Exclusive: Saga Of Success

(publication unknown), before April 2002

ITV1 bosses are so thrilled with Damian Lewis and Gina McKee's performances as Soames and Irene (left) in their Forsyte Saga remake that they've already commissioned a second series.

Nick Elliott, ITV1's controller of drama, is certain that it will not only rival, but surpass the BBC's 1967 adaptation of John Galsworthy's classic tale of a merchant family from Victorian to Edwardian times. "It will be the biggest show in drama terms since Pride And Prejudice," he says. "They've made a wonderful programme.

"ITV1's controller of programmes, David Liddiment doesn't usually recommission a show before it's been transmitted, but we've all been blown away by it. There could even be a third series too, if we're lucky."