BBC Television's first-ever adaptation of Hardy's novel.
Co-stars Hans Matheson and Eddie Redmayne have both starred as Marius in different adaptations of 'Victor Hugo''s novel, Les Misérables. Matheson appeared as Marius in Les Misérables (1998), while Redmayne played Marius in the musical version, Les Misérables (2012).
Gemma Arterton is the first English-born actress to portray Tess. All the previous actresses to play the part were born in the United States (Minnie Maddern Fiske and Blanche Sweet), Germany (Nastassja Kinski), or South Africa (Justine Waddell).