Ruth Jones, Freema Agyeman cast in Little Dorrit

Ruth Jones and Freema Agyeman has been cast in Andrew Davies' adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel Little Dorrit for the BBC.

The co-writer of Gavin And Stacey - who stars as the hilarious Nessa in the Bafta-winning sitcom - will play the overwhelming Flora Casby in the new BBC costume drama, which will air this autumn.

Doctor Who star Freema Agyeman will play Tattycoram, the companion of the Meagles’ daughter Pet, while Claire Foy, of BBC drama Being Human, will play Amy Dorrit, while The Golden Compass's Tom Courtenay will play her father.

The all-star cast also includes The Vicar Of Dibley's James Fleet as Little Dorrit's uncle, Amanda Redman as social queen bee Mrs Merdle, Andy Serkis as French villain Rigaud and The Office star, Mackenzie Crook.

The 15-part drama began filming last week in locations in and around London, Buckinghamshire, Kent and Herefordshire.

The BBC's head of series and serials Kate Harwood said: "We are very proud to be presenting this wonderful line-up, who will be bringing to life one of Dickens' broadest range of characters in a gripping, witty and touching script by the inimitable Andrew Davies.

"Part murder-mystery, part love story, and wholly entertaining, Little Dorrit promises to be an autumn treat."