Period drama fans are really in their element this year with the release of several beloved book adaptations and more on the way, and yet this series seems to have slipped under their radar.

Margo Robbie and Jacob Elordi took centre stage this year in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, but many fans are yet to see some of the earlier adaptations.

Released in 2009, this two-part series is a must-watch as it stars famed British heartthrob Tom Hardy as Heathcliff, alongside Charlotte Riley as Cathy. The pair actually first met on set and went on to become real-life lovers and are still married.

It’s this real-life connection which creates undeniable chemistry between the two actors and helps to bring the tragic and timeless love story to life.

The story was split into two separate 90-minute instalments and aired on TV for a highly anticipated two-night run. However, it’s now available to stream, and period drama lovers are finally getting to see it for the very first time.

The chemistry didn’t go unnoticed by viewers, with one review on Rotten Tomatoes stating: “Tom Hardy is such a gifted actor. His performance is utterly beautiful in this film. He and his real-life wife, Charlotte Riley, have such great chemistry.

“Technically, this is considered a two-episode miniseries, but I consider it a film.”

Another review reads: “Excellent actors in this two-part British ITV television series adaptation of the novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Intense performances from Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley about passion, obsession, and revenge.”

Based on the novel of the same name, the 2009 episodes follow the intense love story filled with obsession, hate and revenge of Cathy and Heathcliff. The two form a relationship so dark and destructive it affects the lives of everyone they know and ruins each other’s.

Also joining them in the cast is British actress best known for her role in Happy Valley, Sarah Lancaster, and Andrew Lincoln, who plays one of the villains of the story.

For a lot of Bronte fans, the story is sacred, and they are drawn to versions of the book which are as true to her original work as possible. One fan claims: “By far the best adaptation I have seen. Not perfect but a mostly faithful retelling.”

Another said: “An absolute masterpiece! They did a remarkable job on the adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel! Tom Hardy, as always, is just fantastic! Beautiful locations, too!”

The primary location for the filming of this story took place at the Yorkshire manor house Oakwell Hall, staying true to the Yorkshire roots of the novel.

The outdoor setting is a crucial element to the story, and so seeing the Yorkshire countryside on screen is like the pages being brought to life.

The 2009 adaptation of Wuthering Heights starring real-life married couple Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley is available to stream now on Amazon Prime and ITVX.

SOURCE: EXPRESS