Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham in Tom Jones. Photo: PBS Masterpiece

The adaptation of Henry Fielding’s classic novel, The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling, tells the story of the title character’s complicated journey to find real love. Delighting readers since 1749, Tom Jones will continue to do just that in this 4-part television adaptation expected to arrive in 2023 as part of the PBS Masterpiece series.

In the title role is Solly McLeod (Outlander, The Rising), starring alongside Sophie Wilde (You Don’t Know Me) who takes on the role of heroine Sophia Western. They’ll be joined by Ted Lasso fan-favorite and Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham, who steps into the role of the vengeful and seductive Lady Bellaston. While Waddingham was brilliant in Ted Lasso portraying Rebecca Welton, British comedy fans may also know her as The Lady of Lake (she who gave Excalibur to King Arthur) in the original London production of Spamalot and later on Broadway or in the upcoming Jack Dee comedy series, Bad Move, coming to a number of PBS stations (including KERA) in 2023.

Additional casting for the adaptation will feature some familiar faces to PBS fans of British drama and comedy including Pearl Mackie (Doctor Who) as Honour, James Fleet (Vicar of Dibley) as Squire Allworthy, Alun Armstrong (New Tricks) as Squire Western, Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones, Harry Potter) as Aunt Western, Tamzin Merchant (Pride & Prejudice, The Tudors) as Aunt Harriet, Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing) as Fitzpatrick, and Susannah Fielding (This Time with Alan Partridge) as Mrs. Waters.

The series also stars Daniel Rigby as Patridge, James Wilbraham as Blifil, Felicity Montagu as Bridget Allworthy, Janine Fuvitski as Mrs. Wilkins, Dean Lennox Kelly as Black George, and Lucy Fallon as Molly.

Tom Jones will premiere in 2023 as part of PBS Masterpiece!