ITV ready to make second series of Sanditon as rival drama Bridgeton sees roaring success

But Jane Austen purists are split about making a second series just as racy as the Netflix offering, with some wary about having another at all. Sanditon, based on an unfinished Austen novel, was enjoyed by millions of viewers in 2019 but it has not been recommissioned, prompting a determined Save Sanditon social media campaign. Bridgerton, the naughty Netflix offering starring Regé-Jean Page as the Duke of Hastings, has been a hit and has shown the appetite for the genre.

It’s also led to suggestions a new Sanditon series could look to “sex up” the original.

But the Jane Austen Society is not happy. The custodians of everything about the great

English novelist have said Sanditon “would have no claim to Jane Austen” in a second series.

Asked if Bridgerton would influence the amount of sex in Sanditon, Maureen Stiller, the society’s honorary secretary, said: “Since neither a prospective second series of Sanditon nor Bridgerton can claim any connection whatsoever with Jane Austen’s writings, I think in those circumstances the programme commissioners are better placed than the Jane Austen Society to determine what their audience’s taste is likely to be for either.”

But, she was asked, would the society approve of a second Sanditon season?

She replied: “Since it would have no claim to Jane Austen, the Society could have no comment.”

But the prospect of another series was warmly welcomed in Austen country in Hampshire.

Amelia Harvell, from Jane Austen House in Chawton, said: “As the home of Jane Austen and the place where she completed her six treasured novels, we are fully supportive of all projects that further promote Jane Austen’s work, life and legacy.”

She said Jane, inset, was living in the cottage when she wrote Sanditon “and we have a beautiful manuscript copy of the unfinished novel handwritten by Jane’s sister Cassandra in our collection”.

Amelia added: “We are very appreciative of the ‘Sanditon Sisterhood’ for their generous contribution to our Save Jane Austen’s Roof appeal.”

Speculation about a green light for a second series reached fever pitch last week after a “casting call” went out for actors.

Sophie Winkleman, who played Lady Susan, fuelled speculation when asked by Lorraine on

ITV about another series. She said: “Officially, I’m not allowed to say.”

The first season, which starred Jack Fox, Charlotte Spencer, Theo James, Rose Williams and Crystal Clarke, was also risque.

The Sanditon Sisterhood said: “Remember Sanditon was slated by Austen purists and press for being too racy when it first aired? There were naked bottoms, sex in the woods, sex on a marble floor, the hint of incest and an unexpected music score. Unheard of!

“There may be less criticism this time because of Bridgerton.”

Justin Young, who co-wrote the first series, added: “No news on S2 yet, I’m afraid, but hopefully there might be soon.”

source: express.co.uk