ITV opts for more classic drama

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is to get a new twist, as Dr Victor Frankenstein becomes a 21st century female biologist in a new adaptation for ITV1.

Helen McCrory will play Victoria, the female scientist whose controversial research ultimately spawns a monster. With a cast that includes James Purefoy and Lindsay Duncan, the drama is currently in production.

Commissioned by deputy controller of drama Sally Haynes, Frankenstein has been written and directed by Bodies' Jed Mercurio. Impossible Pictures, the company behind drama Primeval has brought Tim Haines in as executive producer and Hugh Warren as producer.

Haines said: "Everyone knows Shelley’s Frankenstein but as it’s set in the 19th Century we can distance ourselves from its horrors – it’s just a story. However our two hour special moves the story to the 21st Century and Frankenstein takes on a terrifying new dimension. Impossible’s experience with creating CGI monsters has enabled us to bring to life Shelley’s horrific creation as never seen before."

Elsewhere, controller of drama Laura Mackie has commissioned an all-star adaptation of Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop from Carnival Films. Sir Derek Jacobi and Toby Jones head up a cast which includes Martin Freeman, Gina McKee, Zoe Wanamaker, Bradley Walsh and Steve Pemberton.

Mackie said: "Old Curiosity Shop has a powerful and moving narrative and a fantastic ensemble of colourful characters and we're thrilled to have attracted such a wonderful and diverse cast. We are committed to bringing the best classic drama to the audience and this will be a real treat."

The drama is being directed by Brian Percival and produced by Andrew Benson, with Gareth Neame, managing director of Carnival Films, as executive producer. The novel has been adapted by Martyn Hesford, who wrote Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa and adapted Nicholas Nickleby for ITV.