Is this the new Mr Darcy?

If you're a fan of costume drama, then you're in for a treat tomorrow night (Saturday).

The BBC's screening the first part of George Eliot's novel Daniel Deronda, adapted by a master of the genre, Andrew Davies.

..meet Mr Dancy

And, already, they're talking about Hugh Dancy, the man who plays the title role, as the new Colin Firth - who was such a hit in the BBC's ultimate costume drama, Pride and Prejudice.

"The comparison with Colin Firth is very flattering," Hugh told Breakfast this morning.

"As long as people are making costume dramas, they'll always be compared with him.

"But if people tune in expecting Pride and Prejudice part two, they'll be very disappointed."

Daniel Deronda isn't one of George Eliot's best-known novels.

It's a dark story of repressed hatred and passion anti-semtism and uncertain identity - all set in mid-Victorian Britain.

In fact, much of the filming was done in Malta - which turned out to present a few problems for the cast.

"There was an early heatwave," Hugh told us: "But we all had to keep our jackets on - and I was smothered in suncream to maintain an alabaster complexion."

click here to watch Breakfast's interview in full with Hugh Dancy

The first part of Daniel Deronda goes out on BBC One on Saturday November 23, from 8.55pm to 10.25pm