Will Dan move from Downton to Pemberley?

Fitzwilliam Darcy: Dan Stevens,right, may step into the role made famous in recent times by Colin Firth, left (Getty Images/BBC)

Fitzwilliam Darcy, one of the most famous romantic heroes in English literature, is making a comeback. The BBC will air an adaptation of the PD James novel Death Comes To Pemberley (a "sequel" to Pride And Prejudice), which sees Darcy and Elizabeth six years after their marriage and with two children.

It could also see a return to another period hunk, Dan Stevens, who may step into the role made famous in recent times by Colin Firth. According to yesterday's Sunday Times, Stevens is "a front-runner" to land the part. If he does, it may assuage the dismay felt in many living rooms after he left Downton Abbey last year. If he lands the role, he will hope that his portrayal is as successful as Firth's.

The news comes just as pop culture's other famous Mr Darcy, Mark, may also be set for a return. A key character in Bridget Jones's Diary, he could reappear when Helen Fielding releases her third book in the series later this year.