Best Picture Oscar-nominee Brooklyn getting a TV spin-off

A series based on the film is currently in development at BBC's drama department.

American gleam: Saoirse Ronan stars in ‘Brooklyn’ (Lionsgate)

If you were told one of this year's nominees was receiving a TV spin-off, what would you guess? The Revenant's obvious potential for a Leonardo DiCaprio/bear Odd Couple-esque sitcom? Of course, but you'd be wrong.

Turns out its John Crowley's Brooklyn receiving the TV deal; which saw Nick Hornby adapt Colm Tolbin's novel about an Irish immigrant (Saoirse Ronan) finding a new home in 1950s New York City.

The series, developed by producers Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey for the BBC, will centre on the boarding house for young women run by Mrs. Keogh (Julie Walter), populated by a mixture of Irish, English, and Americal individuals. Walters will, indeed, reprise her role in the series; having been nominated for a Best Supporting Actress BAFTA for the film.

"I suggested the idea to Colm quite early on, before there was even a first draft for the film," Dwyer told Screen. "We’re talking to writers now and have a couple in our sights."

There's no word on whether Saoirse Ronan would appear, even for a cameo role; though it's unlikely considering the film has boosted her profile thanks to her Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Plans won't be confirmed until Brooklyn sees its home entertainment release on 29 February.