The BBC is to shoot a new drama focusing on the later years of the life of novelist Jane Austen.

Miss Austen Regrets will star Olivia Williams in the title role and will look back at the writer's romantic life and the reasons she never married.

Writer of the show, Gwyneth Hughes, explained the inspiration for the story, saying that everyone knew she was never married, but then: "I read the most extraordinary fact. Jane Austen did receive a proposal of marriage from a wealthy young neighbour. And she accepted!

"She actually said yes to him - till after a long night of discussion with her sister Cassandra, she changed her mind. This intriguing decision inspired the story of Miss Austen Regrets."

Filming is currently underway, with plans to show the drama alongside the broadcaster's adaptation of Sense and Sensibility.