Considered one of the greatest novels of all time, Les Misérables tells the sprawling, unsparing tale of love, death, and the struggle for social justice in early 19th century France through the interconnecting lives of members of the proletariat during the 1832 Paris uprising.

Now, the story comes to television in a stunning and sumptuous six-part BBC adaptation that cannot be missed.

Here’s what you need to know.

There won’t be any singing

While Les Misérables is perhaps most famous for its musical adaptations, this time around the story is song-free and remains true to its original source material – much of which is lost in the musical versions.

"There’s so much more to it than many people know” says writer Andrew Davies. “About the cat-and-mouse relationship between Javert and Jean Valjean, and about Fantine and her early life – her happiness before the misery. We have explored all that. We’ve done it properly.”

It boasts an A-list cast

Starring Dominic West (The Affair) as criminal outcast Jean Valjean, David Oyelowo (Selma) as Valjean’s nemesis, police inspector Javert, Lily Collins (Rules Don’t Apply) as tortured single mother Fantine, and Oscar winner Olivia Colman (The Favourite) as cruel inn-keeper Madame Thénardier, Les Misérables is full of talent of the highest calibre – and sure to do justice to the story’s most beloved characters.

Writer Andrew Davies is a screenwriting legend

Rumoured to be the highest-paid screenwriter in the business, Andrew Davies is responsible for some of the best British dramas of his generation.

Most famous for his 1995 TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, he is known for his ability to bring classic texts to life.

Having also worked on scripts for shows such as Bleak House, Little Dorrit, House of Cards, and War and Peace, Davies is the best in the business - and has received widespread acclaim for his compelling and faithful take on Les Misérables.

It’s epic

Three years in the making, with a principle cast of 100 people and spread over 6 hour-long episodes the series is set to be just as momentous an affair as the original 1,400 page novel.

With an acclaimed cast, stunning sets, and incredible costumes, Les Misérables is a visually sumptuous, utterly engrossing and gloriously grand affair that can’t be missed.