The BBC has a new eight-part drama in the works adapted from One Day author David Nicholls’ critically-acclaimed novel, You Are Here – and it sounds amazing.

Hollywood stars Claire Foy (The Crown) and Matthew Macfadyen (Succession) are set to lead the cast of the upcoming series, which is directed by Lenny Abrahamson (Room, Normal People).

© Karwai Tang

Set along the Coast to Coast walking trail from the Lake District to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, the “honest, witty and tender” series follows Marnie and Michael, who unexpectedly find themselves setting off on an epic walk after a mutual friend throws them together.

As a romance fan, I couldn’t be more delighted. Not only does the series star Emmy-winning actors Claire and Matthew, but it also comes from the Oscar-winning production company Element Pictures, which was behind the BBC’s heartbreaking drama, Normal People.

What is You Are Here about?

The story follows Michael and Marnie, who unexpectedly find themselves embarking on the epic Coast to Coast walking trail together, which runs from the Lake District to Robin Hood’s Bay.

The synopsis continues: “Against the odds, they end up on the brink of a relationship that neither was looking for, but which might be exactly the one they both need.

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“You Are Here is about finding a connection when you least expect it and overcoming the obstacles of midlife. Treading the tricky path from loneliness to love, Marnie and Michael go coast-to-coast across the stunning (and sometimes soaking) English countryside, navigating an undeniable attraction that is as exhilarating as it is terrifying. ”

The series will be filmed in the Lake District and around Manchester.

What have the creatives said about the show?

Author David Nicholls, who writes and executive produces the show, expressed his delight in a statement, describing Matthew and Claire as “dream casting”.

© Element Pictures / Enda Bowe

“The intention with the novel was to write a close-up study of a relationship, but set against this magnificent landscape, and that’s our ambition here too; to make something both intimate and epic, funny and dramatic, a romantic comedy with real emotion,” he said. “We can’t wait to bring Marnie and Michael’s journey to the screen.”

Meanwhile, director Lenny hailed the novel as “a beautiful love story – funny, profound and ultimately deeply hopeful.”

Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s Director of Drama, described the story as “packed full of charm, humour, heartache and joy,” adding that viewers “are in for a real treat”.

A release date has yet to be announced.