ITV announces 'Little House' adaptation

ITV is working on an adaptation of Philippa Gregory's bestselling novel The Little House.

Collision star Lucy Griffiths will take on the lead role of Ruth in the drama, while Emma's Rupert Evans will play her husband Patrick.

BAFTA-winning actress Francesca Annis, who previously starred in Cranford, and Foyle's War actor Tim Pigott-Smith will also join the cast as Ruth's interfering in-laws Elizabeth and Frederick.

The story sees Ruth struggle to cope after moving into her in-laws' road and giving birth to an unplanned baby. She finds being a mother difficult and eventually starts to believe that Elizabeth is unnaturally obsessed with her grandson.

The novel has been adapted by Ed Whitmore, who has previously worked on Silent Witness and Waking The Dead, while Survivors and Ashes To Ashes director Jamie Payne will helm the project.

Jeremy Gwilt from producers TXTV said: "We've an exceptional cast on board for The Little House and we're delighted ITV has commissioned us to produce such a powerful and gripping drama."