It is the second adaptation of Dickens’ classic novel currently in the works, with the feature version set to star Ralph Fiennes in same role.

Ray Winstone has signed on to play the role of Magwitch in a new BBC television adaptation of Great Expectations.

Shooting is due to start on the three part television adaptation, which has been written by Sarah Phelps, in London in July. Directed by Brian Kirk, whose credits include Luther and Boardwalk Empire, Winstone will star alongside Douglas Booth, who will play Pip.

It is the second adaptation of Dickens’ classic novel currently in the works. Mike Newell is directing a big screen version for Number 9 Films (scripted by David Nicholls), with Ralph Fiennes set to play Magwitch and Helena Bonham Carter lined up for the role of Miss Havisham.

The $17m feature is being backed by BBC Films and will be released in the UK by Lionsgate.

The TV adaptation is due to air on UK TV channel BBC 1 this Christmas, whilst the feature version, which starts shooting in the autumn, is due to be released later in 2012, to coincide with the bicentenary of Dicken’s birth.

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