Lily James joins Fleabag’s Andrew Scott in BBC drama The Pursuit of Love amid Chris Evans ‘romance’

LILY James is set to join Fleabag's Andrew Scott in new BBC drama The Pursuit of Love.

The announcement comes amid rumours the Mamma Mia actress is dating Captain America star Chris Evans.

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The two were recently seen enjoying an afternoon date in a London park and looked cosy as they laughed together while eating ice-creams.

Lily, 31, split from former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith in December after dating for five years.

Lily will star alongside a wealth of talent in the new romantic period comedy-drama, adapted and directed by Emily Mortimer.

Based on the Nancy Mitford novel, it's a story about love and friendship, set in Europe between the two World Wars.

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Lily will lead the action in the role of the charismatic and fearless Linda Radlett, alongside Emily Beecham (Little Joe, Cruella) who plays her best friend and cousin Fanny Logan.

Both are consumed by a desire for love and marriage, but take very different paths, "as Fanny settles for a steady life and Linda decides to follow her heart, to increasingly wild and outrageous places."

Andrew, 43, will play the part of Lord Merlin, a wealthy and eccentric neighbour.

Linda's parents are played by Dominic West (The Wire, Les Misérables) and Dracula's Dolly Wells, while Emily takes on the role of Fanny's mother.

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Linda and Fanny’s suitors include Messiah's Assaad Bouab, Shazad Latif (Penny Dreadful) and Freddie Fox (The Crown).

Beattie Edmondson (Josh, Patrick) is also among cast members.

Director and actor Emily commented on the project and said: “I’ve always loved Nancy Mitford so when I was asked to adapt The Pursuit Of Love it was impossible to say no.

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"It’s an outrageously funny and honest story, whose central character - the wild, love-addicted Linda Radlett - still reads as a radical.

"I feel privileged to be directing this show and working with the brilliant teams at Open Book, Moonage Pictures, Amazon and the BBC.”

Lily added: "It’s great to be working with Emily.

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"Her brilliant scripts bring new life to this story - full of love, full of friendship, very moving and sad in places, but also funny and true to life."

Filming for the three hour long episodes will take place around Bath and Bristol in accordance with current government coronavirus guidelines.

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The Pursuit Of Love will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.