It has been 25 years since we first saw Colin Firth and the famous lake scene
A life sized cake was unveiled to celebrate 25 years of the BBC’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s most popular novel, Pride and Prejudice.
Sue Birtwistle wrote the script over an eight year period, and she already had Colin Firth in mind from a previous project. However, Colin initially turned it down. Lots of persuading and a sensual script penned by Andrew Davies (also writing the Sanditon script) won him over.
The filming took six months, and Colin fell in love with his co-star Elizabeth, played by Jennifer Ehle. By the time Pride and Prejudice was on air, it was called an ‘affair’ and they parted on friendly terms.
Lyme Park was used as Mr Darcy’s Pemberly home in the show, and the sight of the famous lake scene.
Success of Pride and Prejudice
The BBC adaptation became the biggest costume drama success story in the corporation’s history. It was watched by millions of viewers, and the first batch of 12,000 videos sold out in two hours.
Colin was in Italy filming The English Patient, another winning film, when Pride and Prejudice was aired in the UK from 24 September 1995. Upon his return, extra security had to be laid on and he was genuinly shocked at how popular the show had been.
Nominated for six BAFTAs, including Best Actor for Colin and Best Actress for Jennifer Ehle, though only she won on the night.
Useful links
Lyme Park is owned by the National Trust. They also hold ‘dress up days’ where you can play at being your own Elizabeth or Mr Darcy.
