Oscar-nominated Lenny Abrahamson (Room, Frank) and Bafta-winner Hettie MacDonald (Howard’s End) are on board to direct the 12-part BBC Three drama, with filming due to take place in Dublin, Sligo and Italy.

The modern love story has been adapted for the screen by Sally Rooney, alongside writers Alice Birch and Mark O’Rowe.

Normal People follows the tender but complex relationship of popular and easy-going Connell and lonely and intimidating Marianne.

The novel takes them from their school days in a small-town in western Ireland to their undergraduate years at Trinity College Dublin.

The two are total opposites, but when they meet they develop an indelible connection that neither of them quite understand.

When they leave school behind for college in Dublin, the tables turn and Marianne thrives in a new social world, but Connell struggles to adapt and is the one left on the side-lines.  

Normal People explores how complicated and intoxicating young love and intimacy can be, as Connell and Marianne weave in and out of each other’s lives.

Sally Rooney – who also executive produces – said: “As a long-time admirer of Lenny Abrahamson’s work, it’s a special privilege for me to be working alongside him on the adaptation of Normal People. I couldn’t be happier with the cast and team we’ve put together, and I’m very excited to watch them bringing new life to the story on screen.”

Also joining the cast are Sarah Greene (Dublin Murders) and Aislín McGuckin (Outlander).

Lenny Abrahamson described his excitement at bringing Sally Rooney’s novel to life: “In Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal, I feel I have found two young actors who can vividly capture Marianne and Connell and bring alive the profound and beautiful relationship at the centre of the story.”

The drama comes from Element Pictures, the producers of The Favourite, and is made in partnership with BBC Three and Hulu.

The drama will premiere next year on BBC Three and will also air on BBC One.