The creator of ITV’s huge-selling Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, has trained his sights on a small screen adaptation of Anthony Trollope’s 19th century novel, Doctor Thorne.

First published in 1868, the book is the third in the series known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire (more recently known as the Barchester Chronicles) and centres on the romance between the poor Mary Thorne and wealthy local aristocrat Frank Gresham. 

The drama is from Hat Trick Productions and will be delivered as a three-parter for ITV. Dates for filming have yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to move later this year; apt timing as 2015 marks 200 years since the birth of the celebrated Victorian novelist.  

Fellowes also has to attend to another hefty period drama, this time set in New York. The Gilded Age is set in the late 19th century, and delves behind the scenes of some of the city’s most well-connected society families. 

From 28 April, subscribers to Production Intelligence can follow Doctor Thorne so you don’t miss our updates as production hires, dates and locations are locked down over the coming weeks.