now