Gemma takes Quantum leap from Bond to Hardy

Published on Saturday 15 March 2008 18:46

BOND actress Gemma Arterton has signed up to play the lead role in the BBC's blockbuster production of Tess Of The D'Urbervilles.

The 22-year-old actress landed the role of Agent Fields in the latest Bond film, Quantum Of Solace, just six months after graduating from Rada.

Her previous film role was as head girl Kelly in the remake of St Trinian's.

The BBC confirmed that Arterton, an unknown a year ago, has signed up to play the tragic heroine in the adaptation of Thomas Hardy's 19th-century work.

Jodie Whittaker, who starred in the film Venus opposite Peter O'Toole, will play Izzy, while Gavin And Stacey star Ruth Jones will play Tess's mother Joan.

The rest of the cast include Hans Matheson as the milkmaid's seducer Alec, Eddie Redmayne as Angel, and Anna Massey as Mrs D'Urberville.

Hardy's novel was serialised in 1891 in censored form because of its challenge to the sexual attitudes of the day.