Viewers tuned into the first episode of the new BBC series Miss Austen on Sunday, February 2 and were quick to praise the period drama. Based on the book by Gill Hornby, Miss Austen takes viewers back in time to when author Jane Austen died. It follows Jane's sister, Cassandra Austen, who famously burnt Jane's private letters.

The drama stars Keeley Hawes as Cassandra alongside Rose Leslie as Isabella Fowle, Jessica Hynes as Mary Austen and Phyllis Logan as Mrs Austen.

Minutes into the series starting, fans were describing it as "perfect Sunday viewing" while others said it made a change from the crime dramas that have been dominating schedules in recent months.

Taking to social media platform X, one viewer said: "Keeley Hawes AND a Sunday night Austen drama. My 2 favourite things." Another added: "Oh the joy of Keeley Hawes #Missausten excellent Sunday evening tv already on Iplayer."

A third posted: "Keeley Hawes her usual inspirational self. Rose Leslie perfect in her role but the most awesome casting is Patsy Ferran as the iconic Jane. She is just as l imagine Jane Austen to be. Perfect Sunday night viewing. The BBC at its best."

Another said: "Thank you @BBCOne for #missausten - so pleased we haven't got another police drama."

Others were quick to praise the leading lady with one saying: "Watching Miss Austen reminds of my absolute love for Keeley Hawes. Any drama she is in, she's brilliant." And: "Keeley hawes back on my tv, life is worth living!!!!"

One fan pointed out that Keeley and her real-life husband, Succession star Matthew Macfadyen, now have a rather special working link, posting: "It's quite cute that Keeley Hawes is Cassandra in #MissAusten and Matthew McFadyen (sic) was Mr Darcy. Both in the #JaneAusten world now."

The drama begins in 1830, many years after Jane has died. Cassandra rushes to visit Isabella, the niece of her long-dead fiancé, who is about to lose her home following her father's death.

Cassandra is ostensibly there to help Isabella, but her real motive is to find a hidden bundle of private letters which, in the wrong hands, she fears could destroy Jane's reputation. On discovering them, Cassandra is overwhelmed as she is transported back to her youth.

In flashbacks, we meet Young Cassy and Jane as they navigate the romantic infatuations, family feuds and dashed hopes which shaped their lives, and laid the foundations for Jane's unforgettable stories. Cassandra's re-evaluation of her past eventually leads her to find a way to guide Isabella towards the path of true happiness.

Miss Austen is on BBC One on Sundays and BBC iPlayer